Best 5 Solar Companies in Medford, MA

With Medford's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Medford's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Medford solar providers, using the following criteria to determine the best:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Medford solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Medford community for over 15 years.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Medford Homeowners?

Massachusetts homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for reimbursements, tax credits, special financing and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Medford

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

Massachusetts requires new solar PV systems in the Commonwealth to be installed by a licensed electrician and new solar water heaters to be installed by a construction supervisor. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Medford

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider offers these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

Most Medford homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $20,300 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Medford

Choosing the optimal financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Medford.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy