Best 5 Solar Companies in Natick, MA

With Natick's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll showcase Natick's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Natick solar companies.

• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Natick community for a decade or longer.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Natick solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Natick Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Natick

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

Massachusetts requires new solar photovoltaic systems in the Commonwealth to be installed by a licensed electrician and new solar water heaters to be installed by a construction supervisor. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Natick

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Natick and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $20,300 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Natick

Choosing the correct financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, loans, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities 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