Best 5 Solar Companies in Newton, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Newton

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Newton

Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor includes these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Newton and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $20,300 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Newton

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.