Best 5 Solar Companies in Salem, MA

Salem homeowners are fortunate to live in plentiful sunlight, both to appreciate and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. If you live in one of the area's numerous old homes, you might question whether your electrical system would support solar panels. However, new technology and savvy installers can help these homeowners access renewable, clean power. Discover Salem's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar contractors near Salem, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• 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.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Salem solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor 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 Salem community for a decade or longer.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your periodic electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Salem Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies 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 Salem

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Salem

Your solar modules' model will affect how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. 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 enhance your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $20,300 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Salem. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Salem solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Salem

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, cash payments and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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 auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

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