Best 5 Solar Companies in Springfield, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Springfield

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 Springfield

Your solar modules' style will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. 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.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these add-ons, so look for a provider 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 Springfield. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Springfield solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Springfield

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar loans and solar leases. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to 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. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.