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Best 5 Solar Companies in Woburn, MA
The best solar company in Woburn is SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Woburn's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for a top-notch installer. Discover Woburn's best solar companies and learn key decision-making tips on this page.
5 Best Solar Companies in Woburn
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 22 reviews
Sunrun Fusion New England
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 18 reviews
Boston Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 1280 reviews
EnergySage
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 1001 reviews
Brightway Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 28 reviews
Ranking Methodology
Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar providers near Woburn, with emphasis on the following criteria:
- Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
- Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
- Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Woburn solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
- 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 been a part of the Woburn community for more than a decade.
Facts about Woburn
- Average Max Temperature:56°F
- Solar Payback Period:12 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:52%
- Homes Powered by Solar:3,609
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,601
- Solar Power per Capita:90.9%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable 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 offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Woburn Homeowners?
Massachusetts homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for reimbursements, tax credits, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
15%
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.mass.gov/dor/individuals/taxpayer-help-and-resources/tax-guides/salesuse-tax-guide.html
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type:Industry Recruitment/Support
Incentive Amount:
100% deduction
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.capelightcompact.org/home-energy-assessments/resrebates/
Incentive Amount:
Appliances
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $125
Electric Clothes Dryers: $50
Clothes Washer: $350
Dehumidifiers: $30
Room Air Purifiers: $40
Room Air Conditioner: $40
Heating & Cooling
Oil Heating System: Up to $800
Propane Heating Equipment: Up to $2,300
Oil Water Heater: Up to $400
Propane Water Heater: Up to $800
Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $600
Central AC/Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Mini-Split Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Programmable Thermostats: Up to $25
WiFi Thermostat: Up to $100
Solar Domestic Hot Water heater: $500 - $1,500
Home Electronics
Advanced Power Strips: Varies
Home Insulation
Limited Time Enhanced Incentive: 75%
Year-Round Tenant Incentive: 100%
Enhanced Residential Program: 100%
Lighting
LEDs: Varies
Home Energy Assessment: Free
Incentive Type:Performance-Based Incentive
Website:http://masmartsolar.com/
Incentive Amount:
(Base compensation rate + compensation rate adders - greenfield subtractor) * total kWh generated - value of energy generated
Incentive Type:Loan Program
Website:https://www.masssolarloan.com
Incentive Amount:
Maximum required: $35,000; maximum possible: $60,000
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.masscec.com/learn-about-ground-source-heat-pumps
Incentive Amount:
New GSHP Rebate: $2,000 per ton with adders to eligible applicants
Retrofit Existing GSHP Rebate: varies with installation costs
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.masscec.com/get-clean-energy/residential/commonwealth-woodstove-changeout
Incentive Amount:
Standard Residential:
Pellet Stove: $1,000 - $1,750
Catalytic Woodstove: $750 - $1,250
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $500-$1,250
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $1,500 - $1,750
Low-Income Residential:
Pellet Stove: $2,500 - $3,250
Catalytic Woodstove: $2,250 - $2,750
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $2,000-$2,750
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $2,750 - $3,250
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Financing amount locally determined; 20-year financing term
Incentive Type:Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website:http://www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/renewable-energy/solar/rps-solar-carve-out-2/
Incentive Amount:
Varies, depending on market supply and demand
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Woburn
The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Consider each of these factors in your business search.
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. Solar companies can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Woburn
The kind of solar panels you purchase determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $20,300 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Woburn. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,240.71 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $967.76 |
Thin-Film | $565.77 |
Solar Battery | $794.06 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,977.71 |
Financing Solar Energy in Woburn
There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed 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. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and obtain 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 Woburn.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.0 years |
2 kW | 3.9 years |
5 kW | 9.8 years |
10 kW | 19.6 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Woburn
Most Woburn homeowners spend about $1,601 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,153.12 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Woburn. A growing number of area homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Massachusetts has about 10400 jobs comprising its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could boost your property value by $12,000.
One common way to find your home's solar viability is by using PVWatts. This powerful free tool considers panel efficiency, tree cover, system size, and local weather and topography to determine how much energy your array could generate. However, it's not a substitute for consulting with a local solar installation company, who can create a full estimate with the most updated data.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its size and complexity, as well as Woburn's permit and inspection procedures. It could take two weeks to two months on average.
Most Woburn homeowners pay back a solar loan in 12.3 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.
After you sign a power purchase agreement, your solar contractor will not charge to set up and take care of your new panel array. Instead, you'll pay them only for the electricity you generate. Typically, PPAs last for 10–25 years or until you "buy out" of the contract.
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you do not own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
Sources
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