Best 5 Solar Companies in Worcester, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Worcester

The cost and performance of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Consider all of these elements in your contractor 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 earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. 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 Worcester

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $20,300 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Worcester. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Worcester solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Worcester

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. 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 rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.