We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching the best solar companies across the country, comparing providers’ reputations, warranties, costs, customer reviews, and more. Our analysis showed that Massachusetts is one of the top 10 states for solar energy. In fact, nearly 20% of its electricity is generated from the sun, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
If you’re one of the many Massachusetts residents interested in going solar, see our top picks for solar companies in the state below.
Compare Solar Companies Across MA
| Star Rating | Best For | Location Presence | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower | 
| Best High-Efficiency System | 50 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Sunrun |  | Best Solar Panel Leasing | 18 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Palmetto |  | Best Customer Support | 17 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Venture Solar | 
| Best Northeast Regional Installer | 10 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Momentum |  | Best Solar Panel Installation | 12 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Boston Solar | 
| Best Massachusetts Installer | 2 States | B | Get Quote |
| SunPower | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best High-Efficiency System |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sunrun | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Solar Panel Leasing |
| Location Presence | 18 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Palmetto | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Customer Support |
| Location Presence | 17 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Venture Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Northeast Regional Installer |
| Location Presence | 10 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Momentum | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Solar Panel Installation |
| Location Presence | 12 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Boston Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Best For | Best Massachusetts Installer |
| Location Presence | 2 States |
| BBB Rating | B |
*Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of September 2023.
Massachusetts’ Top Solar Energy Companies:
- SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
- Palmetto Solar: Best Customer Support
- Venture Solar: Best Northeast Regional Installer
- Momentum: Best Solar Panel Installation
- Boston Solar: Best Massachusetts Installer
Our Top Solar Company Picks for Massachusetts
SunPower
Pros & Cons
- Builds customized high-efficiency residential systems
- Include 25-year comprehensive system coverage
- Manufactures in-house components, batteries, and EV chargers
- Limits customizations to SunPower-manufactured products
- Is more expensive than other providers, per online reviews
- Has received reviews mentioning equipment and customer support issues
Why We Chose SunPower
SunPower offers some of the most energy-efficient systems in the solar industry. The company uses its own solar components, a rarity in the residential market. These components, paired with Maxeon solar panels, create a streamlined system built for improved performance.
You can pair your SunPower system with the company’s SunVault energy storage for backup power. Homeowners can also add an electric vehicle (EV) charger for convenient and cheaper at-home charging. Each system includes 25 years of comprehensive coverage, ensuring your system stays protected in the long term.
Warranty & Financing
Warranty
SunPower includes a comprehensive 25-year warranty that covers all solar system components, additional equipment add-ons, and workmanship. You’ll also receive a power production guarantee that promises at least 92% of your panel’s listed output after 25 years.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ Power purchase agreement (PPA)
Reputation & Awards
SunPower has received several awards for its innovation and leadership over the years. The company received PV Magazine’s 2019 Sustainability Award for its achievements in sustainability. Good Housekeeping rewarded SunPower with its 2022 Home Renovation Award in the Biggest Energy Savers category for the SunVault energy storage system.
SunPower is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and currently holds an A+ rating with the organization. After analyzing customer reviewers, we learned that homeowners were overall pleased with their SunPower systems’ performance. Some reviews mentioned issues with customer service and faulty equipment.
Sunrun
Pros & Cons
- Includes 25 years of coverage and maintenance for lease customers
- Offers 24/7 customer support
- Provides insurance protection for panel damage and theft
- Offers few details on the drawbacks of leasing
- Is often cited for poor customer service in reviews
- Has shorter warranty coverage for purchased systems
Why We Chose Sunrun
Sunrun offers long-term leasing options for customers not interested in owning their own systems. The company protects its systems with 25-year coverage that includes system monitoring and maintenance. Leased systems receive insurance coverage for theft and damage.
Sunrun offers its BuilderChoice New Homes Program to help customers integrate solar into their new homes. Customers receive a dedicated team to handle their project’s building and permitting paperwork, ensuring all equipment is installed to code.
Warranty & Financing
Warranty
Sunrun includes a 10-year inclusive warranty covering the product, workmanship, and roof penetration for purchased systems. Leasing customers receive 25 years of coverage that includes insurance protection for panel damage or theft.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ Power purchase agreement (PPA)
Reputation & Awards
Sunrun received DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award in recognition of its use of drone technology for site assessments. Between 2021 and 2022, the company earned 14 awards from Comparably, including Best Company Culture, Best CEOs for Diversity, and Best Company for Women.
Sunrun has an A+ rating with BBB and is accredited by the organization. In reviews, homeowners praised the company for its system coverage but faced constant problems with poor customer service. The company also offers limited details on the disadvantages of leasing a system, including disqualification from solar incentives.
Palmetto
Pros & Cons
- Offers tiered system coverage plans for added protection
- Features multiple customer support contact options
- Provides full-service installations with an in-house staff
- Charges additional monthly fees for active system monitoring
- Doesn’t offer leasing or PPA payment options
- Limits system monitoring to three years
Why We Chose Palmetto
Palmetto commits to improved customer service by offering phone, email, and online chat options. The company also addresses service requests directly through its app and an online library of troubleshooting resources. Homeowners can choose the coverage level they need or opt for an upgrade with one of the company’s tiered protection plans. Plans include ongoing system monitoring and remote diagnosis.
Palmetto installs high-efficiency monocrystalline panels, a type of panel known for having the best durability and power production. System upgrades include battery storage and EV chargers.
Warranty & Financing
Warranty
Each Palmetto system includes a 25-year panel warranty, a 12-year inverter warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and five years of roof penetration coverage.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation & Awards
In 2022, Solar Power World awarded Palmetto Solar with its Most Forward-Thinking Contractor award. The company also received Inc. Magazine’s Power Partner Award in the same year. Palmetto runs the Get Solar, Give Solar program to help bring solar resources to underserved communities worldwide.
Palmetto Solar holds accreditation with the BBB and has an A+ rating. Many homeowner reviewers praised Palmetto for its excellent systems and installation managers. Some reviews mentioned longer-than-average installations due to numerous permitting delays.
Venture Solar
Pros & Cons
- Offers system monitoring through its mobile app
- Includes 25 years of system and roof coverage
- Offers transparent financing details online
- Doesn’t sell solar batteries or EV chargers
- Maintains a smaller service area
- Requires a phone number to receive an online quote
Why We Chose Venture Solar
Venture specializes in residential installation in the Northeast, offering local knowledge of policies and procedures. The company offers customized solar systems paired with efficient solar panels. Homeowners can add battery storage from leading manufacturers, including Tesla and Enphase.
Venture Solar’s 25-year warranty on service, parts, and installation helps keep your system running longer. The company also helps customers apply for local solar incentives to help make their solar investments more affordable.
Warranty & Financing
Warranty
Venture Solar provides a 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers workmanship, system parts, and a power output guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
Reputation & Awards
Venture Solar has an A+ rating with the BBB but is not accredited by the organization. The company has mostly positive reviews, with many homeowners praising its comprehensive full-service installation and knowledgeable staff. However, some customers expressed frustration over its poor scheduling process, including frequent cancellations.
Momentum
Pros & Cons
- Helps customers apply for solar incentives
- Offers in-house installation only
- Provides multiple solar panel options for better customization
- Does not offer a power production guarantee
- Includes only five years of roof penetration coverage
- Sells solar batteries only in select areas
Why We Chose Momentum
Momentum aims to create a smooth and timely installation process for homeowners. The company offers progress updates through its app to keep you informed on your installation. Momentum tailors each system to its customers’ energy needs and offers additional battery upgrades in some locations.
The company handles all installation steps, including design and permitting. Momentum uses an in-house installation team, ensuring a better quality installation. Its dedicated app offers detailed system monitoring and direct contact with customer service.
Warranty & Financing
Warranty
Momentum includes a 25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranty for its systems.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ Power purchase agreement (PPA)
Reputation & Awards
Momentum has made the Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 lists of fastest-growing private companies since 2016. Momentum also made Solar Power World’s Top 50 Rooftop Solar Contractors list every year since 2018.
Momentum Solar has well over a decade of solar industry experience. The company holds an A+ rating with the BBB and is accredited by the organization. After analyzing homeowner reviews, we learned that customers appreciate the company’s helpful customer service team and system performance. However, some homeowners faced frequent scheduling delays during the installation process.
Boston Solar
Boston Solar
Best Massachusetts InstallerPros & Cons
- Holds North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification
- Offers battery storage solutions from Tesla and Enphase
- Provides added panel protection against pests and snow buildup
- Costs more than larger companies, per customer reviews
- Offers service only in select Massachusetts areas
- Provides limited panel and inverter customization
Why We Chose Boston Solar
Boston Solar has offered local insight and knowledge to residents for 11 years. The company builds custom solar solutions to suit each homeowner’s needs and budget. The company offers full-service installations with a NABCEP-certified staff trained on the latest solar technology. Boston Solar also offers critter and snow guards for additional panel protection.
Each Boston Solar system comes with high-quality solar panels to ensure excellent energy production. You can pair your system with brand-name battery solutions from Tesla and Enphase. Each battery includes active system monitoring through its dedicated app.
Warranty & Financing
Warranty
Boston Solar includes 25-year warranties for its panels and inverters. Additional coverage includes a 10-year workmanship warranty and a 10-year power production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation & Awards
Boston Solar has made Solar Panel World’s annual Top Solar Contractors list every year since 2014. The company received GuildQuality’s annual GuildMaster Award for its exceptional customer service scores every year from 2018 to 2022.
Boston Solar holds a B rating with the BBB but isn’t accredited by the organization. In online reviews, homeowners praised the company’s speedy installation and knowledgeable staff. Some homeowners experienced communication issues, including no-shows for appointments and no follow-up calls.
Solar Incentives in Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents can save money on their solar panels and installation by taking advantage of the state’s solar incentives. These tax credits and rebates are available to qualifying system owners as part of the Bay State’s push to make better use of solar energy.
Massachusetts solar incentives include:
- Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program: This program allows homeowners to receive payments from their utility company for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power they create for 10 years.
- Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit: Owners or tenants of a residential property located in the commonwealth, who are not a dependent of another taxpayer and who occupies the property as their primary residence, are eligible for a 15% state tax credit on purchased residential solar systems.
- Solar Installation Property Tax Exemption: Massachusetts doesn’t make system owners pay property tax on the additional value solar panels add to their home.
- Home Solar Project Sales Tax Exemption: This exemption prevents you from paying the state’s 6.25% sales tax on your solar panel system.
- Net-metering: Massachusetts participates in net-metering, which allows you to sell your system’s excess energy back to your local utility company.
What To Look For in a Solar Company
Below are some key factors to consider when comparing companies.
Solar Services
Check that the company you’re considering doesn’t just sell solar panels but also installs them. We recommend in-house rather than third-party installation because you’ll likely experience better communication and quality assurance. You’ll also get a more comprehensive labor warranty on the workmanship.
Verify whether the provider only installs solar panels or also installs solar batteries, inverters, chargers, and other equipment. Check for additional offered solar services, including system monitoring, dedicated apps, and energy audits.
Warranties
These are the most common solar warranties you’ll come across:
- Manufacturer’s warranty (or product warranty): This protects the individual solar panel system components in case of defects.
- Workmanship warranty: This covers installation in case of poor workmanship or faulty installation materials.
- Performance (or power production) guarantee: This guarantees the solar system’s output performs as outlined in your contract.
The best companies offer 25-year warranties in each of these cases, though some limit their workmanship warranty to 10 years. We recommend finding a company that provides at least 20 years of coverage for each warranty type.
Payment Options
Most solar companies offer at least two of these solar financing options:
- Full purchase: Purchasing your system in full gives you immediate ownership and qualifies you for solar incentives. This is the most cost-effective option, as you won’t have to pay extra for interest fees. However, it involves a large amount of cash up-front.
- Solar loan: A solar loan allows you to pay for your system in monthly installments rather than all at once. You’ll pay more over time due to interest rates, but you’ll still own your system and be able to use solar incentives to save money.
- Solar lease: Similar to a loan, a solar lease allows you to make set monthly payments to use solar energy. However, you won’t own your system, which disqualifies you from most solar incentives.
- Power purchase agreement (PPA): A PPA allows you to pay for only the energy you use with no money down, similar to an electricity bill. As with a lease, you won’t own the system or qualify for solar incentives.
We recommend buying your system outright or financing through a loan if it’s in your budget. Be wary of companies that push solar leases or PPAs without being transparent about the fact that these options disqualify you from incentives.
Customer Support
Customer service can make all the difference in your experience. You want a provider that’s friendly, reachable, responsive, and helpful. Companies should provide multiple ways to reach them, such as phone, email, online chat, online portal, or mobile app. They should be responsive across each of these options.
Try calling, emailing, or messaging the provider to see how long it takes to reach the right person. Look at the customer support hours to see if you’ll be able to reach someone on weekends and evenings. Lastly, consider how supportive the customer service team is. A provider that thoroughly answers all of your questions, looks for ways to save you money, and takes the time to get the best product for your needs should be at the top of your list.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Massachusetts
It’s easy to get a solar quote in Massachusetts by following these simple steps:
- Request a quote: Visit each company’s website and request a quote by phone or online form. When we went through the process online, getting a quote took less than 15 minutes. By phone, it took an average of 20 minutes.
- Schedule a consultation: Many companies offer in-person or virtual consultations. You’ll review your average energy use, so have your latest electricity bill handy. The consultant will review your roof design and make recommendations for optimal panel placement. They may also advise whether you need any roof repairs or upgrades before installation.
- Design your system: You’ll create a customized solar system based on the previous assessments. Your options may include solar panels, inverters, components, solar batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
- Review the final quote: Each solar system quote will include full details on system costs, labor expenses, warranty coverage, and financing options. We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers to find the best offer.
Local Installers in Massachusetts
Our Conclusion
The right solar panel company for you depends on your needs and priorities, but we recommend SunPower as our top choice due to its exceptional reputation, high-efficiency panels, and comprehensive 25-year warranty.
Do careful research before deciding which provider to hire. Look at warranties, installation options, customer support availability, and customer reviews. We also suggest getting a quote from at least three companies to compare pricing.
See our guide to solar panel types to learn which may be best for you.
Other Massachusetts Home Service Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in MA
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.