Best Solar Companies in Massachusetts (2024)
Typically service cost ranges from $17,800
All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Switching from grid electricity to solar energy can help reduce your utility bills while powering your home more sustainably. Massachusetts is a particularly good place to make the transition: It’s ranked 11th in the United States for solar energy, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
If you’re interested in going solar but don’t know where to start, we’ve researched more than 20 of the best solar companies available and narrowed down our choices to the best options in the Bay State. We read customer reviews, analyzed websites and warranties, and scored each provider based on cost, panel performance, service, warranty coverage, and other important factors. See which companies made our list below.
Top Solar Installation Companies
We ranked these solar companies highest based on our research and methodology:
- Most Experienced: SunPower
- Best for Home Builders: Sunrun
- Most Protection: Palmetto Solar
- Best for Guided Services: Momentum Solar
| Star Rating | Location Presence | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrun |  | 19 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Blue Raven Solar |  | 19 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Palmetto Solar |  | 19 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Momentum Solar |  | 12 States | A+ | Get Quote | |
| Tesla Solar |  | 50 States | A+ | Get Quote |
| Blue Raven Solar | |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 19 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Palmetto Solar | |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 19 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Momentum Solar | |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 12 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Tesla Solar | |
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| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
Most Experienced: SunPower
SunPower is a pioneer in the residential solar market. The company was founded in 1985, making it one of the most experienced providers in the solar industry. SunPower also has some of the most energy-efficient solar panels available, with an efficiency rating about 0.8% higher than the average range.
Best for Home Builders: Sunrun
Sunrun is a great choice for those building a home because it offers added perks during construction. The company’s BuilderChoice New Homes Program works with your roofers to subcontract labor, and you get a dedicated team to handle all the paperwork involved in code compliance, permitting, and connecting utilities.
Most Protection: Palmetto Solar
Palmetto Solar offers an optional Peace of Mind Protection Plan that includes active system monitoring and service discounts. The protection plan is affordable at just $12 per month. The company provides a 25-year output warranty that’s standard to all of its customers.
Best for Guided Services: Momentum Solar
Momentum Solar handles every aspect of solar installation in-house and offers various panels from different manufacturers. The company’s mobile app and frequently updated blog provides customers with ongoing service and solar energy use education.
Solar Installation Cost Factors in Massachusetts
The average cost of a solar system in Massachusetts is roughly $17,800, which is within the national average of $18,000 to $35,000.* Here’s what impacts that price:
- Company: Solar providers all offer different products and pricing. If the company you buy your panels from is not the manufacturer, the manufacturer will also influence pricing.
- Energy efficiency: Expect to pay more for higher-efficiency panels.
- Panel type: You can choose between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. Monocrystalline panels are recommended for residential solar panel systems because they’re the most efficient, but they’re also the most expensive.
- System size: The larger your system, the higher the cost.
- Location: Like a lot of things, your location affects the cost of solar panels and installation. Areas with higher costs of living are typically more expensive.
- Roof pitch: If your roof is steep or difficult to work on, plan to pay more for installation.
*Cost figures via Energy Sage and Angi.
Solar Tax Incentives in Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents have a few ways to save money on solar products and installation, including the following:
- Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program (SMART): As part of the SMART program, utility companies pay homeowners for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power they produce for 10 years.
- Residential Energy Credit: An owner or tenant of a residential property located in the commonwealth who is not a dependent of another taxpayer and who occupies the property as their primary residence is eligible for a 15% state tax credit on purchased residential solar systems.
- Solar Property Sales Tax Exemption: Your solar system is exempt from the state’s 6.25% sales tax.
- Net-metering: Massachusetts allows net-metering, which means you can sell excess energy your system generates to a local utility company.
- Federal Investment Tax Credit: The federal tax credit allows homeowners to claim 30% of their solar system costs on their federal taxes. You must own your system, either by purchasing it outright or taking out a solar loan.
Getting Solar Quotes in Massachusetts
It’s easy to get a solar quote in Massachusetts. You can do it online in just a few minutes with most solar companies. Here’s how.
- First, go to the website of the company you want a quote from. You’ll see “Get a Quote” or similar language either in the top right corner or bottom of the homepage.
- Fill out the required information. This typically includes your basic contact information and details on your property size and roof.
- You’ll either receive a free quote on the site or by email within a few minutes.
You can also do this process by phone if you prefer to speak to a representative.
What to Ask Solar Providers
Getting a great return on investment for your solar project starts with picking a quality solar company. We recommend asking solar panel companies these questions:
- How long have you worked in solar?
- How many systems have you installed? May I see photos?
- Are you NABCEP-certified, licensed, bonded, and insured?
- What is your business license number?
- Can you share a few customer references?
- Have you worked with my local utility company?
- Does your team do all the work, or do you use subcontractors? How do you quality check the work your subcontractors perform?
- Who do I contact if I have a question or issue? What are turnaround times like to resolve issues?
We also suggest asking these questions about equipment:
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of this equipment?
- Is this what you have/would put on your home or business?
- What warranty protection is offered for each piece of equipment?
- What do customers complain about with this equipment?
Solar Services
Most companies offer certain services throughout the installation process to help you get the system you want and continue to maintain it. Typical services include the following:
- Consultation: All companies should offer an initial consultation to discuss your home’s energy needs and whether your property is a good fit for solar. This can often be done virtually or in-person.
- Design: Providers have in-house design teams to create the best solar panel layout for your roof. You’ll approve this design before installation moves forward.
- Installation: Not all companies use an in-house installation team. Some use third-party companies. Some only install panels, while others also install battery storage, electric vehicle chargers, and other equipment.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Many warranties include some sort of maintenance plan through your provider for a period of time. Check to see if a company provides any maintenance or cleaning services after installation.
- System monitoring: If a company has a mobile app, it likely includes some degree of system monitoring. If not—or if you don’t want to monitor your system yourself—check if a provider offers system monitoring to track your panels’ performance.
- Additional services: Some companies partner with third parties to handle services that help your installation run smoothly. Roof repair and pest control are common additional services, as it isn’t wise to install panels on a damaged or infested roof.
Our Recommendation
We recommend any provider on this list, but the right one for you depends on your priorities. For example, if you want a company that has years of experience and has performed thousands of installations, SunPower may be the best fit.
We recommend reviewing each provider’s website and warranty carefully to understand what it offers, as well as reading customer reviews. We also recommend getting a quote from at least three companies to compare pricing.
What Solar Installation Looks Like
Once your system is designed and approved, most solar energy companies follow these steps to get it installed:
- Site evaluation: A representative will come to your home and inspect your roof, attic, and electrical setup, as well as confirm the scope of work needed for your installation.
- Permit approval: Your solar provider should handle any necessary permitting paperwork with your local municipality.
- Installation: Installation typically takes one to three days. You don’t need to be home for it, but we recommend you are so you can ask questions along the way.
- Cleanup: Installers should remove any debris and leave your property in good condition.
- City inspection: It’s standard that your provider will have a city inspector come out to check that your system is up to code.
- Utility connection: Your system must be connected to your local utility system if you’re connecting it to the grid. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company (some providers do this for you), which will also want to inspect your system to make sure it meets its utility guidelines. Your system will be turned on after you receive permission to operate (PTO). This process can sometimes take a few months.
Solar Companies FAQ
Is it worth going solar in Massachusetts?
Yes, solar is worth it in Massachusetts. Like most of New England, the state gets enough sunny weather to generate solar energy to power your home and reduce electric bills. Plus, residents qualify for multiple incentives to save money on installation.
What is the average cost of solar panels in Massachusetts?
The average cost of solar panels in Massachusetts is $17,800, according to Energy Sage. Expect higher prices in cities such as Boston.
Will Massachusetts pay for solar panels?
While you can’t get solar panels for free, Massachusetts does have solar incentives to help reduce the cost, such as the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax credit and Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program.
What is the best solar company brand?
The best solar company for you depends on your priorities, but we recommend SunPower for its expertise, customer reviews, and warranty coverage.
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology