5 Best Solar Companies in Massachusetts (2023)

Going solar can save you money on energy bills in Massachusetts thanks to solar-friendly state policies and the ability to offset high electricity rates. With over 500 solar providers operating in the Bay State, residents have access to some of the best solar companies in Massachusetts.

We at the Guides Home Team have researched and ranked the top solar installers nationwide and narrowed our list to companies serving Massachusetts. Read on to see if our picks can help you switch to solar energy and save money on energy costs.

Cost and financing options, reputation and solar services are the top three considerations when looking for the right solar installation company in Massachusetts.

According to our survey of 1,000 homeowners with installed solar nationwide, a solar system costs between $15,000 to $20,000. Solar system costs in Massachusetts are more expensive than this average — the state's cost per watt is around $4.50, which means a 6 kilowatt (kW) system would cost close to $27,000.

Compare our top-rated providers in Massachusetts:

*Note: Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar survey of 1,000 homeowners with 10 kW solar systems. BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.

SunPower is one of the oldest solar panel companies with over 30 years of experience installing systems nationwide. It earned 4.8 out of 5 stars based on our provider review standards. SunPower is known for its premium Maxeon solar panels, which boast some of the highest efficiency ratings and a 25-year warranty.

However, a limitation of SunPower is its relatively higher cost. Based on our solar survey, respondents reported paying between $15,000 to $20,000 or more for a 10 kW solar energy system, which is higher than some competitors. However, SunPower's industry experience, high-quality solar panels and exceptional warranties can make the added cost worth it.

To learn more: Read our SunPower review

Sunrun is one of the largest solar companies in the nation, with multiple locations across Massachusetts and New England. We gave the company 4.3 out of 5 stars based on our methodology for its solar leasing options. Plus, it uses premium equipment and extends a 25-year production guarantee, so you don't have to worry about system maintenance or monitoring.

While Massachusetts residents can purchase a Sunrun system in cash, most customers prefer to use the company's solar lease option. Under a leasing agreement, the company monitors your system daily, schedules maintenance, and repairs and replaces parts at no additional cost. Sunrun also offers high-quality equipment like Longi Solar panels and Tesla Powerwall batteries.

To learn more: Read our Sunrun review

Founded in 2021 after purchasing SunPro Solar, ADT Solar is one of the most reliable solar companies in the country. It earned 4 out of 5 stars based on our review and is our pick for customers’ choice. ADT Solar installs solar panel systems using Enphase microinverters and Tesla PowerWall batteries, both leading brands.

Choosing ADT Solar for your solar project can cost between $15,000 and $20,000 for a 10 kW system. Each installation comes with 25-year workmanship and product warranties. In addition to solar services, the company also offers roof repairs, which some homeowners may need before installing solar.

To learn more: Read our ADT Solar review

Although it only has seven years of experience, Palmetto Solar has become a popular name in the solar industry. The company offers end-to-end solar solutions and focuses on providing a more personalized solution with concierge-style service and dedicated project managers. The company earned 4.7 out of 5 stars based on our methodology.

Palmetto customers can expect to pay around $15,000 to $20,000 for a rooftop solar system. The company installs tier-1 equipment, including high-efficiency solar panels manufactured by Q Cells. In addition to 25-year warranties, Palmetto offers a supplemental protection plan for $12 a month. Palmetto Protect includes continuous system monitoring, monthly reviews and prioritized support and troubleshooting.

To learn more: Read our Palmetto Solar review

Founded in New Jersey in 2009, Momentum only operates in states with well-established net metering policies — like Massachusetts. It received 3.9 out of 5 stars based on our standards, earning points for its full-service approach to the solar installation process. It will help you enroll in solar incentives and handle all permitting paperwork. Plus, Momentum uses tier-1 modules in its solar installations, along with Enphase inverters.

While Momentum offers an industry-leading, 25-year workmanship warranty, it does not extend a warranty to cover panel performance. Its solar system and installation costs are also more expensive than average, often exceeding $20,000. However, its high-quality equipment, installation and service can make Momentum worth the high upfront cost.

While Momentum offers solar battery installations, this service is not available in Massachusetts.

To learn more: Read our Momentum Solar review

We based our picks for the top solar companies in Massachusetts on important factors like services offered, system cost, additional benefits and company reputation.

We recommend SunPower for Massachusetts homeowners who prioritize industry experience, high-quality equipment and leading warranties. Or, if you are looking to lease your system, Sunrun offers two options and provides system monitoring and reports. While Momentum Solar is a more expensive option, it provides system customization and a full-service installation process.

However, different homeowners have different needs and may find other installers a better fit for their solar project. For this reason, we suggest you request and compare quotes from multiple solar companies before choosing one.

There are multiple benefits to going solar in Massachusetts, namely energy bill savings and helping to reduce the state's carbon footprint.

Despite Massachusetts’ annual weather conditions — which can include upwards of 140 days of clouds and precipitation — the state sees over 2,600 hours of sunshine each year. Coupled with federal and state solar incentives, installing a solar system can help offset high electricity costs of 19.06 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Learn how available incentives can offset your solar system cost and lead to more electric bill savings in the Bay State.

The federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), is the biggest solar incentive in the U.S. It allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of the cost of their solar power system from their federal income tax burden. Currently, owners of systems installed between August 2022 and 2032 can claim the tax credit for 30% of their total system cost.

All Massachusetts residents are eligible for the federal tax credit. But keep in mind that the tax credit is not a refund or rebate. You can claim the credit once for the year you install solar and if the tax amount you owe is less than your credit, you can roll over any remaining amount for up to five years.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ranks Massachusetts as the 11th best state to go solar. With aggressive renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and favorable solar incentive programs, Massachusetts has driven the solar adoption rates in the state — over 19% of its energy comes from solar power.

Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART):

Incentive

Savings

Explanation

Net metering

Savings vary

When your solar panels produce excess energy, net metering allows you to send it back to the grid in exchange for energy bill credits. In Massachusetts, energy credits are nearly equal to the retail rate of electricity.

Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit

State tax credit worth 15% of your total solar system, up to $1,000

Massachusetts offers a 15% solar tax credit, similar to the federal ITC. Homeowners who claim the credit can deduct up to $1,000 from their state taxes.

Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART)

One-time rebate

Qualifying customers of Eversource, National Grid and Until can receive a fixed rebate rate of 19 cents to 31 cents for every kilowatt-hour of energy their solar panels produce.

Sales tax exemption

6.25% off total solar system costs

Massachusetts offers a sales tax exemption of 6.25% off all solar and renewable energy equipment.

Property tax exemption

100% of property tax increases from installing solar

Residential customers in Massachusetts do not have to pay increased property taxes if a solar power system increases their property value.

You may also qualify for local incentives based on the town or city in which you live. We suggest you check with your local government or utility company to learn more.

The cost of a solar power system in Massachusetts varies based on the size and complexity of the system, your installer and the equipment. Based on our research, the state's price per watt is around $4.50, which means a 6 kW system would cost close to $27,000.

However, installation costs may vary depending on where you live. For example, Boston may have higher rates than Worcester, North Andover or Woburn.

Massachusetts has an ideal net metering program, offering energy credits at almost the same retail rate as energy from the grid. If you utilize this program, solar batteries are not essential. But if you are looking to add resilience to your home by protecting against power outages, a solar battery can be a worthwhile investment. Plus, storing excess energy production can provide clean energy during suboptimal conditions, like at night or on cloudy days.

Hundreds of solar companies are available to Massachusetts residents. Based on our top picks, we recommend SunPower for homeowners who prefer industry experience, high-end equipment and leading warranties. But we also like Sunrun, ADT Solar, Momentum and Palmetto Solar for varying reasons.

You should get free quotes from each of our recommended solar providers before choosing an installer.

We closely evaluated seven crucial factors for comparing solar panel installation companies. Based on a 100-point scale, we came up with each provider's score out of five stars. Here's how we assessed each company:

Aniket Bhor is a solar engineer who has spent nearly a decade studying and working in the solar power sector in the European, Asian and North American markets. He is a climate enthusiast and avid cyclist, and he also loves to lose himself in books and cooking.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York's Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.