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Best solar companies in Boston, MA

We compared 71 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.1(3,121)
    • Free consultations
      NuWatt Energy
      4.0(4)
    • Performance guarantee
      Palmetto Solar
      2.6(5)

    Best solar companies in Boston, MA

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
    Author picture
    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our top 3 solar company picks for Boston

    1. Best overall: Sunrun
    2. Our pick for free consultations: NuWatt Energy
    3. Great performance guarantee: Palmetto Solar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    The best solar companies in Boston

    Going solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Bostonians’ energy needs considering the humid continental climate.

    Our top pick overall
    Sunrun
    Sunrun
    4.1
    3,121 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers. Over a two-year period, 77% were satisfied with their installations and 73% were satisfied with the technology. Many tell us about significant savings on electric bills and say they would highly recommend the company to others. We also like that the leasing plan lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

    • “The reps were very capable and qualified. My best interest were obviously in the forefront of their concerns.” — Jim in Boston
    • “The people who installed the Sunrun system were fantastic. They were able to adapt and adjust to things I needed done on the fly. … They were a fantastic crew. They worked clean and fast. It was good all around. I'm trying to do the right thing for me and hoping that in conversation, I can get other people to join in. I've already had two people, one of which I know already has their system installed, the other one, they're debating whether they should. And I have a new next-door neighbor who asked me the other day how I felt about it and who I used as a provider.” — Joseph in Boston

    Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms, so make sure you read the fine print carefully.

    Sunrun is a leading provider of residential solar, battery storage and energy services in the United States. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG. You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart.

    • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
    • Warranty information: Sunrun offers a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
    • Lease terms: There’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last for 25 years and include free maintenance and repairs.

    Pros

    • Reliable systems
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring

    Cons

    • Some customer service complaints
    • Occasional installation delays
    Our pick for free consultations
    NuWatt Energy
    NuWatt Energy
    4.0
    4 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, PPA
    Year founded
    2023
    Read Reviews

    NuWatt Energy’s focus on quality equipment and comprehensive services makes it a strong contender for anyone in its service area considering renewable energy solutions.

    • “Highly recommend Nuwatt Energy! They installed my 12.4 kw DC system with microinverters back in July, and it was a smooth process working with them even in Somerville where the inspector is tough to deal with. I am moving forward with them for heat pumps in my home as well, as they are familiar with getting me a $10k rebate and offering great products.” — John in Somerville

    NuWatt's pricing may be slightly higher than some competitors. It's always smart to compare quotes from multiple installers and see which has the best deal in your area.

    As a solar installer, NuWatt Energy does not manufacture its own equipment. The company offers equipment from Enphase Energy, Panasonic, Qcells, Silfab and other brands.

    • Services: NuWatt Energy specializes in residential and commercial solar energy solutions. Reps handle all the necessary engineering and permitting processes to ensure a smooth installation.
    • Warranty information: NuWatt’s 25-year AllGuard Warranty covers materials and labor for the entire system, including panels, inverters and racking.
    • Payment options: You can pay for products and services upfront or finance through loans and power purchase agreements.

    Pros

    • Quality equipment options
    • Lots of local experience
    • Strong warranty

    Cons

    • Limited online reviews
    • Some installation delays
    Our pick for performance guarantee
    Palmetto Solar
    Palmetto Solar
    2.6
    5 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2015
    Read Reviews

    Palmetto Solar connects homeowners and solar energy installers. In-house project management and active system monitoring are what really sets it apart.

    • “They're honest and informative. The quote was almost 3k less than the other two we received. So we went with Palmetto. The whole process went smooth up to installation. PALMETTO SOLAR assigned us the salesperson and the project manager assigned to us answered all our questions throughout the whole process. I recommend Palmetto Solar.” — James in Boston

    Maintenance and service are only included if you lease through Palmetto. Optional service plan upgrades are available for those who purchase or finance.

    Palmetto Solar developed software to calculate your monthly savings instantly, and its decentralized network of solar sellers and installers gives you quick access to service and support.

    • Services: Reps provide a concierge-style service, working with you through the design, permitting, installation and inspection processes to ensure everything goes as planned.
    • Warranty information: The Essentials warranty package covers panels for 25 years, inverters for 12 years, workmanship for 10 years and roof penetration for five years. The optional Performance warranty includes everything in the Essentials plan, plus a 95% performance guarantee and coverage for parts and labor.
    • Payment options: The majority of customers finance their solar energy systems with a loan. A solar lease is also an option.

    Pros

    • Free consultation
    • 95% production guarantee (add-on)
    • Active system monitoring
    • In-house project management

    Cons

    • Limited price transparency
    • Some communication issues

    How we chose the best solar companies in Boston

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Boston based on the following key features and respective weightings:

    • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
    • Warranty terms: 20%
    • Equipment selection: 20%
    • Financing and payment options: 20%

    » MORE: Full methodology

    Solar Companies in Boston Buyers guide

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    In this guide

    Top Picks

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      Boston solar panel buyers guide

      Here’s what Boston residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with local and federal incentives.

      Key insights

      “Cost per watt” is like the “price per square foot” when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Boston, the average cost per watt is $3.56.

      Jump to insight

      Federal and local financial incentives can make solar more affordable for residents. You can also lease a system with little upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      One of the most common solar scams involves fake solar companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them. The other one is falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Boston

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $11,480 to $32,800 in Massachusetts. Prices in Boston are comparable, ranging from $12,443 to $35,551 on average.

      Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Boston, the average cost per watt is $3.56. The average Massachusetts household needs a system with a capacity of 8.28 kW to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on your household energy use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Boston

      Is solar worth it in Boston?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Massachusetts if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. Boston has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, making solar energy an attractive way to offset those costs and potentially save money in the long run.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, Massachusetts homeowners with solar panels can avoid $87,689 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      But it doesn’t work out for everyone in the Bay State. Massachusetts averages 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Boston

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Massachusetts have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: Solar panel installers must be licensed electricians in Massachusetts. Additionally, some of the state’s incentive programs require that installers have a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification.
      • Read reviews: Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if the system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      Solar scammers Boston sometimes use high-pressure sales tactics to rush consumers into signing contracts. Always research solar installers and verify claims — especially if they sound too good to be true.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, entering a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you enjoy the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt; you also aren’t responsible for system maintenance.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Going solar in Suffolk County

      There aren’t many licensing requirements for a solar panel installer to work in Massachusetts, so researching companies before signing a contract is extra important. We’ve heard complaints about installers tying into the wrong meters and wiring the electricity to the panels incorrectly.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Massachusetts ranked 14th in 2024

      Solar incentives in Boston

      Residents can take advantage of several solar incentives in Massachusetts, including state tax breaks, local rebates and solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) programs.

      You can combine state incentives with the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.

      Additional solar incentives

      Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in Massachusetts.

      Boston solar FAQ

      How does net metering work in Boston?

      Net metering allows homeowners and businesses to save money by generating their own electricity with solar panels. When your system produces more energy than you use, you get credits for the excess power sent back to the grid. These credits are worth slightly less than what you'd normally pay for electricity.

      Massachusetts improved its net metering program in 2024. The changes make it easier to transfer credits between utility companies and remove some restrictions for larger solar installations. These updates are expected to save customers about $10 million. Additionally, the state offers a Neighborhood Net Metering program, which lets nearby customers share the benefits of a local community solar project.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Boston?

      Boston was selected as a case study for its great strides in streamlining its permitting process for solar panels. A short-form, fast-track application for residential and qualifying larger systems created an expedited process. Residential permits that meet the standards of the Solar Fast Track Program are typically approved in 7 days. The City of Boston also integrated online submission software and made status tracking more user-friendly for customers and the inspections department.

      When beginning the permitting process in Boston, check to see if your property is in the Eversource Area Network, then see if your property is in a historic district or is a designated (or pending) landmark. If your property is in a historic district, seek approval and guidance from Boston’s Landmarks Commission.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Boston?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Boston. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs. There is usually a low ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Methodology: how we chose the best solar companies in Boston

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Boston, Massachusetts. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Boston customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Sunrun
      2. NuWatt Energy
      3. Palmetto Solar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Massachusetts Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Massachusetts." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Boston, MA." Accessed July 22, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Massachusetts Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Massachusetts, 2024." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. United States Environmental Protection Agency "Solar for All." Accessed Aug. 13, 2024.
        7. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC),, "Solar Licensing Database." Accessed Aug. 29, 2024.
        8. City of Boston, "Going Solar in Boston: a Reference Guide to the Permit Process"." Accessed Aug 6. 2024.

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