Best Solar Companies in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Best Cambridge solar companies

Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Cambridge residents’ energy needs. 

How we chose the best solar companies in Cambridge

We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 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

We’ve talked to hundreds of Bay Staters who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Cambridge residents should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

Solar panel costs in Cambridge

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $11,480 to $32,800 in Massachusetts. Prices in Cambridge are comparable, ranging from $12,215 to $34,900.

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Cambridge’s net metering program.

System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Cambridge household needs a system with a capacity of 7.68 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Cambridge

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, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get 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. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Is solar worth it in Cambridge?

Solar panels are generally worth it in Massachusetts if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Cambridge homeowners with solar panels can avoid $56,620 in total utility costs over 25 years.

“System costs $0 install. My monthly is $140 and I have a $1,500 credit currently with Eversource,” another solar customer in Massachusetts, Lenilson, told us. “I used to pay $200 or so in 2020. The price for power now is insane!”

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

But your savings are affected by seasonality. For instance, Andrew in Bedford told us, “Every now and then in the winter, I get one big bill sometimes. Sometimes it's $600, sometimes it's $200. The other day, it was $16, which was very unusual that I got a charge for anything. Usually, it says, ‘No payment due’ every month.”

Switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. 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).

We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

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 Cambridge

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: All solar installations must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. You can verify a potential contractor’s license through the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure database. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

Going solar in Middlesex County

Cambridge has numerous historic districts and buildings. If your property is within such an area, the Cambridge Historical Commission may require a review to ensure that solar installations do not compromise the historical integrity of the structure. It is advisable to consult with the CHC early in the planning process.

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

Residential solar panel incentives in Cambridge

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Cambridge homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Massachusetts to maximize savings.

For instance, the SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program pays homeowners per kilowatt-hour of solar production, and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center offers additional incentives, including grants and rebates for lower-income households.

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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge 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. Project Solar
3. ShopSolar