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Best Solar Companies in Massachusetts

We compared 104 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,032)
    • Easy to sign up
      CleanChoice Energy
      4.7(58)
    • DIY
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Massachusetts

      If you've been thinking about going solar in Massachusetts but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Our top pick overall: Sunrun
      2. Our pick for simple process: CleanChoice Energy
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      Our 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. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies reviewed

      Our top pick overall

      Sunrun

      4.2
      3,032 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout Massachusetts. Reps start by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs. Then they create the optimal solar system design for your roof.

      Happy Sunrun customers say the installation process is generally smooth. Many also mention cheaper electric bills. We also like that its lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment — there’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permitting.

      • “The rep did a good job. The installers came, did what they needed to do, and they were out of here. The app is pretty good. I like it. My electric bill is $0, which is nice.” — Jason in Somerset
      • “The enrollment process went very well. The representative did a great job and she went through all the details. The installation was extremely professional. Very satisfied so far with my solar panels.” — Elden in New Bedford
      • “Very happy with company, saving lots of money with solar panels installed in my home, Bryce ** just stopped by the house to check on the system and to see my electric bill from National Grid and I have not paid a cent since March of 2022 and have over $800 credit.” — Manuel in Attleboro
      • “ … I am so happy with my decision of moving forward with Sunrun. I had looked into multiple companies and Sunrun is definitely the best of the best. I re-read the contract multiple times and no one in the industry is doing it like Sunrun.” — Cathy in Bellingham

      Some customers have told us about installation delays and solar panel activation issues. There have also been a few complaints about communication and responsiveness from customer service.

      Sunrun is a leading full-service installer with battery storage options. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

      Sunrun services

      • Custom solar designs
      • Solar panel and battery installations
      • Electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions
      • Daily system monitoring

      Sunrun offers warranty coverage, system maintenance and a performance guarantee. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years, and the performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs.

      You can also pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but the leasing plans are what really sets Sunrun apart from other solar options in Massachusetts. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a monthly or upfront fee to use it.

      • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or little down. Then you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
      • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

      Pros

      • Quality solar equipment
      • Flexible payment options
      • Roof leak warranties

      Cons

      • Some installation delays
      • Some communication issues
      Our pick for simple process

      CleanChoice Energy

      4.7
      58 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      N/A
      Year founded
      2012

      With CleanChoice Energy, there's no need for new equipment or installations at your home. The transition to 100% clean energy occurs seamlessly behind the scenes. Your existing utility company remains responsible for delivering electricity, maintaining power lines and handling billing. The only real change is that CleanChoice Energy is listed as the supplier on your bill.

      • “My experience with CleanChoice has been awesome. It works well and it's much better than what I had. Their prices are better, everything works better, and the air feels better for me and my electricity.” — Kimberly in Webster
      • “I chose CleanChoice because I believe in clean energy. I signed up with them and that was excellent. CleanChoice Energy is a plus all around and you can't lose. My experience has been great. It's always a plus to make things better.” — Eva in Springfield 
      • “CleanChoice Energy gave me a better rate, so I switched to them. The process was very easy. I just filled something out online and I didn't have to talk to anybody. Getting everything set up on our home went very quickly.” — T. in Milford

      One thing to keep in mind is that energy prices can fluctuate. CleanChoice Energy generally buys the cheapest clean energy in your area. But, if renewable energy prices go up or down, so will your monthly payments.

      For instance, one resident from Newton Centre was concerned about the kilowatt-hour cost going up to 50 cents. They called a rep, and the price dropped to 16.5 cents. “I'm not gonna overpay for clean energy. But I'm happy to pay the market price for it,” they told us.

      CleanChoice Energy lets you use clean electricity from wind and solar farms in your region. Once you're a customer, CleanChoice Energy ensures that the electricity you consume is matched with renewable energy credits (RECs) from wind and solar power generators. This translates to an equivalent amount of clean energy being fed into the grid for every kilowatt-hour you use.

      CleanChoice Energy services

      • Renewable energy supply
      • Community solar programs
      • Carbon offset options
      • Custom sustainability plans

      CleanChoice Energy doesn’t provide a warranty since you won’t actually own your panels. If something goes wrong and your power is out, you have to contact your utility provider.

      CleanChoice Energy has monthly, quarterly and annual memberships. Pricing plans may vary based on market conditions. It’s best to contact the company directly for the most accurate rate information in your area. There are no cancellation or early termination fees for residential customers, so you can stop at any time without penalty.

      Pros

      • 100% clean energy from local sources
      • Variable and fixed payment plans
      • No termination fees
      • Referral bonuses

      Cons

      • Services vary by location
      • Prices are dependent on market

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is an optimal choice to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. We like that it has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication.

      You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      “The only thing is they have sales and you can buy something and six months later, it can be $400 or $500 cheaper. They don't cover that,” Peter in Hudson told us. “Over time everything gets cheaper because a new product comes out. But if you buy something within a year, you should be able to get your money if they go to a sale.”

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services, so it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      • “... They seemed to have a lot more products than the other companies I had seen. There is more diversity. I order a product, it shows up, and it works. I'm happy. I called them for questions and I sent a couple of emails to them. They got back to me within a day or two and everything was answered. … So far, so good. ShopSolarKits is a good place to go.” — Peter in Hudson

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      ShopSolar accepts most major credit cards and partners with Affirm to offer financing:

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Annual percentage rates (APRs) range from 0% to 36%.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      Massachusetts solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from over 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018, including hundreds in Massachusetts. Here’s what to expect and what to look for when buying solar panels in the Bay State.

      Key insights

      In Massachusetts, a typical residential solar panel system costs $11,480 to $32,800, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Massachusetts.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Jump to insight

      Going solar in Massachusetts

      The solar market is booming, and several local incentives and programs help make clean energy an attractive option for many homeowners. Massachusetts ranked fourth in the nation for small-scale solar growth over the last decade, a new report found, as it works toward expanding renewable energy options as part of its mandatory climate goals.

      » GREENEST STATES: Massachusetts ranked No. 7 in 2024

      How do I choose a solar company in Massachusetts?

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties.

      Look for companies with plenty of local experience installing solar panels. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Massachusetts.

      • Check certifications: Solar panel installers must be licensed electricians in Massachusetts. Some of the state’s incentive programs require installers to have North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification. So, it’s important to ask your solar system contractor about their current licensing and certifications.
      • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality). Consider whether you also want a solar storage battery, an electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system.
      • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. Get clarity if you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services.

      How much does it cost to go solar in Massachusetts?

      Average solar panel costs in Massachusetts typically range between $11,480 and $32,800. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Massachusetts

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence, especially if you want to go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      You could pay the full cost of solar panels upfront, but many choose to finance their system through a solar loan. It works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay the loan back over time with interest.

      Alternatively, you can lease solar panels or enter a power purchase agreement. There are pros and cons to both. It’s sometimes cheaper in the short term, but you’ll be disqualified from some of the best financial incentives, including the federal solar investment tax credit.

      Some solar companies suggest using a home equity line of credit or loan to finance a solar installation. This can be a financially beneficial option — home equity interest rates are relatively low, and it lets homeowners take advantage of the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      What solar incentives are available in Massachusetts?

      Residents may take advantage of several solar incentives in Massachusetts, including state tax breaks and local rebate programs. The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still usually the most significant financial incentive for homeowners.

      The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. This tax credit applies to both residential and commercial installations, and it includes the cost of the solar panels and other equipment, as well as labor and additional features for monitoring the system.

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

      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. The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe.

      However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount. So, if you only owed $2,000 the year you went solar, you could claim the remaining $1,000 the next taxable year.

      Are solar panels worth it in Massachusetts?

      With rising electricity costs, more homeowners are finding solar power is worth it in Massachusetts in the long run. On average, Bay Staters with solar panels can avoid $87,689 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      “I’ve had solar on my house for three years now and it works amazing,” Lenilson in Chatham told us. Their system was basically free to install. Now, Lenilson pays $140 per month and has a $1,6000 credit with Eversource. They used to pay about $200.

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

      Similarly, Ronald in Groton has had solar panels since 2012. “They were paid off in four years, and since then, I have received an average of $2,400 per year in SREC payments,” he told us. “I’ve driven a Chevy Bolt EV since 2019, charging from my roof solar, essentially costing me nothing and saving two tons of CO2 by not using fossil fuel.”

      High upfront costs are the biggest barrier for most. In general, getting a loan to pay for solar panel installation is worth it as long as the loan payment is cheaper than your existing electric bill.

      David in Provincetown found electricity rates expensive in his area and decided to finance a system through a “very reasonable arrangement.” However, “because we live in Cape Cod, procedures and processes with town governance and electrical inspections are very problematic on a good day. So, it took extra time for our system to get online,” David told us. He’s still happy with the decision to go solar despite the administrative delays.

      For many, solar power is at least worth considering. Use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’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 a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      Do I need any permits before going solar in Massachusetts?

      Each municipality has its own permitting process and interconnection and net metering requirements. 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.

      Can I get free solar panels in Massachusetts?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Massachusetts. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can cost you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Massachusetts averages 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

      How does net metering work in Massachusetts?

      Net metering lets Massachusetts homeowners get credits for extra electricity their solar panels generate and feed onto the local transmission grid. The goal of net metering is to let you produce enough renewable electricity for your own home's needs, but not drastically more than what you use. Any credits that are more than a year old will expire. Here's how it works:

      1. Your home's electricity meter keeps track of both the electricity used from the local power grid and any extra electricity that your solar panels feed into it.
      2. At the end of each billing period, your utility company looks at whether your system put more electricity into the grid than you pulled out.
      3. If you put back more than you used, you get a credit toward next month's bill for the extra amount. If you used more than your system produced, you only pay the utility company for that additional amount.
      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components.

      Ultimately, deciding between a broker or solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, working directly with a solar installer is best.

      What is the difference between a solar lease and a PPA?

      If you lease a solar system or enter a power purchase agreement (PPA), you don't own the panels, but you benefit from the cheap electricity they produce. The solar company that owns the system is responsible for maintaining it, so you don't have to worry about ongoing maintenance costs. The key difference is how you pay.

      • Lease: Entering a solar lease is basically renting a solar panel system. As with leasing a car, you pay a fixed amount every month over a set period of time, typically 25 years.
      • Power purchase agreement: With a PPA, you don't pay a fixed monthly price. You pay for the electricity the panels produce, usually at a fixed rate that’s lower than you would receive without a PPA.
      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      Consider fixing your roof before going solar if it’s more than 10 years old. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. 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 Massachusetts 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: 10%

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

      Reputation and local experience: 10%

      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Massachusetts. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Massachusetts homeowners’ needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks, which are:

      • Sunrun
      • CleanChoice Energy
      • ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other 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, 20
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Massachusetts Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Massachusetts?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
        7. Solar Energy International, “State Licensing Requirements.” Accessed Aug. 12, 2024.

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