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10 best solar companies in Arlington, Massachusetts
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Arlington. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Arlington, Massachusetts, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the right installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Arlington.
Prior to hiring an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for you. You can pick a local Arlington solar company or use a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Arlington homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should assess different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Arlington
Focus your search on Arlington solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunrun Fusion New England
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Great Sky Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
EnergySage
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Boston Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Future Energy Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Team Sunshine Construction, LLC.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Brightway Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
GOSO Technologies
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunbug Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Viridis Energy Solutions
NuWatt Energy
ReVision Energy
CommonWealth Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Arlington?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Arlington, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to start using solar power include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the best method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar energy lets you lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
Facts about Arlington
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arlington?
Per a survey we did in October 2023, the typical cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you select any accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Per statistics from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean cost to install solar panels in Arlington is $12,674.
How much can you save by going solar in Arlington?
Putting in solar panels calls for substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Arlington from going solar
Homeowners in Arlington who transition fully to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Arlington is 11 years.
- Annual solar savings in Arlington: Homeowners in Arlington typically save around $1,127 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our analysis using data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can expect to save around $19,003 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Arlington from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Arlington?
Arlington homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are provided statewide to all Massachusetts residents, while others vary based on municipality, city and utility company.
Here are solar incentives offered to Massachusetts residents, as listed by DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption | Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system |
Personal Tax Credit Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit | 15% |
Sales Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Industry Recruitment/Support Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Income Tax Deduction (Personal) | 100% deduction |
Rebate Program Cape Light Compact- Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Appliances Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $125 Electric Clothes Dryers: $50 Clothes Washer: $350 Dehumidifiers: $30 Room Air Purifiers: $40 Room Air Conditioner: $40 Heating & Cooling Oil Heating System: Up to $800 Propane Heating Equipment: Up to $2,300 Oil Water Heater: Up to $400 Propane Water Heater: Up to $800 Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $600 Central AC/Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton Mini-Split Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton Programmable Thermostats: Up to $25 WiFi Thermostat: Up to $100 Solar Domestic Hot Water heater: $500 - $1,500 Home Electronics Advanced Power Strips: Varies Home Insulation Limited Time Enhanced Incentive: 75% Year-Round Tenant Incentive: 100% Enhanced Residential Program: 100% Lighting LEDs: Varies Home Energy Assessment: Free |
Loan Program Mass Save - HEAT Loan Program | $25,000 ($50,000 for some expanded HEAT offerings) |
Performance-Based Incentive Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program | (Base compensation rate + compensation rate adders - greenfield subtractor) * total kWh generated - value of energy generated |
Loan Program Mass Solar Loan Program | Maximum required: $35,000; maximum possible: $60,000 |
Rebate Program Residential and Small-Scale Ground-Source Heat Pump Rebate Program | New GSHP Rebate: $2,000 per ton with adders to eligible applicants Retrofit Existing GSHP Rebate: varies with installation costs |
Rebate Program Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program | Standard Residential: Pellet Stove: $1,000 - $1,750 Catalytic Woodstove: $750 - $1,250 Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $500-$1,250 Fully Automated Wood Stove: $1,500 - $1,750 Low-Income Residential: Pellet Stove: $2,500 - $3,250 Catalytic Woodstove: $2,250 - $2,750 Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $2,000-$2,750 Fully Automated Wood Stove: $2,750 - $3,250 |
PACE Financing Local Option - Energy Revolving Loan Fund | Financing amount locally determined; 20-year financing term |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-II) | Varies, depending on market supply and demand |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Arlington solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could affect your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be helpful for avoiding outages in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the total cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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