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10 best solar companies in Brookline, 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 Brookline. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Brookline, Massachusetts, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve put together a list of the best solar companies in Brookline.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the best company for you. You can pick a local Brookline solar company or use a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Brookline homeowners to save an average of $1,000 per year.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Brookline
Seek out Brookline solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent 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
Team Sunshine Construction, LLC.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Boston Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Future Energy Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Brightway Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
GOSO Technologies
Services offered
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- 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.
Venture Solar
Devlin Energy
Viridis Energy Solutions
NuWatt Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Brookline?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Brookline, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by switching to solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Brookline
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 Brookline?
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the typical cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for extras like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Brookline has an average cost of $12,529.
How much can you save by going solar in Brookline?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Brookline from going solar
Homeowners in Brookline who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in Brookline is approximately 12 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Brookline: Homeowners in Brookline typically save around $1,044 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our analysis using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $17,030 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Brookline from going solar
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Brookline?
Brookline homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Specific programs are offered statewide to all Massachusetts residents, whereas others differ based on utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives offered to Massachusetts residents, according to 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 |
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 Brookline solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, go over these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't large enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and extreme weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be helpful for ensuring continuous power during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could increase the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed 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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