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10 best solar companies in Medford, 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 Medford. 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 Medford, Massachusetts, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Medford.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and request multiple quotes to identify the right company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Medford 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 need a substantial initial investment, you can lower your energy expenses in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables Medford homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,000.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Medford
Seek out Medford 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).
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative 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
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Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Team Sunshine Construction, LLC.
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Brightway Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
GOSO Technologies
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
CommonWealth Energy
Services offered
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- 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.
Sunbug Solar
Viridis Energy Solutions
ReVision Energy
NuWatt Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Medford?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Medford, can still benefit from solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to operate your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar can help lower your electricity bills. Solar panel systems generate power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Medford
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 Medford?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your system size, shading, sunlight availability, roof orientation, area and labor costs. Choosing bonus features such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
In Medford, solar panel installation costs approximately $12,674, based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Medford?
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Medford from going solar
In Medford, you can anticipate saving money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Medford's average payback period for solar is 12 years.
- Annual solar savings in Medford: Medford homeowners can expect to save around $1,041 annually on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $16,836 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Medford from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 39 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 975 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Medford?
Homeowners in Medford can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available statewide for all Massachusetts residents, and others depend on your city, utility company and municipality.
The following solar incentives are available for 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 |
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 Medford solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review 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. More energy-intensive households 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 plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rainfall and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage might affect the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These aspects affect 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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