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10 best solar companies in Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem, Massachusetts requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Salem to help you choose the right installer.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, vet the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Salem or pick an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Salem homeowners to save a yearly average of about $960.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Salem
When researching Salem solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Keep an eye out for repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Sunrun Fusion New England
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Boston Solar
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- Clear pricing policy
ReVision Energy
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Future Energy Solar
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- Clear pricing policy
EnergySage
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- Clear pricing policy
Great Sky Solar
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Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Team Sunshine Construction, LLC.
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
CommonWealth Energy
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Brightway Energy
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- Informative resources
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
Bright Home Solutions, Inc.
GOSO Technologies
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Salem?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Salem, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to adopt solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Salem
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 Salem?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your shading, labor costs, roof orientation, area, sunlight availability and system size. Opting for extras such as animal guards, batteries or solar trackers will increase the overall cost.
Based on numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Salem has a typical cost of $12,074.
How much can you save by going solar in Salem?
Installing solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Salem from going solar
In Salem, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recover its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Salem's average payback period for solar is 12 years.
- Annual solar savings in Salem: Homeowners in Salem typically save an average of $958 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving approximately $15,201 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Salem from going solar
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Salem?
A variety of solar incentives are offered to Salem homeowners. Various programs are offered to all Massachusetts residents, while others differ by city, utility company and municipality.
Here are solar incentives available 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 |
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 |
Rebate Program MuniHELPS - Offered by 17 Utilities through the MMWEC | Varies by utility |
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 Salem solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could impact your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The extra battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors impact 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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