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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 Watertown Town. 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 Watertown Town, Massachusetts, requires hiring a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve compiled a list of the best solar panel companies in Watertown Town.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, screen the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Watertown Town or opt for a leading national brand.
Although solar panels require a big initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Watertown Town homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,200.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Seek out Watertown Town solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Keep an eye out for frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Watertown Town, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to start using solar power include these:
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your shading, area, labor costs, sunlight availability, system size and roof orientation. Selecting accessories such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will increase the overall cost.
Based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Watertown Town typically costs $12,674.
Although installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Homeowners in Watertown Town who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Watertown Town can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all Massachusetts residents, and others differ by your city, municipality and utility company.
Available solar incentives to Massachusetts homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
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. |
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
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. Larger homes often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project may be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Trees, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable during storms and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage could increase setup expenses.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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