Before deciding to purchase and install solar energy systems in Boston, steps and basic knowledge should be gained beforehand. This way, you can understand your preferences and the technical aspects, such as costs and labor, among other important considerations. Here is Solar Panels in Boston: Cost, Companies & Installation Tips to help you make a sounder decision.
This article will cover
- Boston solar system installation costs
- Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates for Boston Solar Panels
- Top 7 Local Solar Companies in Boston
- What to Look for When Installing Solar Panels in Boston
Boston solar system installation costs
There are things to consider when it comes to planning and finally purchasing solar panels in Boston. You have to look at many points, including price, budget, capacity, environment, etcetera. It can be quite a process and sometimes a hassle, but a good purchase starts with an assessment.
Installation of Solar panels can range from $9,225 up to $28,000 depending on the panel’s capacity and quality. Specifically, your costs can be divided and categorized into three significant aspects for better breakdown and understanding in Boston. The breakdown can be divided into the following.
- System size
- System cost
- System cost after ITC.
In this case, the solar panel installation cost is calculated by system size. The average price of a solar panel in Boston is about $2.86 to $3.10/W. Given this rate, purchasing a solar panel system with a capacity of 5 kW can cost you about $15,198.
As the system size increases, the system cost also increases. This means installing a solar panel with a system size of 6kW will cost twice the price of a panel with a system size of 3kW.
Installation
After the system cost, the next thing to think about is the installation cost. In installing a solar panel, the price can vary from state to state and area to area. Price can start from $0.59 per Watt, at most 10% of the total system cost. The total of your expense is inclusive of the labor costs for an electrician and non-electrician aspects.
Installation, aesthetics, and positioning can be customizable. This is to further cater to the customer’s wants and needs considering all the other factors presented to them.
Nevertheless, the installation cost can vary from area to area and the amount of kW you want for your home or establishment. Therefore, if you install a solar energy system of 1 kW to 10 kW, you can expect the installation cost to start from $3,000 to $30,000.
Average solar panel cost in Boston (before tax credit)
| Size | Area it covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 90 sq. ft. | $3,040 |
| 2 kW | 180 sq. ft. | $6,080 |
| 3 kW | 270 sq. ft. | $9,120 |
| 4 kW | 360 sq. ft. | $12,160 |
| 5 kW | 450 sq. ft. | $15,198 |
| 6 kW | 540 sq. ft. | $18,240 |
| 7 kW | 630 sq. ft. | $21,280 |
| 8 kW | 720 sq. ft. | $24,320 |
| 9 kW | 810 sq. ft. | $27,360 |
| 10 kW | 900 sq. ft. | $30,400 |
Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates for Boston Solar Panels
In purchasing solar panels, tax credits should also be considered as it would be to your benefit as a buyer and a fundamental part incentive as taxpayer. Considering the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit, state solar incentives, local solar incentives, and other minor incentives, your cost can be deducted reasonably.
Federal Investment Tax Credit
This tax credit is also termed a solar tax credit. The solar tax credit was developed to grant Americans more access and encourage them to bask in the benefits of shifting and investing in clean solar energy.
This credit allows home and business owners to have a respective discount on their solar system installation process. This applies to both residential and commercial systems. In the course of this year, up until 2023, the tax credit will carry at the rate of 30% for the installation of both residential and commercial systems.
Average solar panel cost in Boston (after tax credit)
| Size | Area it covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 90 sq. ft. | $2,555 |
| 2 kW | 180 sq. ft. | $4,410 |
| 3 kW | 270 sq. ft. | $6,510 |
| 4 kW | 360 sq. ft. | $8,845 |
| 5 kW | 450 sq. ft. | $11,445 |
| 6 kW | 540 sq. ft. | $12,798 |
| 7 kW | 630 sq. ft. | $15,470 |
| 8 kW | 720 sq. ft. | $17,745 |
| 9 kW | 810 sq. ft. | $20,230 |
| 10 kW | 900 sq. ft. | $22,820 |
Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit
This tax credit state solar tax credit allows for a 15% credit.
- Up to 15% of net expenses or $1000, whichever is lesser, can be credited against personal income tax.
- Must utilize solar for heating, cooling, or providing hot water.
- Should adhere to specified quality standards and have a probable operational lifespan of at least five years.
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
DOER created this program to help in the encouragement and forwarding of solar development in Massachusetts.
Boston Net Metering
Boston net metering gives individuals who installed a solar energy system their respective credit for adding energy/electricity to the grid. With this program, households and establishments with a PV system installed are only billed for their net energy use. This means they receive energy credit for the excess electricity they generate, which can be used to offset future energy bills.
Boston Tax Exemptions
When a household or establishment installs a solar energy system in Boston, they are exempt from the sales and property taxes. While installing a solar energy system in your home may increase the overall value of your home, it would not touch the property taxes of your house.
Other incentives
- Boston Renewable Energy Policies
- Home Solar Project Sales Tax Exemption
- Mass Solar Loan Program
Rebates
- State Solar Rebate
In Boston, they have a Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program (CSRP) that offers up to a cash refund of $2,800.
Top 7 Local Solar Companies in Boston
1. BlueWave Solar
This company helps in achieving your energy consumption goals. If you want to save more, teaming up with them would be easy and helpful. Worry not, The process would be smooth and easy. The staff is also approachable, informative, attentive, and entertaining. The customer service for this company is very responsive too.
Location: 501 Boylston St Floor 10, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 844-786-4100
2. Nexamp, Inc
This company helps in reducing bills by 15% and probably more. It provides a simple way to save money and energy. This company encourages green life and, thus, is a solar energy system company. It helps you transition away from using fossil fuels for electricity, contributing to environmental betterment.
Location: 101 Summer St 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110
Phone: 617431-1440
3. Rivermoor Energy
This company provides various services, including planning, investment, development, and advisory services, for the following:
- utility-scale solar
- commercial solar
- energy storage
- EV charging
- Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
- Clean energy resiliency solutions
- Corporate Clean Energy Sourcing
- Procurement solutions
They have been making their name in solar development since their early years.
Location: 186 South St, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-340-6767
4. Solstice
This company stays true to its goals and does activities that support and forward its cause. They help households switch to renewable energy and connect communities. If you have any inquiries, their staff are always ready to answer your questions. This company enables you to save money and contribute positively to the community.
Location: 186 Alewife Brook Pkwy #1048, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 866-826-1997
5. EnergySage
This company has a competitive side and will be a good start for your solar project. They are also techy and have a friendly user interface. This company offers smooth communication with related and connecting companies. Overall, this company is a good starting point for those who want to join the solar installation world.
Location: 125 Lincoln St, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 888-838-4638
6. Bright Home Solutions, Inc
This company offers professional services. They are reliable and have years of experience to back their excellence too. They offer professional and excellent help. Inquiries were also answered timely, allowing for fast movement of the project. They are hands-on in their services and set to give the best service they can.
Location: 175 William F McClellan Hwy, Boston, MA 02128
Phone: 617-505-8942
7. Vanguard Energy Partners
This company offers professional and experienced help in your solar project. They design, install, maintain and help you achieve your goals in your solar project. They make sure that your project is taken care of professionally and handled in the best way possible.
Location: 655 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-330-6979
What to Look for When Installing Solar Panels in Boston
Before installing your solar panels, aside from knowing where your money should go, you should also consider checking some other things like the climate, peak hours, angles and directions and etcetera.
As for Boston, the climate can be colder than expected. It could be getting colder, especially as winter is approaching. This could lead to the thought that installing a solar energy system would be pretty useless.
However, to debunk that thought, it’s good to remember that it isn’t exactly the heat that makes the panels work. The process occurs when sunlight hits the reactive solar cells.
In short, even when you don’t feel the heat, as long as sunlight is present, the panels are still doing their work. Despite the cold air and the winter times approaching, as long as there is sunlight, your panels will work just as fine.
This does not mean the temperature does not have an effect, though. The temperature can still have an impact on the panels. Note that it can only affect efficiency and not destroy the whole process at all. Both overly hot and overly cold temperatures can affect the panels.
A temperature exceeding 77°F will cause the panel efficiency to decline. This information can prove that colder temperatures are better for solar panels. A good quality panel is at 25% and more efficient.
The angle and direction of the panels also matter upon installment and in the planning process. In the northeast, the best angle for your solar energy system is facing south. This does not mean that panels facing north are useless. It’s just that panels facing south have an advantage in terms of maximizing their energy production for the whole day.
If you chose a fixed tilt for your panel, the best angle is 35.3°. However, when you choose to have the option of tilting two or four times a year, here are the recommended angles for the following:
For two-season tilt
- Summer – 18.4°
- Winter – 56.2°
For four-season tilt
- Summer – 14.6°
- Winter – 61.7°
- Autumn & Spring – 39.2°
As you plan for installment and purchase, it’s good to consider these things to know how to address minor and significant obstructions and barriers.
Summary
Now, with ample knowledge through research, you will be able to choose the best choice for your solar project. This article has provided basic information and perhaps, an introduction to the whole solar energy system installation process.