Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Acton homeowners. Switching to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Acton. These proven and dependable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re evaluating if you want to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Massachusetts requires new solar PV systems in the Commonwealth to be installed by a licensed electrician and new solar water heaters to be installed by a construction supervisor.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
To find a solar company that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Going solar can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Acton depends on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system will cost $4,060 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Acton are 4.5 kilowatts, and the typical Acton homeowners spends $12,674 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
15%
Incentive Type: Industry Recruitment/Support
Incentive Amount:
100% deduction
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Financing amount locally determined; 20-year financing term
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Acton can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months to maximize your generation for the year.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and their rated capacity. Acton gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 12.9 years per 5 kW of capacity.
While solar energy might not be the best option for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar panels are gaining in popularity for their low upkeep costs and high efficiency under a variety of conditions. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.
