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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Brookline homeowners. A solar panel array can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Switching to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Brookline. These proven and dependable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
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:
Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Massachusetts requires new solar photovoltaic systems in the Commonwealth to be installed by a licensed electrician and new solar water heaters to be installed by a construction supervisor.
Check consumer review platforms like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with installers that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar panels can help lower your electricity costs long-term. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.
In Brookline, solar panels cost an average of $4,060 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 4.4 kilowatts. The typical Brookline homeowner spends $12,529 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information reflecting your desired system's size, required preliminary work, capacity, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
15%
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Financing amount locally determined; 20-year financing term
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 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 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 Type: Industry Recruitment/Support
Incentive Amount:
100% deduction
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. Brookline can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Brookline, the average amount someone can save is $1,044 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. A majority of solar contractors in the Brookline area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
While solar energy is a great option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Yes. Solar panels don't depend on the grid to work and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
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