10 best solar companies in Lowell, Massachusetts
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Lowell, Massachusetts, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Lowell.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Lowell or decide on an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Lowell homeowners to save an average of $1,000 annually.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Lowell
Look for Lowell solar companies that have a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a good rating 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 red flag.
SunPower by BlueSel Home Solar
Services Offered
Sunrun Fusion New England
Services Offered
Boston Solar
Services Offered
Solar On Earth
Services Offered
Helios Solar Energy
Services Offered
ReVision Energy
Services Offered
Future Energy Solar
Services Offered
Bright Home Solutions, Inc.
Services Offered
altE Store
Services Offered
Great Sky Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Lowell?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Lowell, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Using solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by switching to solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about Lowell
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 Lowell?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your labor costs, shading, roof orientation, system size, sunlight availability and area. Opting for accessories such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will increase the overall cost.
According to statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the typical price to install solar panels in Lowell is $12,674.
How much can you save by going solar in Lowell?
While installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Lowell from going solar
Homeowners in Lowell who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Lowell's standard solar payback period is 12 years.
- Annual solar savings in Lowell: On average, Lowell homeowners can save $1,037 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- 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 expect to save around $16,747 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Lowell from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 39 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 975 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Lowell?
Lowell homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all Massachusetts residents, and others depend on utility company, city and municipality.
The following solar incentives are offered 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 |
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 Lowell solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, go over these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with more wattage capacity.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage might bump up the costs of setting up your system.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
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.
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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