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.
High-quality solar panel installation in Falmouth, Massachusetts, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve put together a list of the best solar installers in Falmouth.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Falmouth or decide on an established national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that changing to solar energy enables Falmouth homeowners to save an average of $1,000 every year.
Many solar companies offer different services. Take the time to compare each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Falmouth solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Falmouth, can still utilize solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for adopting solar power:
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you pick any add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
In Falmouth, solar panel installation costs around $11,716, based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
Installing solar panels calls for substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Falmouth homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Falmouth can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available statewide for all Massachusetts residents, and others are determined by your city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives for Massachusetts homeowners, per 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. |
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, evaluate these important questions.
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require bigger solar setups. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Your solar installation project may be subject to the necessary codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rainfall 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.
For extra power storage, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency 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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