Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Allston, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Boston Solar is a leading Massachusetts-based solar installer with a strong focus on the Greater Boston area. They are a top-rated provider known for their comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They have a deep understanding of Massachusetts-specific incentives like the SMART program and state tax credits.
Serving Massachusetts since 2006, New England Clean Energy has built an exceptional reputation for high-quality installations and customer service. They are a certified B Corporation, meeting high standards of social and environmental performance. They are particularly adept at handling complex roof types and providing energy efficiency consultations alongside solar solutions.
A smaller but highly-rated local contractor, Solar Xpress specializes in residential projects in Eastern Massachusetts. They are known for personalized service and expertise in both new installations and maintenance/repair of existing systems. Their local focus allows for quick response times for service calls in the Boston area.
** The home solar market in Allston, and Greater Boston as a whole, is mature and highly competitive. The average quality of providers is very high, driven by stringent state licensing requirements and a tech-savvy customer base. Competition is fierce among top-tier installers, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and strong service guarantees. Typical pricing for a residential system in Massachusetts ranges from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$24,000 - $30,400**. However, the effective cost is significantly lower due to generous incentives. Homeowners can take advantage of the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Massachusetts SMART program (which provides monthly payments for solar energy production), and a state tax credit of up to $1,000. It is common for homeowners to achieve a payback period of 5-8 years. Companies that excel in this market are those that not only provide quality installations but also possess expert knowledge of this complex incentive landscape.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Allston regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Allston, Massachusetts.
For a typical Allston single-family or two-family home, a standard 6-8 kW solar panel system costs between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Critically, Massachusetts homeowners can significantly reduce this through the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which offers a 30% tax credit, and the state's SMART program, which provides monthly payments for the solar energy you produce. Additionally, Allston properties may qualify for a 15% state tax credit (up to $1,000) and an exemption from the state sales tax on solar equipment.
While Allston experiences snowy winters and shorter days, modern solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and can still generate significant power. Snow typically melts quickly on dark panels, and our strong summer sun leads to high production. The key factor is annual sunlight; Boston-area systems average about 4-4.5 "sun hours" per day annually, which is sufficient for a strong return on investment. Proper system design by a local installer will account for roof angle and potential shading from neighboring buildings or trees.
All installations in Allston require an electrical permit and a building permit from the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department (ISD). If your home is in a historic district or is a designated landmark, you may face additional review. Furthermore, you must comply with National Grid's (or Eversource's) interconnection process to connect your system to the grid and receive net metering credits. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting and interconnection process for you.
Prioritize Massachusetts-licensed solar installers with strong experience in Boston's specific building styles and regulations. Check their certification (e.g., NABCEP) and reviews on platforms like EnergySage or the Better Business Bureau. Ask for local references in Allston or nearby neighborhoods like Brighton to see their work on similar triple-deckers or older homes. Ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to your roof's orientation and explain the net metering and SMART program clearly.
Most Allston homes are good candidates if the roof is in sound structural condition and receives decent sunlight. A professional assessment will evaluate your roof's age, material (often asphalt shingle or flat rubber), and shading. It's often recommended to replace an aging roof before installation. Maintenance is minimal—panels require only occasional cleaning from pollen or dirt, and snow usually slides off. Your installer should provide a monitoring system to track performance and alert you to any issues.