Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Jamaica Plain, 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 full-service provider known for their expertise in local incentives, high-quality installation, and comprehensive customer care from consultation through maintenance. They emphasize being a local company that understands the specific needs of Boston-area homeowners.
Great Sky Solar is a highly-rated, employee-owned solar installer based in Newton, making them a very local option for Jamaica Plain. They are recognized for their personalized service, custom system design, and strong customer satisfaction. Their focus on energy efficiency and battery storage aligns well with the needs of modern homeowners.
Serving all of Massachusetts, New England Clean Energy has a strong reputation for quality and professionalism. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to high social and environmental standards. They offer robust warranties and are known for their technical expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems.
** The home solar market in Jamaica Plain is **mature, competitive, and of high average quality**. As a progressive and environmentally conscious community within Boston, there is strong demand for residential solar. The competition is primarily among well-established, regional companies (like the ones listed above) rather than national corporations, which contributes to a high standard of service and deep local expertise. These top-tier providers are well-versed in navigating the specific incentives critical to Massachusetts homeowners, including the SMART program, federal tax credits, and potential state-specific rebates. **Typical pricing** for a residential solar system in the Boston area ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6-10 kW for an average home) and the inclusion of battery storage. The high cost of electricity from utilities like Eversource makes the return on investment (ROI) attractive, with payback periods often falling between 5-8 years. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing companies that offer comprehensive services, including battery storage (for energy resilience) and robust maintenance plans.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Jamaica Plain regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Jamaica Plain, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, Massachusetts offers exceptional incentives, including the 30% federal tax credit, a state tax credit of up to $1,000, and the SMART program, which pays you a monthly tariff for the solar energy you produce. Additionally, you are exempt from the state sales tax on solar equipment and from any added property tax assessment for the increased home value.
While Jamaica Plain has many mature trees that can cause shading issues, modern systems use power optimizers or micro-inverters to maximize output from each panel, mitigating partial shade. Our four-season climate is actually favorable for solar, as panels operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures; they will produce substantial energy even on bright winter days, though snow cover will temporarily reduce output until it melts or is cleared.
All installations in Boston (Jamaica Plain) require an electrical permit and a building permit from the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department (ISD). If your home is in a local historic district or is a designated landmark, you will also need a separate approval from the Boston Landmarks Commission, which can add time to the planning process. Your qualified installer should manage this entire permitting workflow.
Prioritize Massachusetts-licensed solar installers with strong experience navigating Boston's specific permitting and historic district rules. Check their certification (like NABCEP) and read reviews on local platforms. It's essential to get multiple detailed quotes and ask for references from recent installations in nearby neighborhoods like JP, Roslindale, or West Roxbury to assess their familiarity with local housing styles and grid connection processes with Eversource.
With a standard grid-tied solar system, your panels will automatically shut off during a blackout for safety reasons, to protect utility line workers. To have power during an outage, you must install a solar battery backup system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a popular add-on in our area, storing excess energy generated during the day to power critical loads in your home when the grid is down.