Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mattapan, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Boston Solar is a leading local residential solar installer headquartered in the Boston area. They are a dedicated, employee-owned company known for their expertise in the complex Massachusetts solar incentive programs (like SMART), high-quality installations, and comprehensive service from design to maintenance. They have installed over 5,000 systems in the state.
Serving Massachusetts since 2006, New England Clean Energy has built an exceptional reputation for customer service and technical expertise. They are a certified B Corporation, meeting high standards of social and environmental performance. They specialize in custom-designed systems and are experts in both battery storage and complex roofing situations.
As one of the largest national providers of residential solar, battery storage, and energy services, Sunrun offers significant buying power and a variety of flexible financing options, notably their solar lease and power purchase agreement (PPA) models. They have a strong local presence and network of installers in Massachusetts.
The home solar market in Mattapan and the broader Boston area is **mature and highly competitive**. The quality of providers is generally high, driven by Massachusetts' robust incentive programs, including the SMART program, federal tax credits, and state-specific rebates. This regulatory environment attracts reputable companies with the expertise to navigate the complex paperwork. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners in Mattapan are likely to be solicited by both large national companies (like Sunrun and Tesla) and established local specialists (like Boston Solar and New England Clean Energy). This competition benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar panel system in Massachusetts ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, highly dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home). The strong state and federal incentives can reduce the net cost by 30-50%. The prevalence of financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs, makes solar accessible with little or no money down, a key selling point in the market.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mattapan regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mattapan, Massachusetts.
Mattapan homeowners can benefit from a powerful combination of federal, state, and local incentives. The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your system cost from your federal taxes. Massachusetts offers a state tax credit of up to $1,000, and most importantly, the state's SMART program provides long-term, monthly payments for the solar electricity you generate, which significantly improves payback time. Additionally, you receive Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for extra income and are exempt from the state sales tax and property tax increase for the system's value.
Solar panels operate efficiently in cold, sunny weather, and Massachusetts receives sufficient sunlight for excellent production. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and the reflective quality of snow can sometimes boost production. The key is that systems are sized to account for seasonal variation, producing abundant energy in spring, summer, and fall to offset lower winter production, ensuring annual savings.
Prioritize installers who are deeply familiar with Massachusetts regulations, interconnection with Eversource, and Boston's specific permitting process. Look for a licensed Massachusetts electrical contractor (Master Electrician license), strong local references, and a proven track record of installations in similar neighborhoods. It's crucial they handle the entire process, including securing SMART program approval, interconnection agreements, and any necessary Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) permits.
From contract to activation typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Boston, approval from the SMART program and your utility (Eversource), the physical installation (1-3 days), and finally the utility inspection and meter swap. Scheduling can be affected by seasonal demand and city permit office timelines, so starting the process in late winter or early spring is ideal for summer activation.
A reputable installer will first assess your roof's age, structure, and shading (from trees or other buildings). South-facing roofs are ideal, but east/west setups work well in Massachusetts. Most asphalt-shingle roofs in Mattapan are suitable, but if your roof is over 15 years old, consider replacement before installation. Maintenance is minimal—occasional cleaning from pollen and checking for snow buildup—and panels are designed to withstand New England weather, including heavy snow loads and high winds.