Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Melrose, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Boston Solar is a leading residential solar installer in Massachusetts with a strong focus on the Greater Boston area. They are known for their comprehensive service, from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and helping homeowners navigate state and federal incentives. Their high volume of positive reviews highlights their customer service and expertise.
Serving Massachusetts since 2006, New England Clean Energy has built an exceptional reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. They are a smaller, premium provider known for meticulous system design and high-quality components. They are certified installers for top-tier manufacturers and have deep expertise in both grid-tied and battery-backed systems.
This company is a premier local SunPower Master Dealer. SunPower panels are often regarded as some of the most efficient and durable on the market, backed by a strong warranty. As a local installer, they provide personalized service and deep knowledge of the Melrose market, combined with the product strength of a solar industry leader.
** The home solar market in Melrose, Massachusetts, is competitive and mature, characterized by high consumer awareness and strong state-level incentives like the SMART program and federal tax credits. The average quality of providers serving the area is very high, given Massachusetts' strict licensing requirements and the technical demands of its climate. Homeowners in Melrose typically encounter a mix of large, well-marketed regional installers and smaller, high-touch local specialists. Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential system in Melrose can range from **$15,000 to $40,000+** before incentives, depending heavily on system size (kW), panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall). The final net cost is often significantly lower after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and other state-level financial incentives. Most homeowners in this area opt for grid-tied systems with battery backup becoming an increasingly popular addition for energy security.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Melrose regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Melrose, Massachusetts.
The average cost for a residential solar system in Melrose ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Key financial incentives include the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Massachusetts state tax credit of up to $1,000, and the SMART program, which provides monthly payments for the solar energy you produce. Additionally, Melrose homeowners benefit from a 0% sales tax on solar equipment and a property tax exemption for the added home value from the system.
While Melrose experiences snowy winters and fewer daylight hours, modern solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and can still generate significant power. Snow typically slides off angled panels, and production is highest during the long, sunny spring and summer days. Importantly, Massachusetts' net metering policy allows you to bank excess credits generated in sunny months to offset your usage during less productive winter months, ensuring year-round savings.
Yes, installing solar in Melrose requires a building permit and an electrical permit from the Melrose Inspectional Services Department. The city generally supports solar but may have specific guidelines regarding roof setbacks, especially in historic districts. It's crucial to work with a licensed installer familiar with Melrose's local codes who will handle the entire permitting process, including interconnection approval with National Grid, the local utility.
Look for Massachusetts-licensed solar contractors (CSL) with strong local experience and reviews from Melrose homeowners. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). A reputable local installer will understand the specific permitting process with the City of Melrose, optimal system design for our regional climate, and how to maximize state incentives like SMART. Always get multiple detailed quotes and ask for local references.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery storage system. Regarding net metering with National Grid, you will receive a credit on your bill for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you send to the grid, which is then used to offset the cost of kWh you draw from the grid at night or in low-production periods. Your credits roll over monthly, and an annual "true-up" in April settles any remaining balance, making system sizing for your annual usage critical.