Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Nantucket, Massachusetts. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading SunPower Master Dealer serving Southeastern Massachusetts, including the Cape and Islands. They are known for installing high-efficiency, premium SunPower solar panels and battery storage solutions, which are ideal for Nantucket's weather and energy resilience needs. They offer comprehensive services from design and financing to maintenance.
A locally-owned and operated solar installer based directly on Nantucket. Their intimate knowledge of local building codes, historical district regulations, and the specific challenges of island installation is a significant advantage. They provide personalized service and specialize in both residential and commercial projects.
A highly-rated, family-owned solar installer located on Cape Cod with extensive experience serving the Islands. They are known for exceptional customer service, custom system design, and expertise in navigating the complex incentive programs available to Massachusetts homeowners. They offer a full suite of services including maintenance and repair.
** The home solar market in Nantucket is characterized by **high quality, high cost, and specialized expertise.** Due to the island's geographic isolation, high electricity costs (among the highest in the nation), and frequent grid challenges, there is a strong incentive for homeowners to invest in solar-plus-battery storage systems. The market is not saturated with a high number of competitors, but the companies that do serve the area are typically well-established, highly certified, and proficient in handling the logistical and regulatory complexities of island-based installations. **Average Quality & Competition:** The competition is limited to a handful of top-tier regional and local specialists. Quality is generally very high, with a focus on durable, high-efficiency equipment capable of withstanding coastal weather. Battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) is often considered a standard component of a system, not an add-on, to provide backup power during off-season storms or grid outages. **Typical Pricing:** Installed system costs are typically 15-25% higher than on the mainland due to shipping, ferry costs for crews and equipment, and the "island premium." However, the return on investment remains attractive because of the exceptionally high cost of grid electricity. The combination of the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Massachusetts SMART program, and significant energy bill savings makes solar a financially sound decision for most Nantucket homeowners. A typical residential system can range from **$35,000 to $75,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and the inclusion of battery storage.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Nantucket regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Nantucket's coastal climate presents both advantages and challenges. The abundant sunshine in summer is excellent for production, but salt spray, high winds, and nor'easters require robust, corrosion-resistant mounting systems and panels rated for high wind loads (often 150+ mph). While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient at converting the island's clear, cool light, and snow usually melts quickly off the angled panels.
Yes, navigating local regulations is crucial. All installations require an electrical permit from the Town of Nantucket's Building Department. If your home is in the Nantucket Historic District or is a designated historic structure, you will need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission (HDC), which may have guidelines on panel visibility from the street. Working with a local installer experienced in this process is highly recommended.
Installed costs on Nantucket can be 10-20% higher than the Massachusetts mainland average due to logistics and specialized equipment, often ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 per watt before incentives. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Massachusetts state tax credit (up to $1,000), and SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program incentives, which provide monthly payments for the solar energy you produce.
Prioritize providers with extensive, verifiable experience on the island. A local company with a physical presence understands the unique permitting, weatherization, and interconnection challenges with Eversource on Nantucket. Check for Massachusetts-licensed electricians (Master Electrician license), proper insurance, and strong references from other island homeowners. They should handle everything from HDC approvals to coordinating the barge for equipment if needed.
Massachusetts net metering allows you to earn full retail credit on your Eversource bill for excess solar energy sent to the grid, which you can draw from at night or in winter. Given Nantucket has some of the highest electricity rates in the country (often over $0.30/kWh), the value of each solar kilowatt-hour is very high. This typically leads to a faster payback period, often between 5-8 years, despite the higher initial installation cost, followed by decades of significantly reduced energy bills.