Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Wakefield, 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, including Wakefield. They are a dedicated local provider with extensive experience navigating state-specific incentives like the SMART program and Mass Save heat loan/promotions. They are known for a comprehensive, turnkey approach from consultation and design to installation and maintenance.
A highly-rated, veteran-owned local installer known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They emphasize energy independence and offer robust battery backup solutions. Their high customer satisfaction scores and project customization make them a top contender.
While Nexamp is a major national player in community solar, they also have a strong residential installation division based in Massachusetts. They are an excellent option for homeowners seeking a large, well-capitalized company with strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house expertise for both purchase and lease/PPA financing models.
** The home solar market in Wakefield, Massachusetts, is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a high concentration of reputable, experienced installers. The average quality of service is excellent, driven by Massachusetts' strong solar incentives (like the SMART program, state tax credits, and net metering) and an environmentally-conscious population. Homeowners can expect to choose from a range of established local specialists and larger regional companies. Competition is fierce, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and high service standards. Typical pricing for a residential system in Wakefield is competitive with the national average, but the excellent state and federal incentives significantly reduce the net cost for homeowners. A standard 8 kW system might have a gross cost between $25,000 and $32,000 before incentives, but the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and state programs can reduce the final out-of-pocket cost by 30-50%. Most leading providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making solar accessible without large upfront payments.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Wakefield regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Wakefield, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this through the 30% federal tax credit and the Massachusetts state tax credit of up to $1,000. Additionally, Wakefield homeowners benefit from the SMART program, which provides monthly payments for the solar energy you produce, and net metering with National Grid, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid.
While New England has variable weather, solar panels are quite efficient in cold, sunny conditions and still produce energy on cloudy days. Wakefield's summer months provide the highest solar yield, but snow in winter can temporarily reduce output; however, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. Importantly, Massachusetts receives enough annual sunlight to make solar highly viable, with systems designed to maximize production across all four seasons.
Installing solar in Wakefield requires a building permit and an electrical permit from the Wakefield Inspectional Services Department. For most residential roof-mounted systems, a special permit or variance is not typically needed if the installation follows the state's building and electrical codes. Your chosen installer will almost always manage this entire permitting process, including coordinating with National Grid for the final interconnection agreement to activate your system.
Prioritize Massachusetts-certified solar installers (MSLIC) with strong local experience in Wakefield and the North Shore. Check reviews on platforms like EnergySage and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references from recent installations in town. A reputable provider will offer a detailed site assessment, explain how local factors like roof orientation and shading affect your design, and transparently outline all costs, warranties, and expected production based on Wakefield's specific climate data.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage in Wakefield, you need to pair your solar panels with a battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a popular upgrade that stores excess solar energy for use at night or during outages, providing crucial backup power during the severe New England storms that can occasionally impact the local National Grid.