Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Winthrop, 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, including Winthrop. 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 underscores their reputation for quality and customer service.
Solar Wolf Energy is a highly-rated, veteran-owned solar installer based in nearby Woburn. They have built an exceptional reputation for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They emphasize education and transparency throughout the process and offer a full suite of services from installation to repair.
Serving Massachusetts since 2006, New England Clean Energy is one of the state's most established solar contractors. They are known for their high-quality installations, expert system design, and deep knowledge of the local permitting and incentive landscape. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance.
** The home solar market in Winthrop, Massachusetts, is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality, established regional installers rather than small, hyper-local companies. The market quality is generally high, as Massachusetts' strict licensing requirements and strong consumer protection laws help ensure professional service. Competition is significant, with numerous top-tier companies from the greater Boston area vying for business, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and strong customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Winthrop aligns with state averages, generally ranging from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$24,000 to $30,400**. However, homeowners can significantly reduce this cost through the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and state-level incentives like the SMART program and potential state tax credits, which can reduce the net cost by 40-50%. Most providers offer a wide array 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 Winthrop regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Winthrop, Massachusetts.
A typical residential solar installation in Winthrop ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home specifics. Crucially, Massachusetts homeowners benefit from the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which deducts 30% from your tax liability, and the state's SMART program, which provides monthly incentive payments for the energy you produce. Additionally, Winthrop residents are eligible for a 15% state tax credit (up to $1,000) and a property tax exemption for the added home value from solar.
Winthrop's coastal location means panels will perform very well in summer but produce less in shorter, cloudier winter days. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help with shedding, and they often melt snow faster than your roof. Importantly, modern panels are highly efficient in diffuse light, so you'll still generate power on overcast days common near the coast, with annual production optimized for New England's climate.
Installing solar in Winthrop requires a building permit and an electrical permit from the Winthrop Inspectional Services Department. If your home is in a historic district or has significant visibility, you may need approval from the Winthrop Historical Commission. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire process, including coordinating with National Grid for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid, which is a standard requirement in Massachusetts.
Prioritize Massachusetts-licensed solar installers with strong experience on the South Shore and North Shore, familiar with Winthrop's specific permitting and historic review processes. Look for providers who are SMART program-approved, offer strong warranties (25-year on panels is standard), and have a portfolio of local installations. Check reviews and ask for references from other Winthrop homeowners to gauge their experience with coastal weather durability and customer service.
With a standard grid-tied solar system, you will not have power during an outage for safety reasons, as it shuts off to protect utility workers. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a valuable consideration in Winthrop, where coastal storms can occasionally cause outages. Many installers now offer solar-plus-battery packages, and batteries are also eligible for the federal ITC, making them more affordable.