The choice is up to you.  

Most homeowners choose to go solar for the electricity bill savings. While this might be the initial attraction of going solar, many do not realize solar also allows you to control your power bill and increase your property value.  

In some states like Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, and others, solar owners can even get paid for excess energy their panels produce. This program is most often called net metering. You can find out about your state’s policies here.  

Other non-fiscal related reasons to go solar are the reduction in carbon emissions, helping to create and sustain hundreds of thousands of American jobs, and promoting the future of renewable energy. No matter the answer, it is important to determine why you want to go solar, as it will heavily influence the answers to the rest of the questions listed below.

10 Questions to Ask A Solar Company Before Going Solar

Oct. 14, 2022

Installing solar panels is a safe investment with a high return for Massachusetts homeowners. But as with any major investment, it’s important to do your research before making a final decision. Getting answers to all your questions before going solar will help you make the best decision for your home and ensure you receive the highest return on your investment. 

Here are 10 questions to ask before installing solar panels in Massachusetts: 

1. How do solar panels work? 

Before investing in a solar panel installation, you should learn a little bit about how solar panels work. You don’t have to master all the technical details, but having a basic understanding will be extremely helpful as you move forward with your solar journey. 

Here’s an overview of how solar panels produce energy: 

1. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels absorb sunlight, creating an electric current. 
2. The current is directed toward an inverter, which transforms it into usable electricity. 
3. The electricity is sent to your electrical panel and distributed throughout your home. 
4. Excess electricity is either sent to the grid or stored in a solar battery. 

2. Is my house right for solar? 

Almost any homeowner in Massachusetts can benefit from solar panels, but some houses are better suited to a rooftop solar installation than others. Before you install a home solar system, you should consider which direction your roof faces (south-facing roofs are typically best for solar panels), how much roof space you have available, and whether there are any shading concerns like surrounding trees. 

3. How much money will I save with solar panels? 

Solar panels save you money on your utility bills by allowing you to produce your own electricity. But before you invest in a home solar system installation, you should make sure your electricity bill is high enough to justify going solar. 

In most cases, installing solar panels makes financial sense–as long as you’re using an average amount of electricity, you’ll save money with solar panels. If your electric bills are about $50 or less, however, solar might not be worth it for the electricity bill savings alone, unless you’re planning to electrify your home. 

4. Should I install solar batteries? 

Solar batteries are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, and you’ll want to consider installing them when you go solar. It’s possible to add solar batteries after you install solar panels, but it’s easier and more affordable to install them at the same time. 

Solar batteries will add to your solar installation costs, but the benefits are worth it. With battery storage, you’ll be able to keep your solar panels on during a grid outage, helping you avoid blackouts. Batteries can also be used as a backup power source at night, so you can use more clean energy.  

5. How much do solar panels cost? 

You can’t make a decision about installing solar panels until you know how much it’s going to cost. Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Home solar installation costs can vary significantly depending on how much electricity you use, the slope and design of your roof, the type and number of panels you want to install, whether you include solar battery storage, and many other factors. 

Scheduling a consultation with a reliable solar installer near you is the best way to get an accurate solar installation cost estimate. At Boston Solar, we analyze your home and your recent electric bills so we can provide the most accurate quote possible. 

6. Do solar panels qualify for tax credits? 

There are several solar incentives available to make home solar and battery installation more affordable, and you don’t want to miss out on any! Finding out which rebates and incentives you qualify for will help you get the best deal on your solar installation. 

Home solar and battery installation qualifies for the federal solar tax credit. With the credit, you can get a tax break worth 30% of your total costs, making solar panel installation and ownership significantly more affordable. Other incentives, like net metering, SMART, and ConnectedSolutions, can make your solar installation even more financially rewarding. 

7. Can I finance my solar panels? 

Nearly all residential solar installation companies offer financing and many homeowners take advantage of it. Financing makes it easier to pay for a solar installation and is a much better option than leasing solar panels. When you finance your solar energy system, you are its owner and remain eligible for all applicable tax breaks and incentives. 

Boston Solar can speak to financing options to help you get past the hurdle of upfront solar installation costs. 

8. Do solar panels come with a warranty? 

Most solar panels come with a manufacturer’s warranty and, depending on the installation company, a workmanship warranty. Solar warranties give you peace of mind and help protect your investment in solar energy. 

At Boston Solar, we back our installations with a 25-year solar panel and inverter warranty and a 10-year workmanship guarantee. 

9. How much experience does your solar installation company have? 

When you’re researching solar companies near you in Massachusetts, experience is an important factor to consider. You want to make sure the installer you choose knows what they’re doing and won’t be using your solar panel installation as a practice run. 

Boston Solar has been in business for more than 10 years and installed over 5,000 solar energy systems. We know the ins and outs of solar installation in Massachusetts and will take care of your project seamlessly, from system design and permitting to installation, net metering application, and grid interconnection. 

10. Can you provide testimonials? 

Reading reviews and testimonials is one of the best ways to vet a solar company and decide whether you want to work with them. Past customers can provide valuable insights that you won’t get from company representatives. 

Boston Solar has a 4.8-star rating with over 800 Google reviews. We encourage you to read our customer testimonials and take a look at our completed residential solar projects to see why so many Massachusetts homeowners have trusted us with their solar panel installations. 

Schedule a free home solar consultation! Call 617-858-1645 or self-schedule online today.