Q

How much do solar panels cost in 2021?

A

Because each solar panel system is custom designed for a home or business, there is no “one cost” of solar panels. Each installation begins with a customized quote based on several factors, including how much you spend on electricity, how large your roof is, and if you’re a residential or commercial customer. For residential installations (and commercial, if chosen), Boston Solar gives customers the choice between LG and S-Energy solar panels. Learn more about the products we offer.


Q

How much will it cost me and my family to solar power my home?

A

Every solar panel system is custom designed. Between financing and incentives, customers are usually cash-flow positive in their first year. Massachusetts has one of the strongest solar incentive programs in the country. In addition, federal tax credits and low-interest solar loans contribute to a positive cash flow.


Q

How much will I save with solar panels?

A

Boston Solar customers can save up to 100% of their utility bill (excluding the utilities standard service charge), depending on monthly energy usage and amount spent.


Q

Is solar energy more expensive than utility rates?

A

Electricity prices typically fluctuate seasonally and have increased on average by 3% nationally over the last 10 years. By owning a solar system, you produce your own power and are less exposed to the volatility and future electricity cost increases.


Q

Is solar financing available?

A

For residential customers, Boston Solar offers a variety of solar financing options. A Solar Consultant will explain our options and customize a solution that has you cash flow positive in the first year. 


Q

What is the latest news in Massachusetts solar energy incentives?

A

In late 2017, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (MA DOER) developed Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) to double its solar capacity to over three gigawatts (GW).  SMART has replaced the previous solar incentive program in Massachusetts, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).  SMART provides a monthly payment to homeowners for the energy you produce. You also qualify for a 26% federal tax credit and will receive up to $1,000 state tax credit. If a customer chooses a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (commercial customers only) instead of purchasing or financing, they are not eligible for any federal or Massachusetts solar incentives.


Q

How long will it take to install my system?

A

For residential customers, the solar panel installation is typically a one or two day process. From the moment you sign a contract, it typically takes between 90 to 120 days to install the system and get it turned on. View our average installation timeline.


Q

What kind of maintenance do solar panels require?

A

Our solar systems are warrantied to last 25 years and are virtually maintenance free, with the exception of the inverters, which typically last 12-15 years.  However, our residential systems come with an automatic inverter warranty extension from 12 to 25 years. We only install the best solar panels, racking, inverters, and monitoring software. To learn more read our most recent blog post about solar panels productivity and maintenance.


Q

Will I still need to use the electric utility?

A

When you have a solar system installed, the electric company installs a meter that can "tick backwards" allowing you to "store" the excess energy you produce for use during non-sunlight hours.  This is called NET METERING.  Many solar panel system owners are at work during the day when a solar system typically produces the most energy.  While you may not be using that energy, your utility lets you use it at a later time when you're not producing.  If you produce more energy than you use in a month, you'll see that your total usage is negative.  Utilities determine this by taking the current reading and subtracting the previous reading for a total usage calculation. If you have a negative "balance", this balance can be used to pay the customer charge charged by all utilities.  If not, you will have this charge.

Boston Solar designs all solar systems to offset your electric bill as much as possible.  You can offset up to 100% of your bill.  However, this depends on factors we take into consideration such as roof direction, pitch, shading, etc. 


Q

Is there a warranty on my solar system?

A

Boston Solar offers the strongest warranty package in Massachusetts at no additional cost to the customer. Solar panel warranties are 25 years, we extend the warranty for inverter(s) to 25-years and also include a 10-year workmanship guarantee. 


Q

Is there a guarantee on my solar system?

A

Boston Solar now offers a Production Guarantee on your residential solar system. Now, when you install a residential solar PV system with Boston Solar, your solar investment will be backed by our Production Guarantee. Our Production Guarantee offers assured energy production of at least 90% over the first ten years that your system runs — or we’ll pay the difference. Our Production Guarantee covers energy production for the first ten years of your system’s lifespan and is assessed every two years. To learn more read our most recent blog about our new 10-year Production Guarantee


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