Choosing a Solar Company in Boston Is Not as Simple as Picking the Cheapest Quote
Between Eversource interconnection headaches and historic district rules, your installer needs real Boston experience.
Get a Free QuoteBoston Has No Shortage of Solar Companies — But Experience Matters
Living in Boston means you are in one of the most competitive solar markets in the country. Dozens of installers are actively working neighborhoods from Dorchester to West Roxbury, South Boston to Jamaica Plain. Some have been doing solar in the city for over a decade. Others showed up last year with a van and a website. The difference between the two can mean months of delays, botched Eversource interconnection paperwork, or a system that underperforms because nobody accounted for the triple-decker next door casting shade on your panels.
Boston presents unique installation challenges that out-of-state companies rarely understand. The city has one of the highest concentrations of historic homes in America, dense neighborhoods where rooftop access requires careful coordination, and an Eversource interconnection process that moves at its own pace. Your installer needs to know how to navigate the Inspectional Services Department for permits, have a relationship with Eversource for interconnection, and understand how Boston's older building stock affects panel layout and mounting.
Why Boston-Specific Experience Is Non-Negotiable
Boston is not a one-size-fits-all solar market. The city's historic districts — Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the North End — have additional review requirements that can trip up installers unfamiliar with the Boston Landmarks Commission process. Even outside historic districts, Boston's dense triple-decker neighborhoods in Dorchester, East Boston, and Somerville-adjacent areas mean your installer needs to account for shading from neighboring buildings, limited roof access, and sometimes creative panel placement to maximize production on smaller or partially shaded roofs.
Your installer also needs to know Eversource's interconnection process inside and out. In Greater Boston, Eversource has invested in grid modernization that has streamlined interconnection for most residential projects, but specific neighborhoods near capacity limits can still face delays. A company that has done dozens of installs in your neighborhood will know whether your section of the grid is congested and can set realistic timeline expectations. Ask any prospective installer how many Boston projects they have completed in the last 12 months and whether they have encountered interconnection delays in your area.
What to Ask Before Signing with a Boston Solar Company
Start with the basics: "What is your Massachusetts HIC registration number?" — then verify it at services.oca.state.ma.us. Ask whether they carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Then get specific to Boston: "How many installations have you completed in Boston proper in the last year?" and "Have you worked in my neighborhood before?" A company with experience in Jamaica Plain knows that the older homes there often have unique roof pitches, while an installer familiar with South Boston understands the challenges of narrow lots and tight street access for equipment.
Ask about Eversource directly: "How do you handle the Eversource interconnection application?" and "What is the typical timeline from install completion to Permission to Operate in my area?" Good installers will give you a realistic range of 3 to 6 weeks for interconnection. Also ask about equipment — specifically, what panels and inverters they use, whether the panels are American-made, and what the warranty covers. Finally, ask for references from recent Boston installations and actually call them.
Frequently Asked Questions
✶How do I verify a solar company is licensed to work in Boston?+
✶Do I need special approval for solar panels in a Boston historic district?+
✶How long does Eversource interconnection take in Boston?+
✶What should I do if a door-to-door solar salesperson comes to my Boston home?+
✶Can solar panels be installed on Boston triple-deckers?+
Boston Electric Bills Are Only Going Up
Eversource rates in Boston have risen dramatically in recent years. Lock in a lower rate today with solar.
See How Much You Can SaveWhat’s Really on Your Eversource Bill?
57% of your bill is hidden fees and charges!
Delivery Charges
Confusing charges like the "customer charge" and "energy efficiency charge" make up most hidden fees on your Eversource bill.
17%
of your bill
Distribution
Covers the poles, wires, and infrastructure that deliver power from the main line to your Boston home.
27%
of your bill
Transmission
What Eversource charges for transporting power from the supply source to local towers and lines.
13%
of your bill
Actual Supply
The electricity you actually use—just 43% of what you pay.
43%
of your bill
Solar Eliminates All These Charges
When you go solar, you no longer rely on the utility company to produce electricity—and no longer have to pay their ridiculous charges. Instead, you produce your own power with a low, locked-in solar rate.
Eliminate Your Electric Bill TodayIs Solar Really Free in Boston?
While you can’t technically get “free” solar panels, they are “free” in the sense that you can expect to pay less for solar than you already do for electricity — and it costs nothing to make the switch.
You’re swapping out an unpredictable and constantly increasing Eversource bill for a price protected solar payment that is usually about 40% lower.
Need a New Roof? Bundle and Save.
Our Roof + Solar Bundle makes it easy for Boston homeowners to get a new roof and solar at the same time. Since the roof is an essential part of the solar project, you save big by bundling.
Learn About Roof + SolarReady for an Honest Solar Quote in Boston?
Evergreen Solar is a local Massachusetts company that knows Boston inside and out. We use American-made QCell panels, handle all Eversource paperwork, and never knock on your door uninvited. See what honest solar looks like.
Get Your Free Quote