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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Pittsfield. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've compiled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Pittsfield.
Prior to selecting an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and request multiple quotes to identify the right company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Pittsfield or pick a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy lets Pittsfield homeowners to save around $1,000 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
When looking into Pittsfield solar companies, find those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Pittsfield, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the typical cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight access, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any extras like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Pittsfield, solar panel installation costs an average of $12,836, per data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
After moving completely to solar power, Pittsfield homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
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Pittsfield homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are available statewide to all Massachusetts residents, and others depend on utility company, municipality and city.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for Massachusetts residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption | Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system |
Personal Tax Credit Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit | 15% |
Sales Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Industry Recruitment/Support Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Income Tax Deduction (Personal) | 100% deduction |
Rebate Program Cape Light Compact- Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Appliances Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $125 Electric Clothes Dryers: $50 Clothes Washer: $350 Dehumidifiers: $30 Room Air Purifiers: $40 Room Air Conditioner: $40 Heating & Cooling Oil Heating System: Up to $800 Propane Heating Equipment: Up to $2,300 Oil Water Heater: Up to $400 Propane Water Heater: Up to $800 Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $600 Central AC/Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton Mini-Split Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton Programmable Thermostats: Up to $25 WiFi Thermostat: Up to $100 Solar Domestic Hot Water heater: $500 - $1,500 Home Electronics Advanced Power Strips: Varies Home Insulation Limited Time Enhanced Incentive: 75% Year-Round Tenant Incentive: 100% Enhanced Residential Program: 100% Lighting LEDs: Varies Home Energy Assessment: Free |
Loan Program Mass Save - HEAT Loan Program | $25,000 ($50,000 for some expanded HEAT offerings) |
Performance-Based Incentive Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program | (Base compensation rate + compensation rate adders - greenfield subtractor) * total kWh generated - value of energy generated |
Loan Program Mass Solar Loan Program | Maximum required: $35,000; maximum possible: $60,000 |
Rebate Program Residential and Small-Scale Ground-Source Heat Pump Rebate Program | New GSHP Rebate: $2,000 per ton with adders to eligible applicants Retrofit Existing GSHP Rebate: varies with installation costs |
Rebate Program Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program | Standard Residential: Pellet Stove: $1,000 - $1,750 Catalytic Woodstove: $750 - $1,250 Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $500-$1,250 Fully Automated Wood Stove: $1,500 - $1,750 Low-Income Residential: Pellet Stove: $2,500 - $3,250 Catalytic Woodstove: $2,250 - $2,750 Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $2,000-$2,750 Fully Automated Wood Stove: $2,750 - $3,250 |
PACE Financing Local Option - Energy Revolving Loan Fund | Financing amount locally determined; 20-year financing term |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-II) | Varies, depending on market supply and demand |
Rebate Program Residential & Small-Scale Solar Hot Water Program | Base rebate: $100 X number of collectors X SRCC rating (Category D, Mildly Cloudy Day) Additional $500/system for metering installation Additional $500/system for participants that have also installed solar PV on the same facility 80%-120% Income-Based Rebate Adder: $125 multiplier in formula (as opposed to $100) Less than 80% of SMI Income-Based Rebate Adder: $150 multiplier in formula (as opposed to $100) Non-Profit/Public Entity Adder: $150 in formula (as opposed to $100) Affordable Housing Adder: $200 in formula (as opposed to $100) |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Consider these key points before hiring a solar installation expert.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project may be subject to applicable codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
For extra power storage, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature is invaluable in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, adding battery storage may lead to increased setup expenses.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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