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10 best solar companies in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
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.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
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.
Find the top solar company for you in Pittsfield
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.
New England Solar + Green
Services offered
Highlights
- Timeliness
Kasselman Solar
Services offered
Valley Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Timeliness
Northeast Solar
Services offered
Insight Solar
Services offered
High Peaks Solar
Services offered
Seed Solar, Electric and Engineering
Services offered
AEC Solar
Services offered
PosiGen
Services offered
Beyond Green Construction
Services offered
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
PV Squared Solar (Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics)
Earthlight Technologies
SunCommon
Savkat Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pittsfield?
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:
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by switching to solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar decreases your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Pittsfield
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsfield?
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.
How much can you save by going solar in Pittsfield?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Pittsfield from going solar
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.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Pittsfield is 12 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pittsfield: Based on calculations that leverage data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA, Pittsfield homeowners save around $997 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $15,637 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Pittsfield from going solar
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.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 38 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 950 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Pittsfield?
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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Pittsfield solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a solar installation expert.
What size system do you need?
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.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
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.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
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.
Do you need a solar battery?
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.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
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.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
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.
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