Commonly asked questions regarding solar installation costs and incentives

  • “What types of panels and equipment do you provide?”
  • “What is the difference between your quote and the one I got from another installer?”
  • “What makes your service different from competitors?”
  • "Can you help walk me through the current incentives?"

Northeast Solar has been installing award-winning solar in Western Massachusetts for more than ten years, and we are committed to providing the best solar installation experience, pricing, performance, and warranty in Western Massachusetts. In fact, with the component pricing we are currently able to receive, you owe it to yourself to reach out to Northeast for a competitive quote today.

Why Northeast Solar?

Northeast Solar has been designing and installing solar out of our Hatfield office for over ten years. Solar technology has changed a lot in that time, but we’ve always stayed true to our core values that put the customer experience front and center. From custom solar arrays and state-of-the-art battery back-up systems, to energy efficient mini-split heat pumps, we’ve dedicated the last ten years to expanding and perfecting the services and products we offer.

Northeast Solar also offers:

  • A Best-in-Class 15-Year warranty on workmanship
  • Ultra-competitive pricing on top-tier components
  • Comprehensive, continuous customer care
  • A strong connection to and support for the local community, homegrown in Hatfield, MA

We are also a certified B-Corp, so we don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk.

Saving on your utility bill is just the start.

The Bay State is home to the fifth-highest utility rate in the nation! Owning solar for your home is the easiest way to reduce the amount you pay for electricity. Going solar in Massachusetts comes with state and federal tax credits, a fast 5-7 year payback period, and Renewable Energy Certificates (or RECs) cash payments that make the cost of installing solar panels more affordable than ever before.

Solar is a heavily supported technology in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts is offering some fantastic incentives for solar in 2024. When you buy solar, you get a $1,000 state tax credit, a 30% federal solar energy tax credit, REC solar cash incentives, and savings on your electric bill for years to come making the cost of solar panels much less than you might think.

For over ten years, the professionals at Northeast Solar have been installing money-saving solar arrays for homes, businesses, and farms all over Western Massachusetts. Over that time we have fine tuned our design and  installation processes to meet the demands of our most discerning clients. From our smallest array in Montague at only five panels, to our largest array at a Whately farm at over 2500 panels, we approach every installation with professionalism and install our systems with care and precision.

So far, we have helped save Pioneer Valley residents $35 million on energy bills with over 1,500 site installations.

Why Solar?

How much does solar cost?

Solar photovoltaic prices are at their lowest ever. A typical residential PV system costs about as much as an economy car. Because of current subsidies and incentive programs, your system can pay for itself in 5-7 years. Financing is available through local banks.

What incentives are currently available?

  • There is a 30% federal tax credit on the total cost of your PV installation
  • Renewable Energy Certificates or RECs incentive program
  • Massachusetts offers a $1000 tax credit on your PV array
  • Solar is property tax exempt
  • No sales tax on PV systems

How will a PV system affect my house value or taxes?

A solar PV system will increase your home’s resale value and is exempt from additional property taxes. Owned solar arrays also make your home more attractive to buyers should you ever decide to sell.

What size system do I need?

Each solar array is unique and we customize it to fit your needs. We will consult with you first so that our team can design the perfect system based on the size of your roof, your average electrical usage, budget, and any future add-ons you may be considering like mini-splits, electric vehicle chargers, or other green home technology.

What will I have to do to maintain my system?

There is little to no maintenance required for PV systems. Rain will clean your PV array of dust, and snow will melt off quickly. Your system can be monitored via the internet and smartphone. We also offer various warranties on part and workmanship, so you will never have to worry about upkeep.

How long do solar PV systems last?

Solar PV systems are designed to last 25-30 years. Many PV systems installed in the 1980s are still going strong. The solar panels we offer today are more efficient and more affordable, so you can count on clean energy for decades.

What about insurance?

Most residential PV systems are covered under your existing homeowner’s policy. A small annual fee may be added.

If I can’t put solar on my roof, are there other options?

Yes. We offer ground mount, pole mount, and carports. A free site visit from one of our consultants will help determine what kind of solar installation is best for you.

What products do you offer?

We source our products from some of the most trusted manufacturers including Enphase, REC, Q Cell, SolarEdge, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Tesla, and more.

Do you offer a solar lease or power purchase agreement (ppa)?

We do not offer leases or ppa’s. Owning solar for your home is by far a wiser investment. When you sign a lease or ppa, you give up rebates and incentives worth thousands of dollars. What’s more, you are contractually obligated to keep your roof clear of anything that might reduce solar production which could mean being forced to cut down trees on your property. Leasing makes it difficult to sell your home because the new owner must take on the terms of the lease which average around 20 years. For those reasons and many more, we only advocate owned solar. We are happy to discuss this issue with you further at any time.

What are the economic benefits of owning solar?

Solar saves you money on your electricity bills and protects you against rising and unpredictable electricity rates. How much you save depends on utility rates and solar prices and policies. The average savings after paying off the system is $15K-$75K!

Who is the best solar installer?

There are many solar installers in Western Massachusetts. Northeast Solar stands out because in addition to great prices and high quality products, we deliver a level of customer service and care that isn’t matched by other companies before, during and well after installation. We’ve installed over 1,500 systems over ten years and have our own licensed electricians and installers on staff. We’re also a certified B Corp, which means we are committed to serving the community.

Customer Reviews

We were amazed at how easy, quick, and smooth the whole process was, including initial design work, completing paperwork, getting inspections & approvals, and installation of wiring and solar panels. All employees we worked with were friendly, informative, and totally professional. Highly recommended working with NE Solar.

-David Sikorski

Northeast Solar has been wonderful to work with. Our project manager, Rusty, gave detailed estimates and spent time explaining the process with us. The admin team was really prompt in applying for interconnection with our utility and explaining all the steps with us. The install crew were wonderful and really knowledgeable and our array looks fantastic. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone interested in getting solar!

-Lisa Jaffe

We decided last year that we were tired of the bills and to look into solar. Northeast Solar was great from start to finish. They had the best pricing, they are local company, the installation crew was efficient and professional. We have had our solar for a month now and we are thrilled with the results.

-Jennifer Kazunas

Our solar project was easy from start to finish with Northeast solar. Tom came to our house for the initial site assessment. He gathered information and answered all of our questions. The racking and electrical crews were on time, happy, and efficient. They did high quality work with top of the line components, paying close attention to details. Northeast took care of all permitting and paperwork including following up when needed. They communicated with us regularly throughout the process, answered any questions we had, and checked in after the system was up and running for a few weeks. The system looks great!

-Edward Sturtevant

One of the best decisions we ever made concerning our home was having Northeast Solar install solar panels on our house. From the very first visit we found the staff to be helpful and easy to work with. The site review was obviously well done because our electric bills since the installation have been zero. The installation itself was done efficiently and the cleanup was meticulous. This was about seven years ago. Over the years Northeast Solar has monitored our system and they have resolved all problems efficiently and quickly. We highly recommend Northeast Solar.

-Edward Smola

Why Northeast?

Going solar with a local company is a great way to support the local economy and environment. Working with Northeast Solar intensifies the impact of your investment because we are a Certified B Corp. When you invest with us, you’re investing in sustainable jobs, sustainable manufacturing, and sustainable business practices. As a B Corp, we are required to give more than we take. We embrace that requirement because we’re not trying to be the best in the world, we’re working to be the best for the world.

40+

Valley

Organizations Served

10+

Years of

Experience

100%

Local & Independent

Building

Stronger

Communities

Good Work,

Done Well,

for the Right Reasons

See what else we have to offer!

Battery Backup Systems

Backup Generators

Smart Home Monitoring

Mini-splits

Electric Vehicle

Car Chargers

Total Home Solar

& Battery Storage Packages

Get a Free Consultation

At Northeast Solar, we’re focused on delivering a customized consultation for each customer.

Give us a call at 413.247.6045 or fill out the form below, and we’ll help answer any questions you might have about the process and whether solar is right for you and your home energy needs. We look forward to helping you consider solar for your home!

Get a Free Consultation

At Northeast Solar, we’re focused on delivering a customized consultation for each customer.

Give us a call at 413.247.6045 or fill out the form below, and we’ll help answer any questions you might have about the process and whether solar is right for you and your home energy needs. We look forward to helping you consider solar for your home!