10 best solar companies in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, requires you to hire a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've gathered a list of the top solar companies in Pittsfield.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and collect multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Pittsfield or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While putting in solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy enables Pittsfield homeowners to save an average of $1,000 annually.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should assess different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Pittsfield
Look for Pittsfield solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
New England Solar + Green
Services Offered
Kasselman Solar
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Valley Solar
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Northeast Solar
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Insight Solar
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High Peaks Solar
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Seed Solar, Electric and Engineering
Services Offered
AEC Solar
Services Offered
Beyond Green Construction
Services Offered
PV Squared Solar (Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics)
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pittsfield?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Pittsfield, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to start using solar power include these:
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar lets you cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is fueled by 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?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for extras like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Pittsfield, solar panel installation costs an average of $12,836, based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Pittsfield?
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Pittsfield from going solar
In Pittsfield, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return 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), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Pittsfield is 12 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pittsfield: Homeowners in Pittsfield typically save around $997 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our calculations using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $15,637 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Pittsfield from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 38 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 950 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Pittsfield?
Homeowners in Pittsfield can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all Massachusetts residents, and others depend on your city, utility company and municipality.
The following solar incentives are offered to Massachusetts residents, as listed in DSIRE:
| 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?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require bigger solar setups. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could impact your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be helpful for ensuring continuous power in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
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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