Best 5 Solar Companies in Holyoke, MA

With Holyoke's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses aiming to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar installer can help you set up and adjust a system that fits your energy needs without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll showcase Holyoke's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed dozens of Holyoke solar companies, using the following criteria to select the top-notch:

• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Holyoke solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Holyoke community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Holyoke Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Holyoke

The price and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

Massachusetts requires new solar photovoltaic systems in the Commonwealth to be installed by a licensed electrician and new solar water heaters to be installed by a construction supervisor. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Holyoke

Your solar modules' style will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Most Holyoke homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $20,300 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Holyoke

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Holyoke.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy