Solar FAQs | Williamstown & The Berkshires

Have a Question About Going Solar?

Solar looks a little different here in the Berkshires - the weather, the roofs, the utility rules. Below are the questions we hear most from homeowners across our service area, from how the process works to what it actually costs and what happens when it snows. Don't see your question here? Reach out any time, we're always happy to talk it through!

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Solar panels on a home in the Berkshires, Williamstown Massachusetts

About New England Solar + Green

How long have you been serving the Berkshires?

New England Solar + Green was founded in 2009 by Andrew Guntlow, an engineer with deep solar PV expertise. We've been designing and installing systems right here in the Berkshires ever since, and as a locally owned company, every project gets a personal, hands-on review from Andrew himself before it's considered done.

What areas do you serve?

We're based in Williamstown and serve the Berkshires and the surrounding tri-state area. Generally anywhere within about an hour's drive of Williamstown/North Adams, including nearby parts of Vermont and New York.

Do you subcontract the work out?

No, we handle the whole process in-house, from planning and design through permitting and installation, so you're not stuck coordinating a bunch of different contractors. We bring in trusted local specialists only when a project genuinely calls for it.

Why go with a local company instead of a national installer?

Because we live here too! You get a direct line to the people actually designing and installing your system, a founder who reviews every job personally, and a company that isn't going anywhere if you need service five or ten years down the road.

Going Solar: The Process

What's the first step?

A free, no-obligation consultation and site assessment. We'll look at your roof, your electricity usage, and your goals, then walk you through what a system would look like and what it would cost. Call us anytime at 413-458-4966, or book online here.

Do I need a new roof before I can go solar?

If your roof still has plenty of life left, you're generally fine to move forward as-is. If it's older or close to needing replacement, we'll usually recommend handling that first, since removing and reinstalling panels for a roof job later adds cost and hassle. We're happy to weigh in during your consultation, but we typically won't install unless a roof has at least 7-10 years of life left in it.

Will installing solar damage my roof?

When it's done right, no. We use flashing and mounting hardware designed to keep every penetration watertight, and in many cases panels actually help protect the section of roof underneath from the elements.

Who handles the permits and utility paperwork?

We do. Electrical and building permits, utility interconnection approval, our team manages all of it as part of the installation process.

How long does installation take?

The physical installation itself is often just a day or two. The bigger time investment comes around the install. Design, permitting, and utility approval, which typically takes longer than the on-roof work. Turnkey 1-2 months.

Costs, Incentives & Taxes

How much does going solar cost?

It depends on your roof, your energy usage, and the size of the system that makes sense for your home. There's just no one-size-fits-all number. The best way to get a real figure is a free consultation, where we'll put together a custom quote.

Do you offer financing or leases?

Not currently. We work on a cash-purchase basis. Purchasing and owning your own system has the best return for the investment. Many homeowners pair that with the tax incentives below, or arrange financing through their own bank, credit union.

Are federal tax incentives still available?

The federal Investment Tax Credit is no longer available. However, costs have come down considerably, offsetting the loss of the tax credit.

Are there Massachusetts-specific incentives too?

Yes. Massachusetts offers a state income tax credit equal to 15% of your system cost, up to $1,000, and there's no state sales tax on solar equipment or installation. Many systems also qualify for the MA SMART program, which pays an additional per-kWh incentive directly from your utility.

What is net metering?

Net metering lets any extra electricity your system produces flow back into the grid in exchange for a credit on your utility bill.

Battery Storage & Backup Power

Do I need a battery with my solar system?

No, it's optional. but it changes what happens during an outage. Without a battery, a grid-tied solar system shuts off automatically when the grid goes down (that's a safety requirement). With one, you can keep essentials, or your whole home, running.

How long can a battery power my home during an outage?

It depends on the battery size and what you're running. We size battery storage to fit the situation, whether that's covering a few key loads for a few hours or keeping a whole house going for days.

Are batteries eligible for the same incentives as solar panels?

The federal tax credit for storage has expired along with the solar credit, but battery storage can still qualify for state and utility incentives available for pairing storage with solar. Ask us during your consultation about what's currently available.

Can I add a battery later if I already have solar panels?

In most cases, yes. We can evaluate your existing system for compatibility and add storage down the road.

Performance in New England Weather

Do solar panels actually work in winter, or when it snows?

Yes. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and light snow typically melts or slides off fairly quickly. Heavier snow can temporarily reduce production, but New England systems are designed and mounted to handle our winters.

Will trees or shade hurt my system's production?

Shade reduces output, so we factor tree cover into the design and placement of your panels during your site assessment. If shading changes over time, keeping nearby trees trimmed helps keep production where it should be.

How long will my system actually last?

Solar equipment is built to perform for decades. Every system we install comes with a 25-year performance warranty from the manufacturer, and it's common for panels to keep producing well beyond that, with only a gradual decline in output.

Maintenance, Repairs & Warranties

What warranty comes with my system?

Every installation includes a 15-year workmanship guarantee from us, plus a 25-year warranty from the solar equipment manufacturer.

Can you service a system that another company installed?

Yes. If your original installer is unresponsive or has gone out of business, or you're just not happy with the system you have, we're glad to step in and get things running the way they should. We do have an onboarding process for orphaned systems.

How do I know if my system needs service?

A noticeable jump in your electric bill, an alert from your inverter's monitoring app, or a system that looks like it's producing less than usual are all good reasons to reach out. When in doubt, give us a call and we'll take a look.

What happens to my panels if I need a new roof later?

We can remove your system before the roof work and reinstall it afterward, so a future roof replacement doesn't mean starting over with your solar. Reinstalling your array will require meeting todays code standards.

Frequently Asked Questions