Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
A rooftop solar array could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Transitioning to solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most dependable solar installation companies in Pittsfield. These top companies offer high-quality and reliable services.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, while solar contractors technically don't need a license by the letter of the law, workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor.
Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Installing solar panels can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of home solar panels in Pittsfield varies depending on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $4,060 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, labor, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Pittsfield are 6.1 kilowatts, and the typical Pittsfield homeowners spends $17,419 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Pittsfield can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Pittsfield, the average amount someone can save is $1,005 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Pittsfield gets a moderate amount of sunlight each day, so you could expect a maximum payback period of 17.3 years per 5 kW of power depending on other factors.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to be compensated for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
The most common types of home solar panels in Pittsfield include thin-film, monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about what kinds of solar panels they work with.
