Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Amherst homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, add value to your property, and decrease your carbon footprint. Making the transition to solar energy can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Amherst. These reliable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
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User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. A master electrician is required to oversee solar PV installations in New Hampshire. However, solar thermal installers need not be licensed plumbers unless a locality requires it.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's integrity and customer service. Avoid providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
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 option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology being used. The typical Amherst solar array has a capacity of 5.0 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $4,220 per kilowatt; the average Amherst homeowners spends roughly $14,627 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for factors such as the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include fees for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees.
Incentive Amount:
Lighting: Online discounts & coupons at participating retailers
LED Light Fixture: $5
Heating/Cooling Equipment: Up to $400
Heat Pump Water Heaters: Up to $600
Clothes Dryers: up to $200
Clothes Washer: Up to $50
Dehumidifier: $25
ENERGY STAR Homes: $4,000
Natural Gas Heating Equipment: Up to $1,500
Natural Gas thermostats: Up to $100
Pool Pumps: Up to $500
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $30
Refrigerators: Up to $75
Room Air Conditioner: $20
Room Air Purifiers: $40
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system 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.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can raise your property values, reduce emissions, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Amherst can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Full-service solar contractors in the Amherst area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
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.
While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
