Finding a Solar Company You Can Actually Trust in Massachusetts
With hundreds of solar installers operating in the Bay State, knowing who to trust is half the battle. Here is what to look for — and what to run from.
Get a Free QuoteThe Massachusetts Solar Market Is Crowded — That Is Not Always a Good Thing
Massachusetts has hundreds of solar companies competing for your business, from large national chains to small local outfits. The Bay State ranked 4th in the nation for solar jobs, and more than 60% of those workers are installers. That is a lot of people knocking on doors and making promises.
The challenge for homeowners is separating the companies that will deliver quality work from the ones chasing a quick commission. Massachusetts has seen a surge in consumer complaints — the Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy & Response Division (CARD) has processed hundreds of solar-related complaints in recent years, many involving misleading sales tactics, confusing contracts, and unfulfilled promises. The good news: a little homework goes a long way.
How to Verify a Solar Company in Massachusetts
Every solar installer working on existing residential homes in Massachusetts must be registered as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. This is not optional — it is state law. You can verify any contractor's registration at the official HIC Contractor Search tool at services.oca.state.ma.us. Check that their registration is active, note their HIC number, and confirm the business name matches who you are dealing with. If a company cannot provide their HIC registration number, that is your cue to walk away.
Beyond the HIC registration, look for companies that carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Ask how long they have been installing solar specifically in Massachusetts — navigating Eversource and National Grid interconnection processes, pulling permits in Boston versus Springfield versus Worcester, and designing systems for New England's snow loads requires real local experience. A company that just entered the Massachusetts market last year will not have the same institutional knowledge as one that has been here for a decade.
Red Flags That Should Send You Running
The Massachusetts Attorney General's office has fielded hundreds of solar complaints, and the patterns are consistent. Watch out for any company that pressures you to sign today with a "limited-time offer" — legitimate incentives like the federal tax credit and MREC do not expire tomorrow. Be wary of salespeople who promise specific dollar savings without seeing your electric bill or assessing your roof. And if someone knocks on your door and will not take "no" for an answer, contact local law enforcement — the AG's office has specifically flagged this behavior. Also scrutinize any contract longer than you would expect to live in your home, especially if the escalation clause is buried in the fine print.
Other warning signs include companies that will not provide a written quote, those that ask for large upfront deposits before any work begins, and installers who cannot explain how net metering works with your specific utility — whether that is Eversource or National Grid. If they cannot tell you the difference between those two utilities' interconnection processes, they do not know Massachusetts well enough to be on your roof. File complaints with the AG's Consumer Advocacy & Response Division online or by calling (617) 727-8400.
Explore Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
✶How do I verify a solar company is licensed in Massachusetts?+
✶What should I do if a solar company uses high-pressure sales tactics?+
✶Should I choose a local Massachusetts solar company or a national chain?+
✶How many quotes should I get before choosing a solar installer?+
✶What questions should I ask a solar company before signing a contract?+
✶What is the biggest complaint about solar companies in Massachusetts?+
Your Electric Bill Is Only Going Up
Massachusetts electricity rates have risen over 50% in the last 5 years alone. Lock in a lower rate today with solar.
See How Much You Can SaveWhat’s Really on Your Electric Bill?
57% of your bill is hidden fees and charges!
Delivery Charges
Random, confusing charges like the "customer charge" and "energy efficiency charge" make up most hidden fees.
17%
of your bill
Distribution
Supports and maintains the poles, wires, and other infrastructure that gets power from the main line to your home.
27%
of your bill
Transmission
What the electric company charges you for transporting power from the supply source to local towers and lines.
13%
of your bill
Actual Supply
The electricity you actually use—just 43% of what you pay.
43%
of your bill
Solar Eliminates All These Charges
When you go solar, you no longer rely on the utility company to produce electricity—and no longer have to pay their ridiculous charges. Instead, you produce your own power with a low, locked-in solar rate.
Eliminate Your Electric Bill TodayIs Solar Really Free in Massachusetts?
While you can’t technically get “free” solar panels anywhere, they are “free” in the sense that you can expect to pay less for solar than you already do for electricity — and it costs nothing to make the switch.
So you’re swapping out an unpredictable and constantly increasing electric bill for a price protected solar payment that is usually about 40% lower. While it isn’t exactly “free”, it’s about as close as it gets.
Need a New Roof? Bundle and Save.
Our Roof + Solar Bundle makes it easy for Mass locals to get a new roof and solar at the same time. Since it’s an essential part of the solar project, you save big by bundling — and still pay less than traditional electricity.
Learn About Roof + SolarReady to Work with a Solar Company You Can Trust?
Get a free, no-pressure quote from Evergreen Solar. We are a local Massachusetts company that uses American-made QCell panels and never sends door-to-door salespeople. See what honest solar looks like.
Get Your Free Quote