SunBug Solar
Author: Kaitlyn Short
SunBug Solar was founded in 2009, is located in Massachusetts and they have installed over 10MW of photovoltaics statewide. SunBug offers solar services to homeowners, business owners and non-profits of all sizes. And they believe that reliability, honesty and integrity are at the core of all successful, long-term relationships. Additionally, they are proud to have earned the coveted Angie's List Super Service Award for four years running, which lends credence to their motto of reliability, honesty and integrity.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Current on the Latest Technology and Regulations
- Impressive List of Partners
- Net Metering Allowed
- Outstanding Warranty
- System Monitoring
Current on the Latest Technology and Regulations
SunBug prides itself in keeping abreast of the state's net metering policies and the implementation of incentive programs offered through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) & Department of Energy Resources (DOER), as well as the upcoming legislation for the Green Communities Act. This means that going solar in Massachusetts is now a very viable option for many people.
Impressive List of Partners
A great company is made even greater when partnering with other reputable industry leaders. SunBug Solar is proud to have partnered with Amicus Solar Cooperative, Sunpower Corp., Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), which is an agency within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), SRECTrade, which is a leading solar renewable energy credit management and transaction platform, Sungage Financial and New England Solar Hot Water, which offers solar hot water systems.
Net Metering Allowed
Net metering is not allowed in all states, but it is in Massachusetts. Net metering works like this: during the day when your system is producing more energy than you use, it sends electricity back to your utility company by spinning the meter backwards. Then at night or during other no-sun events, when you're using more electricity than you're producing, the meter spins forward. At the end of the month, you are only charged the net difference, which oftentimes results in savings.
Outstanding Warranty
SunBug Solar offers a 10-year installation warranty, a 10- to 25-year panel manufacturer product warranty, a 25-year panel manufacturer output warranty and a 10- to 25- year inverter manufacturer warranty.
System Monitoring
SunBug Solar provides system monitoring via an online dashboard that's tied to SunBug's own tracking system as well, which provides you with your system's production, production history, performance tracking, and depending on the system that was installed, you might also have component level data as well. Additionally, if your system ever encounters a problem, SunBug's monitoring feature will allow them to notify you immediately to schedule a repair.
The Bad
- No PPAs
- Undisclosed Moving Options
No PPAs
Unfortunately, SunBug Solar doesn't offper power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Undisclosed Moving Options
SunBug's website does not provide any information about whether or not they offer any type of moving services if you decide to move and take your system with you or if at some point you need to have your roof replaced. Therefore, before you make any final decisions, you will need to ask them if they provide moving services and if so are they included as part of your contract. And if not, do they offer that service for a fee and if so how much will it cost.
The Bottom Line
There is not much to dislike about SunBug Solar. They appear to be a top-notch, reputable solar services provider. Additionally, they are pretty transparent and thorough about what they have to offer and how the whole solar process works.
