Valley Solar
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Valley Solar provides residential, commercial, and agricultural solar solutions for clients in the Western Massachusetts area. Valley Solar claims that behind Alaska and Hawaii, the state of Massachusetts has the highest cost for electricity in the country. To combat these high rates, Valley Solar has found ways to provide efficient solar and battery backup solutions to those looking to cut utility costs and utilize renewable energy.
Valley Solar technicians are trained to handle varying roof types, mounting solutions, and project varieties. In fact, Valley Solar is so confident in the installation and roofing services it provides that it offers an in-house warranty to its clients offering protection for up to 15 years.
For four straight years Valley Solar was named the winner of the Readers Choice Award for providing the best local solar service. The company also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a licensed contractor in the state of Massachusetts.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Mounting Solutions
- Farming Solar
- Quote Breakdown
- Contract-Free Process
Mounting Solutions
Not all roof structures or properties are built the same. Not all sites have ideal access to sunlight when installed on the roof alone. Some solar installation companies would just have to forfeit the project, but that is not the case for Valley Solar clients. Valley Solar offers alternative mounting solutions including:
- Rooftop
- Ground mounts
- Carports
By offering varying mounting solutions, Valley Solar clients can rest assured that their system will be placed in the most efficient location producing high quality energy.
Farming Solar
Most solar installation companies target commercial and residential solar clients. Branching out to provide alternative solar solutions to varying project types is not necessarily common within the solar industry. That being said, Valley Solar has done just that offering farming solar solutions to those working in the agricultural industry. Farmers interested in utilizing solar solutions can expect the following from Valley Solar:
- State accelerated depreciation tax benefit
- Reduction in volatile energy costs
- More accurately predict expenses
- Cutting costs allows for increased profits
- Grants are available for rural farms
By offering agricultural solutions, Valley Solar is servicing an industry that many solar installation companies will not get near.
Quote Breakdown
It is not uncommon for solar installation companies to provide free quotes to interested solar clients. What does vary by company is what is actually included in the quote. Valley Solar has made it a point to offer a breakdown of all key data most clients want in order to make a purchasing decision. Valley Solar quotes include the following components:
- Solar score (an unbiased score regarding the potential solar energy will have on the property)
- Estimated energy production along with utility savings
- Break down of costs and federal tax incentives
- Financing solutions with side-by-side comparisons
By offering all of this data to prospective clients, many questions and concerns will be addressed.
Contract-Free Process
After receiving a quote, most solar installation companies will put the pressure on prospective clients to put ink to paper and lock them into some sort of solar installation contract. This gives solar installation companies the green light to get permitting started and equipment ordered. This can be daunting for some clients as solar is a long-term financial investment.
Instead of putting this kind of pressure on clients, Valley Solar has implemented a contract-free process. After receiving a quote, Valley Solar will then conduct a site assessment. This assessment costs $500 but is completely refundable if a client decides not to move forward. This assessment will finalize systems design and collect necessary data to begin the installation process. Only after this assessment is final approval required.
The Bad
- Undisclosed Equipment Information
- Service Area
Undisclosed Equipment Information
While Valley Solar has made it clear that it is an authorized dealer of Enphase and SolarEdge battery backup solutions, the company has not disclosed what solar panels or inverters it installs on behalf of its clients.
Most solar installation companies make this information public as manufacturing partnerships play a role in many consumers’ decision making processes. By not disclosing equipment information, prospective clients of Valley Solar are left in the dark regarding the actual solar system equipment.
Service Area
The Valley Solar service area is restricted to Western Massachusetts. This is not an uncommon practice within the solar industry as many solar installation companies limit services to one state or a select few cities within a state.
However, in recent years some solar installation providers have found ways either through a dealership program or traditional expansion to cover multiple states or regions across the country. This expanded service area allows these companies to service more people interested in renewable energy. Valley Solar has no plans of expanding its service area and will continue to operate out of the western part of the state of Massachusetts.
The Bottom Line
Valley Solar has worked to offer comprehensive solar services to varying client types and property needs. To combat different property structures, Valley Solar offers a number of mounting solutions to ensure maximum energy production throughout the day.
Considering the service area, it is beneficial that Valley Solar offers farming and agricultural solar solutions for farmers. Not all companies take on those kinds of projects. Each client will receive a free and detailed quote breakdown that answers any question or concerns that may persist. Additionally, Valley Solar employs a contract-free process, taking some stress off of prospective clientswho are still on the fence about investing in solar.
While there are a number of reasons a client may want to utilize Valley Solar for solar installation services, there are some restrictions to be aware of. For starters, it is unknown what solar panel and inverter products are used in Valley Solar installations. Additionally, the Valley Solar service area is restricted to the Western Massachusetts area.
Considering both the strengths and weaknesses of the Valley Solar platform, clients interested in alternative solar solutions and mounting options would benefit from what the company has to offer. Clients located outside of the Western Massachusetts area will need to look elsewhere for solar installation services.
