Frequently Asked Questions

All of our solar and battery installation work is done by our own trained installation team. For specialized tasks, like roofing and HVAC, we partner only with trusted local contractors who meet our quality standards.

We’ve been serving homeowners across Western Massachusetts since 2015, completing thousands of successful solar and battery projects.

We serve homeowners across Western Massachusetts, including Worcester County.

• Award-Winning Reputation – Voted Best Local Solar Company by the Daily Hampshire Gazette six years in a row.
• Battery Specialists – We’re one of the few local installers with deep expertise in battery storage, so you can keep the lights on during outages and gain real energy independence.
• Production Guarantee – We stand behind our work with a promise your system will deliver the power we say it will.
• SunAlert Monitoring – Our proactive service plan means we keep an eye on your system, catch issues early, and make sure your solar keeps performing at its best.
• In-House Team – From licensed electricians to apprentices, our crews are part of Valley Solar—not subcontractors—so you get consistent quality and accountability every step of the way.
  

Unlike national installers, we’re a local Western Massachusetts team. That means:

• In-house crews — no subcontractors, no handoffs. The same team that designs your system installs and supports it.
• Local expertise — we know New England roofs, weather, and incentive programs inside and out.
• Long-term support — while many national companies disappear after install, we’re here for the life of your system, with proactive monitoring and dedicated service.

If your roof is in good condition and has 10+ years of life left, you can usually install solar as is. If it’s older or needs repairs, we recommend addressing that first to avoid removing and reinstalling panels later.

Most home systems are installed in 1–3 days. The entire process, including design, permitting, and utility approvals, typically takes 1–3 months.

Installing solar requires electrical and building permits, plus interconnection approval from your utility. Our team handles all the paperwork for you.

No. We use specialized mounting hardware and flashing to keep your roof watertight. In fact, solar panels often extend your roof’s lifespan by protecting it from the elements.

Yes. Many customers start with solar panels and add a battery later. We can evaluate your existing system and install a compatible battery when you’re ready.

Batteries are optional. Without one, your solar system will shut off during a power outage to protect utility workers. With a battery, your solar system keeps working providing immediate energy and storing solar energy to use overnight or during outages.

It depends on the battery size, how much energy you use, and how sunny it is. A typical home battery can keep essentials — lights, refrigerator, Wi-Fi, medical devices — running for 8–12 hours, and multiple batteries can extend backup power for several days.

Yes. We offer several $0-down financing programs as well as lease and power purchase options. We’ll review each path with you so you can choose the best fit for your household budget.

The cost of a solar system depends on your roof size, energy use, and the equipment you choose. The best way to know is to request a custom quote based on your home and electricity needs. Get started now with an Easy Quote.

Yes. Even without the federal credit, solar remains a strong investment in Massachusetts because of high electricity costs and generous state incentives. Most homeowners still see a return on their investment within 7–10 years, with panels continuing to produce clean power for 20+ years after that.

Solar panels actually perform well in cold weather. Shorter days mean less total sunlight, but panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures. While snow can temporarily reduce output, it usually slides off quickly once the sun comes out.

Most solar panels are backed by 25+ year performance warranties, and many continue producing electricity well beyond that with only a gradual decrease in output. Inverters may need replacement once during the system’s lifetime.

A light dusting of snow often melts or slides away on its own. Heavier snow may block production temporarily, but panels are built to handle snow loads common in New England. In many cases, the sun’s reflection off snow can even boost production once panels clear.

Yes. By producing your own clean energy, you’ll purchase less from the utility, reducing monthly bills. With net metering, any extra energy you generate is credited back to your account, lowering future bills even further.

Yes. Many homeowners call us when their original installer is no longer available. We can diagnose and fix most systems, even if we didn’t install them.

You might notice signs like a sudden jump in your electric bill, a monitoring alert, or lower-than-expected production. If you’re not tracking your system closely, it can be hard to spot problems right away — that’s where SunAlert™ comes in. Our monitoring service detects issues early and alerts our team so we can fix them before they cut into your savings. Learn More about SunAlert.

Unfortunately, solar companies sometimes close their doors. We can step in to provide the service and support you need long-term.

SunAlert™ is Valley Solar’s proprietary monitoring system that watches your solar production 24/7. Instead of waiting for you to notice a problem, SunAlert automatically alerts our local service team if performance drops, so issues can be identified and fixed quickly. It’s how we ensure your system performs as promised and why we’re able to stand behind our production guarantee.

Yes. All new Valley Solar systems come with SunAlert monitoring included for the first 10 years. Existing system owners can also subscribe to add the service.

In most cases, yes. We can often connect SunAlert to systems installed by other companies, giving you ongoing protection even if your original installer is no longer around.

Yes. Manufacturer apps show basic production data, but they don’t always flag issues quickly — and they don’t connect you to local service. SunAlert goes further by pairing monitoring with direct response from our in-house team.

Our local service team gets notified right away. We’ll contact you, explain the problem, and schedule a technician if needed — often before you even notice a drop in performance.