Boston Solar

Good work but frustrating communications and delays

I contracted with Boston Solar for installation of a comprehensive solar system of 34 panels in August, 2022, with a promised installation by December, 2022. My down payment was in September. No communication was forthcoming for months. Permits for the job were not submitted to the town and National Grid until mid December, making it clear their verbal promise of a December installation would not be met. After strenuous complaints about the lack of communication, one person was assigned to be a liaison from Boston Solar, and communication improved drastically. The system was not installed until February, and activated in early March. Thus I lost all federal tax credits for 2022, much to my frustration. The system is working great, and I am very satisfied with the product and workmanship of the installation.

Started out good, but install and post install had some issues

Sales process was pretty harmless and generally they've had responsive service. However, there were some issues with the install that were uncovered when the building inspector showed up to do the inspection. Sadly he was left hanging by the Boston Solar team - no one from Boston Solar showed up. The inspector proceeded to pick apart pieces of the install. Boston Solar then had to come out to assess what the inspector said and then return a second time to correct those issues. Both of those post-inspection installs were done without notifying me (the homeowner) that Boston Solar was coming by - not exactly convenient. Lastly, I had requested "critter guards" on the panels and realized after the install that they they were never put on. I have since asked that they be removed from the quote as I don't want more people on my roof.

Mixed Emotions

While I'm happy that I have gone "green" on my energy services, I have mixed emotions with how I've gotten to this point. Having decided to install solar late in the SREC II program, I felt rushed to make a decision before the program ended. Being a person who likes to make sure a $40K purchase is indeed the right purchase, I would've liked to understand all of the mechanics before signing the agreement. The sales process seemed to start off fairly well, but once I started asking questions, it seemed as though my questions/concerns weren't being addressed. Instead I got responses that were either generalized in nature &/or steered me towards manufacturer warranties...nothing that made me feel as though Boston Solar was standing behind the product/services they offered (both panel & my specific installation). Having known many others who installed SunPower panels, I reluctantly (and concerned about timing) pushed forward with Boston Solar. The approval process went very smooth. I ended up financing my system, which again left me feeling a bit "lonely" in the decision making process. I received only 1 referral from Boston Solar for a bank that was approved to participate in the solar loan program. Again, after doing a lot of research on my own, I figured out that the referred bank had a higher rate than others & required me to use a specific solar aggregator. After choosing a different bank, I then had to choose an aggregator. Again, Boston Solar referred me to 1 solar aggregator company w/no other guidance. And again, after doing a lot of research on my own, found a different aggregator whose commissions were 30% less than the referred aggregator! We've finely reached the install phase. I will start by saying the crew we had was very nice. However, I do think they lack some common customer service skills. Things like trash blowing around a customer yard, use of profanity & the fact that my driveway seemed like it was an outdoor "rave" party w/bass thumping, profanity laced, music is a bit of a turnoff. The install took about 6-8 hours (spread out over 2 days) & seemed to go smoothly (even though they did hit my septic system line...after being forewarned). As for the panels, they appeared to be nicely installed. As for some of the piping that was installed, the craftsmanship could be better (i.e. crooked pipe coming out of 1 building, caulking job that looks like someone was just finger painting it on, damaged dryer vent, etc.). Nevertheless, the system is installed, has since passed inspections (without issue) & is currently running. I think the customer relations staff at Boston Solar were great. They seemed informative & able to answer questions &/or assist with completing documentation when it was needed. Unfortunately, you don't get to the customer relations staff until you "sign on the dotted line" and there's a lot to be learned before you sign.

My Solar Experience

Although Boston Solar came highly recommended by a coworker of mine that had the installation by Boston Solar in Burlington, Massachusetts in 2015 I was not too impressed. The salesperson was cordial and communication between us was great the problem was after the sale. The crew that came to do the installation was rude, they walk in my house like they own it and in one instance use my microwave and went in to my refrigerator without permission, they left trash, debris and some of the solar connectors scattered around the yard and the front of the garages. I spoke to BS management and they told me they wold take are of it but in my opinion they was not taken seriously for the price I paid! After the panels were installed I noticed they put the pipes in the front making the installation look unpleasant to the eyes and aesthetically wrong. They finally came and change the pipe after many attempts. Communication for the installation, town inspector, final inspection and rework where nor as good and professional as I expected. My advise to Boston Solar, when you grow don't sacrifice quality in the process, I expected you to be a PREMIER installer because of the recommendation ans the price$$.