The 10 Worst Solar Companies In Massachusetts MA

When people ask what the worst solar companies in Massachusetts are, they’re usually not looking for gossip. They’re trying to avoid expensive mistakes. I’ve spent years reviewing customer complaints, contract disputes, installer reviews, and service records across the Massachusetts solar market. What I’ve seen is a pattern. Some providers promise savings, smooth installs, and long-term support, but fail to deliver once the paperwork is signed.

Massachusetts has one of the strongest solar incentive programs in the country. Between SMART incentives, net metering credits, federal tax credits, and local rebates, solar can work very well here. But the same popularity that attracts good installers also draws companies that cut corners, outsource critical work, or rely on aggressive sales tactics. That’s where problems begin.

Below, I break down poorly rated solar providers that have repeatedly raised concerns among homeowners across Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and surrounding towns. These are legitimate companies with real operations, but their track records show recurring issues that buyers should understand before committing.

1. Poorly Rated Solar Companies Operating In Massachusetts

Before diving into each provider, it helps to see how these companies compare at a glance. The table below summarizes recurring issues reported by Massachusetts homeowners, industry watchdogs, and consumer complaint databases.

Each company below has a history of complaints that go beyond isolated incidents. I’ll explain what went wrong, how it affects homeowners, and what lessons buyers can take away.

Sunrun

Sunrun is one of the largest residential solar providers in the United States, and Massachusetts is a major market for them. Size alone isn’t the problem. The trouble often starts with the contract structure.

Most Sunrun customers in Massachusetts are locked into long-term leases or power purchase agreements. These contracts typically last 20 to 25 years. On paper, the monthly payments look manageable. In practice, homeowners report rising costs due to escalator clauses that increase rates every year.

Service delays are another common issue. When inverters fail or production drops, customers often wait weeks or even months for repairs. Because Sunrun relies on centralized service scheduling, local technicians may not be readily available.

Real-life example: a homeowner in Middlesex County reported a non-functioning inverter for nearly three months during peak summer production. Despite paying monthly lease fees, the system generated no usable electricity during that time.

Key concerns reported include:

• Long wait times for maintenance visits
  
• Confusing billing statements tied to production estimates
  
• Difficulty transferring leases during home sales
  

Vivint Solar (Legacy Systems Now Owned by Sunrun)

Vivint Solar no longer operates independently, but thousands of Massachusetts homes still have Vivint-installed systems now serviced by Sunrun. These legacy systems present unique problems.

Many contracts were written years ago under different terms. Homeowners who inherited these agreements through home purchases often report difficulty accessing original warranty documents. In some cases, system components are no longer manufactured, making repairs slow and costly.

Another issue involves sales promises that don’t align with actual system output. Customers expected near-total electric bill offsets but found themselves paying both utility bills and solar payments.

Common issues include:

• Limited access to original system documentation
  
• Aging equipment with unclear replacement terms
  
• Customer support confusion between legacy and current accounts
  

Trinity Solar

Trinity Solar has a strong presence across New England, including Massachusetts. While the company has completed many successful installations, complaints frequently point to their sales practices.

Many homeowners describe door-to-door representatives presenting overly optimistic savings projections. These estimates often assume ideal roof orientation, minimal shading, and consistent net metering rates. When actual production falls short, customers feel misled.

Trinity also relies heavily on subcontractors for installation work. This can lead to inconsistent workmanship depending on who completes the job.

Reported problems include:

• Sales quotes that don’t match real-world energy production
  
• Install timelines extending far beyond initial promises
  
• Communication gaps once contracts are signed
  

Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar markets itself as a premium solar provider, but Massachusetts customers often report a different experience after the sale.

Aggressive marketing campaigns draw homeowners in, but follow-up support appears inconsistent. Several customers report difficulty getting system monitoring access or understanding how their systems perform month to month.

In some cases, installations were completed before final utility approvals, leading to delays in system activation.

Typical complaints include:

• Limited transparency around system monitoring tools
  
• Delays between installation and grid connection
  
• Sales teams overselling incentives that later changed
  

SunPower (Local Dealer Installations)

SunPower is widely respected for high-efficiency solar panels. The problem in Massachusetts often isn’t the equipment, but the dealer model.

SunPower systems are installed by independent local dealers. This means service quality varies significantly depending on the installer. Some Massachusetts customers report excellent experiences, while others struggle with warranty claims when dealers go out of business or stop servicing older systems.

Warranty confusion is common. Homeowners assume SunPower corporate will handle issues, only to learn responsibility lies with a local dealer that may no longer operate.

Common issues include:

• Dealer closures leaving systems without support
  
• Delays in warranty claim processing
  
• Unclear responsibility between manufacturer and installer
  

Bright Planet Solar

Bright Planet Solar has expanded quickly in Massachusetts, which has created growing pains. Rapid growth often leads to staffing shortages, and customers feel the impact.

Permit delays are a frequent issue. Massachusetts towns have strict inspection requirements, and missing paperwork can stall projects for months. Some homeowners report completed installs sitting idle while waiting for final approvals.

Problems frequently cited:

• Missed installation deadlines
  
• Poor coordination with local inspectors
  
• Limited updates during long project delays
  

Boston Solar

Boston Solar is a local name many Massachusetts homeowners recognize. High volume, however, can strain resources.

As demand surged, customer service response times reportedly slowed. Homeowners mention difficulty scheduling repairs or system checks, especially during peak seasons.

While installation quality is generally acceptable, post-installation support often lags behind expectations.

Recurring complaints include:

• Slow response to service requests
  
• Long waits for inverter replacements
  
• Inconsistent communication during busy periods
  

Tesla Solar

Tesla Solar attracts Massachusetts homeowners with competitive pricing and sleek equipment. The downside often lies in customer support.

Tesla’s solar operations rely heavily on centralized systems. While pricing may be lower, localized service can be hard to access. Customers report long waits for troubleshooting and limited phone support.

Snow load concerns are also common in Massachusetts. When production drops after winter storms, customers sometimes struggle to get timely assessments.

Common issues reported:

• Limited local technician availability
  
• Long repair queues
  
• Difficulty speaking with knowledgeable support staff
  

PowerHome Solar (Pink Energy Legacy Systems)

PowerHome Solar, now widely associated with Pink Energy, has a troubled history nationwide. Massachusetts homeowners with older installations continue to face issues.

Many systems reportedly underperformed from the start due to poor system design. Inverters failed early, and panel output did not meet projections.

As the company’s reputation declined, support became harder to reach, leaving customers with malfunctioning systems and unresolved warranty claims.

Reported concerns include:

• Chronic underproduction
  
• Equipment failures within a few years
  
• Limited recourse for repairs
  

Sungevity (Legacy Massachusetts Installs)

Sungevity no longer operates, but its legacy systems remain across Massachusetts. When the company shut down, many homeowners were left without clear service pathways.

These orphaned systems still produce power, but when components fail, homeowners must pay out of pocket for repairs. Tracking down compatible parts can be difficult.

Common issues include:

• No active warranty support
  
• Lack of system documentation
  
• High repair costs due to obsolete components
  

Why These Solar Companies Earned Poor Reputations In Massachusetts

Massachusetts solar buyers face unique challenges. Snow loads, older housing stock, complex roof structures, and strict utility interconnection rules all demand experienced installers. Companies that struggle here often fail in three main areas.

First, sales projections are often unrealistic. Overstated savings create frustration when electric bills don’t drop as expected.

Second, service infrastructure matters. A company can install thousands of systems, but without local technicians, problems pile up.

Third, contract clarity is critical. Long-term solar agreements affect home resale value, refinancing, and future upgrades.

How Massachusetts Homeowners Can Avoid Similar Problems

From what I’ve seen, smart buyers take extra steps before signing anything.

They:

• Request production estimates based on actual utility data
  
• Ask who performs repairs and how long service visits typically take
  
• Review contract escalators and transfer terms carefully
  
• Verify installer licensing with Massachusetts authorities
  
• Speak directly with recent local customers
  

Solar can absolutely work in Massachusetts. The incentives are strong, and electricity rates are high enough to justify the investment. The key is choosing a provider with proven local support and transparent pricing.

Conclusion

The worst solar companies in Massachusetts didn’t fail because solar doesn’t work here. They failed because of poor communication, weak service networks, and sales practices that prioritized volume over long-term customer satisfaction. By understanding where these companies went wrong, homeowners can make better decisions, avoid costly contracts, and choose solar providers that respect both the technology and the people investing in it.

Taking the time to research installers now can save years of frustration later.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a poorly performing solar system in Massachusetts be upgraded instead of replaced

In many cases, yes. If the panels are still producing power but the inverter or monitoring equipment is outdated, a partial upgrade can improve performance. Massachusetts homes often benefit from newer inverters that handle snow-related production drops better. The challenge comes when the original installer is no longer active, which may require hiring an independent solar service company to assess compatibility.

What happens to solar incentives if the installation company goes out of business

State and federal incentives are tied to the system, not the installer. As long as the system was approved and interconnected properly, SMART incentives and net metering credits usually continue. The risk is ongoing maintenance, since warranties may become harder to enforce without an active service provider.

Are solar leases harder to deal with in Massachusetts than ownership systems

Leases and power purchase agreements tend to create more friction in Massachusetts, especially during home sales. Buyers often hesitate to assume long-term contracts, and some utilities require extra documentation. Owned systems generally provide more flexibility and clearer long-term value.

How does Massachusetts weather affect long-term solar system reliability

Snow accumulation, ice buildup, and freeze-thaw cycles can stress mounting systems and wiring over time. Poorly installed systems may shift or leak after repeated winters. Installers familiar with Massachusetts building codes and roof types usually design systems with steeper tilt angles and stronger racking to handle local conditions.

Can homeowners take legal action if solar savings were misrepresented

Yes, but outcomes vary. If documented sales claims clearly conflict with actual system performance, homeowners may have grounds for complaints or legal remedies. In Massachusetts, consumer protection laws are relatively strong, but resolving disputes can still take time and often depends on the contract language and written estimates provided during the sale.