Solar Installer Reviews

Brightstar Solar

Brightstar Solar Review

4.65

44 Reviews

Maximize your solar
savings with:

Personalized quotes

Pre-vetted installers

Better product & prices

Company Information

Headquarters:
257 Maple St, Unit 2 Marlborough, MA 01752 United States

All Reviews


Chris-in Walpole | Walpole, Massachusetts
03/25/2021

Brightstar worked closely with me to install the maximum number of panels, 36 we could put on my roof. We selected panels without the silver traces and black surround so the would be relatively unobtrusive. I have some shading from trees across the road but still make 10M watt/hrs/year. Since installation we had one of the 36 optimizers and an inverter fail - both replaced quickly under warranty and at no cost to me! Last week (March 21) I saw some intermittent inverter shut down that Brightstar were able to determine that the cause was utility voltage was out of specification. I also measured it as 130v that could be dangerous to electrical equipment in the 100s of homes on that circuit. The utility quickly verified this and replace their failed regulator. Good work Brightstar!

Jon B. | Concord, Massachusetts
05/04/2020

~12kW system with a 10k inverter and 32x Solaria 370W panels. I had site visits from EIGHT different solar installers before downselecting to Brightstar for several key reasons. I could go on for many pages, but I'll try to summarize in my "top five" below: 1) "Owner/operator" small business model. Jon is on-site for installs & inspections, and Mona (his better half) handles permitting, design, and all sorts of behind-the-scenes legwork. They communicate seamlessly and rapidly, and respond professionally to individualized requests. You'll feel like you are their ONLY customer. Solar installs in Concord, MA are a red-tape nightmare if you're even remotely considering doing it yourself. The town's website outlines TWENTY-SIX separate steps that take place from design, permitting, installation, final inspection etc.......... 90% of it was completely transparent to me. Brightstar handled it ALL and we never missed a beat in the install timeline. 2) KNOWLEDGEABLE, yet understandable. There are a lot of technical nuances behind panel choices, layouts, inverter sizing, service tie-in, etc... they'll take all the time that's necessary to make you comfortable in your own level of understanding, and they'll get down to the details OR give you the "so what" Readers' Digest version... whichever you prefer. They are expert "translators"! 3) COST. They offered both LG and US-made Solaria panels and gave me a competitive quote. Cost per kW was second-best out of eight (by a small margin) but the better-looking panels and exceptional service are what ultimately pushed me to decide on Brightstar. Considering this was a $35k install (before rebates, thank goodness!), the <$1k difference was lost in the noise and it quickly became clear that I made the right choice. 4) QUALITY. The Solaria panels are GORGEOUS and POWERFUL. The installers and electricians that Brightstar uses are top-notch. I was closely observing their work and never saw them cut a single corner or take any shortcuts. They all worked as though they were installing this system in their own homes. 5) CUSTOMIZATION: I have a masters degree in engineering and I do nearly EVERYTHING on my homes myself, so to say I'm a "demanding" client when I have to bring someone else in to do work for me is an understatement. Jon and I had a lot of back-and-forth to refine material selection, array layout, inverter selection, wiring runs, and more... I am WAY more work to deal with than the average customer, but Jon never lost patience or tried to wave me off and say "don't worry about it, we'll take care of it." I felt like my voice was heard and my input valued at every step of the way.

ELECTRON | Andover, Massachusetts
02/06/2020

They installed our 15kwdc system with no disruption to our life. Jon and Mona are conscientious installers who really care about the industry and promoting clean energy through thorough workmanship.

Jay13 | Hopkinton, Massachusetts
01/13/2018

Jon and Mona are professionals and we are very happy we selected them for our Solar Installation. They spent a lot of time with us upfront explaining the process end-to-end and answering literally dozens of questions I had an were sensitive to our needs regarding aesthetics. Their proposal and plans were very detailed and on-point with what how the install eventually went. They also answered my questions post-install to make sure I was comfortable with how SREC-II and Aggregator would work etc.. I would recommend them for your residential solar install.

Kiekie | Fitchburg, Massachusetts
06/14/2015

I interviewed 6 companies and entertained their respective estimates. In a nutshell, there was Brightstar and then everyone else was a very distant runner up. Jon and Mona were ALWAYS accessible, extremely professional, patient, and understanding. Their crews were extension of their values and exemplified care and concern for our property. There are many options for residential solar, however there is only one voice...BRIGHTSTAR.

John H. | Ipswich, Massachusetts
10/16/2014

Jon and Mona were excellent to deal with. They presented us with a very detailed plan for our home. They were on time and always keep our General Contractor in the loop. They work well with other contractors and their work is neat and through. If you are looking at solar, you should definately give them an opportunity.

Anonymous | Watertown, Massachusetts
02/24/2013

<br />

Anonymous | Walpole, Massachusetts
02/23/2013

Jon & Mona were wonderful to deal with - they communicated everything clearly and completely and they take great pride in their work. I love that they are a small, family owned business, who do the work themselves and hire their own employees, rather than contract out the various aspects of the job. They set the bar very high for themselves when they laid out their proposal to us and they absolutely met the bar. I am very happy with the solar panel manufacturing company they used for our solar panels and would recommend them as well.<br />Jon and Mona have a complete understanding of the solar panel installation process, beginning with federal, state and local requirements and ending with working with the local utility companies and the SREC aggregators. They left nothing to chance and allowed us to rely entirely on their expertise and support from the first step in the proces to the last step and continuing today. I could not recommend BrightStar Solar any more highly.

States Served

MA

What To Look For In A Solar Installer?

When looking for a solar installer, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose a reputable and competent company that meets your needs.

When selecting an installer like Brightstar Solar consider:

Experience and Reputation:

Look for a company with a solid track record and years of experience in the solar industry. Read the latest Brightstar Solar solar reviews from past customers to gauge their reputation.

Certifications and Licenses:

Ensure the installer holds the necessary licenses and certifications required in your area. Look for certifications from organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) to verify their expertise.

Quality Products and Technology:

Inquire about the types and brands of solar panels, inverters, and other equipment they use. Quality matters for long-term performance. Ask if they offer the latest solar technologies, such as high-efficiency panels or energy storage solutions.

Learn more: Best Solar Panels for Homes | Top Solar Batteries

Warranty Information:

Understand the warranties they offer for equipment and workmanship. A reputable installer should provide comprehensive warranties. The majority of modern solar panels are equipped with a warranty spanning 20 to 30 years, encompassing both the product's integrity and its energy output. An ordinary workmanship warranty offered by a certified company typically provides coverage for solar panels for an average period of 10 years.

Transparent Pricing and Contracts:

Get detailed solar quotes that include all costs, from equipment and labor to permits and inspections. Review the contract carefully to ensure it's clear and transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises.

Local Knowledge:

Choose a company familiar with local building codes, regulations, and permitting processes. This can expedite the installation and ensure compliance.

Customized Design:

Look for companies who provide custom solar system designs tailored to your specific energy needs and property characteristics.

Energy Production Estimates:

The installer should provide accurate estimates of how much energy the system will generate, factoring in local climate conditions and other key influences. If your estimated solar savings are much higher with one solar company, you'll want to inquire further to ensure their savings projections aren't skewed to close the sale. Connect with us for a free estimate.

Financing Options:

Inquire about solar financing options, including purchase, lease, or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Ensure you know the pros and cons of each option.

Customer Service:

Assess their responsiveness and willingness to answer your questions and concerns and consider the installer's commitment to your project satisfaction. Throughout your solar process we’ll advocate for you, ensuring your solar project is done right.

References and Recommendations:

Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have installed solar panels. Ask the installer for references from past clients who can share their experiences. You can also read the latest reviews on Brightstar Solar.

Multiple Quotes:

Don't hesitate to obtain quotes from multiple installers to compare pricing, services, and warranties. Hint: We can help!

Financing and Incentive Knowledge:

Ensure the installer is knowledgeable about available incentives, tax credits, rebates and financing options. At EnergyPal, we’ll help maximize your savings.

Safety Practices:

Confirm that the installer adheres to safety protocols during installation to protect both workers and your property.

By researching and considering these factors, you can select a reputable solar installer who will provide a quality solar energy system and a positive experience throughout the installation process. Connect with us to learn more about the best solar installers in your area.

How Do I Compare Solar Installation Options?

To make an informed decision when comparing solar installation options, start by determining your energy needs and seeking multiple quotes from reputable installers. Examine the quality of equipment, evaluate proposed system designs, and consider financing options, factoring in total costs and long-term savings. Assess warranties, support, and the installer's experience while also checking for customer feedback and references. Gauge their responsiveness and customer service, ensuring they educate you about the process. Consider an installer's licensing, and certifications. Request accurate energy production estimates and review contracts for transparency. By evaluating these factors, you can confidently choose the solar installation option that aligns with your energy goals and budget. Connect with us for a free quote.

Steps for Installing Solar Panels

  • Qualification: Contact solar companies through web forms, referrals, or flyers. Answer questions to determine eligibility.
  • System Design: Receive initial solar system design in a proposal. Review the design and consider panel placement, avoiding “under-sizing“ or “oversizing.“
  • Compare Quotes: Evaluate quotes, considering factors like monthly payments, power output, and system details. Seek guidance to simplify the comparison.
  • Contract Signing: Select a company and panel design, understand and sign the contract.
  • Site Survey: Technician assesses the site for solar panel installation, checking roof orientation and structural integrity.
  • Engineering: Behind-the-scenes process finalizes system layout, electrical configuration, and structural safety for permit submission.
  • Permitting: The company obtains necessary permits and approvals, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Installation: Expert team mounts panels, installs wiring and inverters, connects the system to the grid.
  • System Activation: Request final inspections, obtain permission to operate (PTO) from the utility, and turn on the system. Monitoring apps track power generation. From a signed contract to installation and system activation this process can take two to six months to complete. Check out our article for a more indepth look into the solar installation process.

Local Installers, Tax Credits, And Rebates In Your State

+

Brightstar Solar Solar Review Conclusion

Prior to making a decision to work with Brightstar Solar, homeowners should thoroughly review multiple solar installation providers and quotes. This ensures they can secure the most suitable choices, advantages, and cost-effectiveness that align with their specific requirements.

Our impartial advisors are here with your best interests in mind. We listen, educate, and guide you to ensure you find the energy solution that's the perfect fit for your home.

We provide free custom designs tailored precisely to your home's unique requirements, allowing you to compare programs side by side.

Get a free custom quote on your solar system

Step 1 of 4

Do you own or rent your property?

We use cookies on our website. To learn more about cookies and how we use them view our Privacy Policy.