Rated 4.83 / 5 from 23 reviews
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Sunlight Solar Energy At Sunlight Solar, you won't find a sales pitch, rather you'll find a group of people who think solar is just pretty darn cool (this doesn't mean they aren't experts too!) and who want to see solar on more homes and businesses across the US. Our team not only helps you decide if your site is a good fit for solar, but helps you choose what is the best fit for your building.

When our customers go solar, they feel confident in their decision and are as excited about the project as we are. Not only are we committed to helping our customers make environmentally responsible buying decisions, our own environmental stewardship is demonstrated by our company-wide use of hybrid vehicles, recycled paper products, organic company clothing, commuting to work by foot, bus, or bike whenever possible, supporting local non-profits, and most importantly, using US made solar equipment whenever possible.
Services
New Construction
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The roof orientation, or azimuth, is extremely important to the efficiency of a solar system. A roof facing true south is ideal in Massachusetts; on a compass, this is 180 degrees. Next, it is very important that the roof be free of shade from trees or other nearby obstructions. Here's a good rule of thumb: a tree should be at least 2-3 times as far away from the house as it is tall.
Solar Electric Systems
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Solar Electricity is also known as Photovoltaics or PV for short. PV systems can be mounted on a roof or on the ground. They provide electricity for buildings such as your home or office; they can also provide electricity for factories or utilities.
Commercial
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Sunlight Solar Energy provides everything you need to power your business, municipal, or non-profit building with solar electricity, from custom system design and financing that fits your circumstances, to top-quality installations and monitoring systems that track your solar output.
Residential
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From Fall 2014 to 2015, Sunlight Solar Energy has partnered with Green Decade Newton, the city's sustainability office, community organizations and Newton-based BarnRaise Energy to create the Newton Solar Challenge.
Reviews (23)
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Jim L.
Mar 20, 2022
OK, so this is an update on our solar system 10 years later. And just to be completely fair this issue is not necessarily with Sunlight Solar but it is with Sunrun, and their otherworldly bad customer service, and the fact that they don't seem to honor terms of our contract. Our roof started leaking recently due to the solar panels, and even though our contract noted that repairs and maintenance was covered during our leasing agreement, Sunrun told us no, it's only for 5 years and would not show that to us in writing.

So then we said ok, tell us the cost for buying out the system and uninstalling. We called about 15 or more times. Many of them where we were on hold for hours, some of them we were on hold and then hung up on, and in some calls we were promised that someone would get back to us and of course nobody got back to us. After all these calls we still don't have a firm price to buy out the system and uninstall it.

It feels like Sunrun is forcing you to lease for the full term so that they can get all the tax credits, ignoring you on customer service, and just hoping that you'll give up. This is violating their contract which actually spells out the option to buy out and remove their system. They'll move heaven and earth to get you as a customer and you'll be happy at first but later on they will ignore you later if there is ever any issue with their systems later on.
Leslie Taylor
Aug 24, 2021
We had our initial solar array installed by Sunlight Solar in 2011, a second in 2014 and recently needed some updating. Each time the office personnel and the people who did the work were responsible, respectful and efficient. I feel very confident in their expertise and appreciate the help we have had over the past 10 years and can recommend them highly.
David Russ
Mar 22, 2021
We recently completed a 21-panel system on our roof. The job included changing our electrical panel to bring it up to date, and the late addition of the "critter guard", as a squirrel nested under our panels almost as soon as it was put in place. Sunlight made the system to our specifications, they did it cleanly and within budget. There were some unavoidable delays, as is often the case, but the professionals at Sunlight distinguished themselves by maintaining communication and transparency during the process. We are pleased with the outcome, and the process was good as well. I would recommend that you have Sunlight look at your project.
Dennis Shen
Mar 16, 2021
Sunlight Solar was very nice to deal with on the install 3 years ago. Two days ago I noticed a 3501 error code on the display. I emailed Sunlight Solar, got an immediate response, and they were over the next day and fixed the issue. (drilled weep holes in a connector box and caulked same) It was covered by warranty. Nathan Braun, Nick Isham and the two masked guys who came over to do the work should all get raises.
Olaf Kowalik
Dec 12, 2020
I have an old solar system at my house which was installed by the previous owner. The inverter failed and I needed to replace it (prior installer and system manufacturer are all out of business now). I think I called every single solar installer in Portland for help. Sunlight Solar was the only one who was willing to help me with a replacement (everyone else only does new installs and isn't interested in helping with repairs/replacement).

Even though they were busy, Sunlight Solar came out that week and did an assessment and quickly gave me a quote. They ordered a replacement and scheduled the install a few weeks later. Jim and Garrett were awesome, explained everything and answered all my questions. They even did the install without needed to turn off my power which was really important for us because we're all working from home now. Nick, the construction coordinator, was super responsive and answered all my questions and went the extra mile to resolve initial wifi connectivity issues with my new inverter. I was really impressed with their customer support and install services (especially since no other Portland solar company would help me). Thanks Nick & team!
Emma L.
Jul 01, 2020
Sunlight Solar was comparable in price to a few other companies, but I chose them because they offered the enphase inverters that I preferred. They were knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly. I first contacted them on May 4, and my system is up and running July 1! They were very fast. I think some of the wait has to do with permits, and things being closed because of covid. I would highly recommend Sunlight Solar!
Kim Burgess
Mar 10, 2020
We have had a great experience with Sunlight Solar. They installed our system two years ago. We chose them because they creatively came up with the best design to maximize our roof space for solar production. Everything went smoothly with the install and they continue to provide great customer service when we have questions or concerns. They know their stuff and are great to work with. Highly recommended!
Kirsten Burt
Jan 28, 2020
We've been really happy with Sunlight Solar. Nathan (sales) was very knowledgeable and helpful. The process was a bit long because our roof couldn't support the project as originally planned, but Nathan worked with us to design a new project for our garage roof. It's really exciting to have the panels online finally! With financing, this was an affordable way to make a big environmental impact.
Cal P.
Oct 17, 2019
Our project was a full service experience and hassle free. The staff is extremely responsive and helpful. Getting a solar system installed seemed like overwhelming task but throughout the process everything was explained clearly. They handled the city permits for the project, the application for tax incentives and the state net metering application, as well as all the coordination with the electric company. The installation itself was done in just a few hours.
Eileen Sleva
May 14, 2019
I have nothing but great praise for Sunlight Solar. From the initial meeting with Nathan until the completion of the project with Erik, the company was extremely courteous, mindful of my time and our property, efficient in installation, and always available to answer my many questions. They handled a minor snafu with grace and elegance. Owner Paul is available to consult with if necessary. They installed locally made panels and guaranteed their work for 10 years. I would recommend this company to anyone wanting to do their part for our environment. Go Solar!
Daniel F.
Apr 01, 2019
Everyone at sunlight solar was so helpful in helping me get my new house to go solar. They made the process extremely easy and walked me through every step of the way. I am extremely happy that I was going solar was so easy as I am now able to produce most of my electricity myself! Not only was it extremely easy, but it was also extremely affordable thanks to the financial incentives that it brings with it.

For the first year after my installation, I did not pay a single penny in electric costs. I only had to start paying electric costs recently because we purchased an electric car. I highly recommend Matt and everyone at Sunlight Solar! Thanks everyone!
Lisa C.
Feb 19, 2019
I cannot say enough about how professional, competent and responsive sunlight solar is. I did a ton of research on solar and thanks to Green Newton I went with this company. Everything they said about price, timing, delivery and performance was true. Anytime I contact them they respond instantaneously. The people who work there are committed to the company, to the customer and to having a positive impact on the environment.

And on top of all this, since November 2017 my system has generated more than projected resulting in month after month of no electric bills. I am not usually one who writes reviews or raves about performance but this company is special. Try them.
Richard Sherman
Jan 21, 2019
Sunlight Solar and their whole team (Nick, the install crews), as well as the management, are all absolutely fantastic. We had a large, complex install at a future Vineyard site with many challenges (steep hillside, rocky soil, setback issues, tree shading issues, tough connection through a basement and brick exterior. A LOT of challenges. I was worried about the complexity and scope of work, but the whole team really went above and beyond. They solved all of the problems and at the end of the project, I am VERY happy to recommend them. This is a company that stands by their word and their work.
Gideon C.
Jun 04, 2018
An excellent experience. I chose Sunlight Solar to do a complicated PV install on my 1890 Victorian in Brookline MA this past Spring and could not be happier. The panel installation sprawled over no less than five separate steeply pitched roof planes. The electric work involved adding an entirely new meter to enable a community-solar net-metering arrangement with my neighbor in a very tight space in the basement, Sunlight handled it all brilliantly.

Their staff was incredibly professional and everyone involved was knowledgeable, punctual, efficient, and friendly - so much so that I offered to buy one of the electricians a beer! My main point of contact, Mike, was always available to answer questions and was easy to work with. Sunlight took care of all permits and got the work done on schedule. I would definitely recommend Sunlight Solar.
Molly D.
Mar 21, 2018
We love our solar panels! A big thank you to everyone at Sunlight Solar! It took many people to make this happen. From Matt our excellent sales rep, to the system designer, to the office coordinator, to the installers. A job well done. Thank you all! I highly recommend this company for installation of solar panels. This can be a complicated process and they made it work beautifully. Looking forward to seeing the results!
John
Aug 23, 2017
We loved working with Sunlight Solar. They were professional, courteous, and well. excellent! The system they provided is clean and clearly has the look of pride of craftsmanship.
Erik Beeman
Aug 11, 2017
High quality solar installations, knowledgeable management and crews, and a pleasure to work with. They not only install standard solar systems, but are also keen to custom projects, solar shade structures, and are involved in both residential and commercial. They are very supportive of the Portland community. All employees offer great customer service and are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend contacting Sunlight Solar for all your solar electric needs.
Margaret
Apr 07, 2017
Sunlight Solar was able to offer a terrific low-interest loan and other options that made owning our own solar array the only choice. We were delighted to find that they followed through on every detail and every promise that they made. Brandon, Rachel and their entire group were completely professional and accessible at every stage.
Andy
Feb 19, 2017
We enjoyed working with the Sunlight Solar team, who made this one of the easiest home improvement projects we have ever done. We are hoping we will get several decades of clean energy from our new system.
Chris Gerlt
Jan 31, 2017
I'd been interested in solar and after moving into my first home, I reached out to Sunlight Solar to see if my home was a good fit. They responded very quickly and came out to inspect shortly, informing me it was a good fit. I didn't bother soliciting other bids since theirs fit my budget, I was very pleased with my interactions to that point, and they were just a few blocks away.

Every step of the process went very smoothly. They answered any questions right away and I learned a lot about the system. The install even happened sooner than originally scheduled! It was an easy process for me, they handled everything from start to finish. Highly recommend for their expertise, responsiveness, and all around nice people to work with.
Jim
Dec 26, 2016
Sunlight Solar Energy installed the panels in the winter of 2012 and they were professional and helpful. I had a lot of questions about the installation and the operation, and they were very patient in answering them. They arrived when they were supposed to arrive, did the work they were supposed to do, and were a minimum of inconvenience.
Carol
Sep 03, 2016
We had a very positive experience with Sunlight Solar from start to finish. We initially sought out bids from two different solar panels companies, and over time it was clear that Sunlight Solar was the more reliable choice.
Aaron Feher
Dec 18, 2015
Very helpful. Installed what I wanted not what they have, like all other companies ( solar city, sun run.) I spoke with. Had the best bid right away. Very knowledgeable staff and always quick to answer.