Solar Installer for Hampshire and Franklin Counties, MA
Northampton, Amherst, Easthampton, South Hadley, Belchertown and Greenfield do not all buy electricity from the same company, and that changes what solar can do for your home.
Registered: MA HIC #220128 · CT HIC #0698394 · Based in Newington, CT · 5.0 stars on Google
- Registered in Massachusetts (MA HIC #220128) and Connecticut (CT HIC #0698394)
- BBB accredited
- 100+ completed installations company-wide
- Office: 125B Rockwell Rd, Newington, CT 06111
SunPol Solar looks up your utility first, then designs your system, handles your building permit and utility paperwork for you, and manages installation with licensed Massachusetts electricians and installation team, project-managed from our Newington, CT office.
Who delivers your electricity
| Town | Electric utility | Permits and inspections |
|---|---|---|
| Northampton | National Grid per the City; Eversource also lists Northampton (check your bill) | Building Commissioner; solar electrical fee on the city schedule; public permit search |
| Amherst | Eversource | Inspection Services; online permit portal |
| Easthampton | Eversource | Building Inspector; PermitEyes portal; solar needs a rough and a final inspection |
| Greenfield | Eversource | Building Inspections; PV needs a rough (rail bonding) and a final electrical inspection |
| Belchertown | National Grid | Inspection Department; solar listed on the building fee schedule, electrical permit also required |
| South Hadley | South Hadley Electric Light Department (town-owned) | Online wiring and building permits; plant approval needed first |
Franklin County: Greenfield's utility is Eversource, per the City. None of Franklin County's towns appears on the state's list of municipal light plants.
South Hadley is different
South Hadley Electric Light Department (SHELD) is a town-owned utility. Its published interconnection requirements say customers "must own all equipment installed on the property (no third-party lease)," do not allow community or virtual metering, and cap residential systems at 855 kW in total, first come. SHELD must approve the interconnection in addition to the town permits.
The state's SMART incentive is for projects interconnected by Eversource, National Grid or Unitil, so it does not apply here. SHELD's 2018 metering policy credits excess generation at full retail value, but its 2026 document says metering follows the policy in effect when you apply, so ask SHELD for today's credit rate before you decide.
In South Hadley SunPol offers a cash purchase or a loan. PPAs and the Prepaid Solar Program are not offered there.
Historic districts and solar in Northampton
Northampton's Elm Street Historic District allows rooftop-mounted solar panels "only if consistent with design standards." The city's design standards ask for at least 2 feet of roof surface left visible around the array and for panels mounted parallel to the roof, no more than 3 inches above it (2013 standards; check with the Historic District Commission for any update).
If your home is in a local historic district, tell us at booking and we will check review requirements before design.
Supply programs do not cancel solar credits
Several towns run community electricity supply programs: Valley Green Energy (Northampton, Amherst, Pelham), Easthampton Community Electricity, Greenfield Light & Power and Belchertown's Energy Choice. They change who supplies the electricity, not who delivers it. Easthampton's launch letter says existing net metering or community solar credits "will continue uninterrupted," and Greenfield's program FAQ says solar owners "will continue to receive your credits or incentive payments."
Permit details by town
- Greenfield: electrical permits are not issued to homeowners, and the City's page describes applications submitted by mail or drop-off. The licensed electrician on your installation team files the electrical permit; SunPol prepares and coordinates the paperwork.
- Easthampton: contractors submit through the PermitEyes portal.
- Amherst and South Hadley submit through online portals (OpenGov and ViewPoint Cloud).
- Belchertown: the fee schedule lists a residential solar line and notes that an electrical permit is also required.
Homes in the upper valley
Census ACS 2024 one-year estimates show an older housing stock in Franklin County than in Hampshire County: median year built 1963 in Franklin County and 1969 in Hampshire County, with about 31% of Franklin County homes built before 1940 against about 25% in Hampshire County.
About 72% of occupied homes in Franklin County and 66% in Hampshire County are owner-occupied. SunPol designs for homeowners only. Roof age and condition are part of what your advisor reviews with you.
What is the same across Massachusetts
The state income tax credit is 15% of the net cost, capped at $1,000 in total for your principal residence, for systems you own. Solar can be exempt from local property tax for 20 years. The federal residential clean energy credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Details are on the Massachusetts solar company page.
Ways to go solar here
Where your utility allows it, you can go solar three ways. Solar PPA: our financing partner owns the system, you pay for the electricity it produces, and solar + Tesla Powerwall 3 is available. Direct Ownership (cash or loan): you buy the system with cash or a solar loan through our lending partners (subject to lender approval), with a Tesla Powerwall 3 or FranklinWH aPower 2 if you add a battery. Propel, where your project qualifies: always loan-financed; a potential, project-specific 25–35% lower program price than a cash purchase; requires Enphase equipment. You will still get a utility bill with any option.
A home battery on its own: a 10- or 12-year Tesla Powerwall 3 lease through our financing partner, or a cash or loan purchase of a Tesla Powerwall 3 or FranklinWH aPower 2.
With SunPol, the homeowner receives the battery incentives in Connecticut and Massachusetts, whether you buy with cash or a loan or use our financing partner's lease or PPA. In Connecticut, the Energy Storage Solutions enrollment incentive is deducted from the lease price. Incentive amounts are quote-specific. Battery incentives are not currently available for the Enphase battery in Propel. With the Prepaid Solar Program, your agreement explains how incentives are handled.
In Eversource and National Grid towns, the Prepaid Solar Program is one price, paid upfront, for a 25-year term with maintenance and monitoring included and no monthly program payments. Your price is exactly 30% less than buying the same system, and your system must be in service by December 31, 2027 to qualify for this SunPol offer. Estimated breakeven is about 8–10 years, with an estimated $30,000–$60,000 in savings over 25 years. Your free design shows the numbers for your home. Savings are not guaranteed. You will still get a utility bill.
What happens in the consultation
- 30 minutes on Google Meet. Free, no obligation, no home visit required.
- We prepare your roof design from your address before the call.
- You see the layout, which utility rules apply, which SunPol options fit, and the numbers.
Questions from Hampshire and Franklin County homeowners
Which utility serves Northampton?
The City of Northampton lists Northampton as National Grid territory. Eversource's service list also includes Northampton. Both companies are investor-owned, so SMART and net metering can apply either way, but the interconnection application goes to whichever company reads your meter. With a PPA or the Prepaid Solar Program, the PPA provider or SunPol owns the system, and your agreement explains how SMART is handled. Check your bill.
Does SMART apply in South Hadley?
No. SMART requires interconnection by Eversource, National Grid or Unitil, and South Hadley's electricity comes from the town-owned SHELD.
Will a community electricity program change my solar credits?
Easthampton and Greenfield both state in writing that existing solar credits continue. If your town runs a program, your design still uses your utility's credit rules.
Does my historic-district home need extra review?
Possibly. Northampton's Elm Street Historic District reviews rooftop panels against design standards. Tell us your address when you book.
How much less does the Prepaid Solar Program cost than buying?
Your price is 30% less than buying the same system. Your free design shows your exact price and the estimated breakeven. Savings are not guaranteed. You will still get a utility bill.
Do you cover towns not listed above?
SunPol serves homeowners across Massachusetts, including the rest of both counties. The consultation confirms your utility and permit office for any address.
