New England Clean Energy - Profile & Reviews

The process started with a great estimate in July. It took two months to get the panel installation scheduled. The installation took two days. The power was shut off by the contractors after the first day and wasn't turned back on as they should have (and we didn't know if it was safe to turn it back on). Then we waited...

A building inspection was supposed to happen in November but some engineering documents were missing. There seemed to be a lack of promptness to get the process moving. The electrical inspection did not happen until late January. Turns out another time was needed to install the wi-fi communicator properly through the proper electrical box. There was another hold up with their engineering partner provide proper documents for the building inspection (which was supposed to take place early November). It took several weeks to get the final document from the city and I had to reach out to the city myself; I would I have expected them to handle it without me having to support. Then, the utility said the signage on the system was not adequate, so they had to order new signage and install them, which delayed the process.

The contract we signed with them said the work would be done in 6 months and it wasn't. It took about 9 months. The COVID-19 situation probably extended the work but that was already 2 months after they promised to get the work done.

With that said, I'm not sure if this was a one-off thing for this company but I wanted to share my experience. I plan to update this if any future work is required.

I do not post reviews for any product or service until there is sufficient evidence that the purchase will or will not meet expectations.

That said, i would definitely give high marks and recommendations for the sales and installation team that put a 12.5 kWh system on my roof. The sales presentation was about education not pressure to buy. Information was in terms that my wife and I readily understood. With an all electric home, sizing the system correctly and aesthetically was important to our goal of achieving green, cost effective energy. Our sales rep Todd, was responsive to our questions and inquiries and reassured us whenevever we had concerns. Timeframe from sale to complete installation was right on and NECE representatives were competent and communicative throughout the process. Our system went active on 3/15/19 and has worked flawlessly. An important point to keep in mind is that NECE also conducted follow up contacts. This was not a one and done sale and "see you later" relationship.

New England Clean Energy has been one of the most professional sale and service companies that has worked on my home. I would recommend them to my family and friends as well. As a cautionary note and like any product purchase, cost and quality go hand in hand. Solar systems are no different.

We didn't end up hiring New England Clean Energy because their quote (for 35 LG370w panels with microinverters) came in over $22,000 higher than the other two solar companies we contacted. While the company founder was friendly and knowledgeable during our phone consult, his quote was a shock to us. While New England Clean Energy may be good at what they do, there are other companies (like SunBug Solar, whom we hired for our last solar job back in 2012--and LOVED!) who do great work and are more affordable. We recommend getting a few other quotes before you choose to hire New England Clean Energy.

As an aside, we also found the company founder to be a bit dismissive of other companies. When we told him we were going with another company whose quote was $20,000 less, he said the other company must be a new small or one-man shop. (Incidentally, the company we chose has been in business for 29 years and comes highly recommended.) Ultimately, to have hired New England Clean Energy would have cost over $4.16 per watt for the system, as opposed to the $2.51 we will now be paying.

I purchased a 7.9 kw system from them. I wanted to go with an experienced local company that was financially solid. The install went smoothly. However, I was unhappy with the appearance of the conduit from the panels to the meter since it was a front roof installation. Jonathan and his crew listened to my concerns and rerouted the conduit to my satisfaction. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to go solar.