SunBug Solar - Profile & Reviews

I've had my solar panels for over two years now and have been very happy with them. Dealing with SunBug has been a pleasure. I've been impressed with their professionalism. So far I haven't had any problems with my panels. I would recommend them.

i interviewed 6 solar companies, and found Sun Bug solar to offer the best deal. The sales contact is actually an engineer, so he could answer all my questions without having to consult other technical personnel. The system installed in Nov 2015 is working great and my electric bill has been $0 for many months. SunBug is very professional.

Sunbug was one of the best "soup to nuts" contractors that I have ever used. On time, on budget and attention to detail

My entire experience with Sunbug Solar was a pleasure from the first contact through my system getting turned on, and the follow up to make sure I was happy. Highly recommend.

We used SunBug Solar on our new construction, net-zero home and were very happy with every aspect of our dealings with them. Our house construction was complicated as it was also a show home for a local magazine's big annual design home issue, and SunBug was able to roll with all the punches and get our solar done despite the time schedule and multiple vendors involved in the process. I would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone.

Sunbug provided us with excellent design, installation and service. Their production estimates were spot on and we have paid $0 in electric bills since installation. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and responsive.

SunBug Solar were on time, on budget and very professional, they came to the house and reviewed all aspects of going solar (including the electricity savings, to the SREC process/savings, roof and attic inspection, the local town inspection process, the technology of solar panels, the installation, timeline, cost, tax savings and any geographical issues). Sunbug Solar returned for the roof and attic inspection with roofing specialists. During the process they were onsite for the local town inspection, they processed all paperwork for us. Roof installation occurred over 3 days in late December, and utility connection in January 2016. SunBug also uses quality panels so you get more energy for your space, people have also commented on how nice the panels look and neat the power lines are. We would highly recommend SunBug.

I'd like to be clear about something: I am not a tree hugger. In fact, my eyes start rolling involuntarily every time someone mentions "carbon footprints" and the like. I got solar power to save money, Period!
I researched thoroughly and found a company that provided a service I desired at a solidly reasonable price. The system SunBug designed for me is great. My electric bill has been DRASTICALLY reduced (in fact I haven't paid a bill since my system was activated).
I purchased a 15 kW system. I'm pleased and amazed that my system is actually producing at a higher rate than projected.
The value that SunBug brings to clients is their high quality design, installation, and superior service. I recommend them wholeheartedly and without reservation.

We got our panels in Fall 2013, after consulting with a number of companies in spring. Sunbug was the only one that spent time checking out our roof and taking measurements and then sitting down to explain all the options, from types of panels to own/lease. They suggested a roofing contractor, which worked out great. Their installation process went 98% as planned and was quick and within the budget. When we ran into a hiccup with getting the online monitoring system to work, they put in the extra time to get it done right. And also, they are a local company.

I would recommend to anyone in the greater Boston area without hesitation.

I have never written a review of a restaurant or other business, but I was inspired to review SunBug because the whole experience was exceptional. Each individual we had contact with—from the rep, to the office staff, to the installers—was professional, friendly, and helpful. No sales pressure here—as we experienced with another company we explored. Our rep, Chris, patiently explained a multitude of options. Once we decided to proceed, it was originally going to be about six months until installation. It turned out they had an opening earlier and squeezed us in. So we were up and running much faster than we'd expected. With the federal tax rebate, I was anxious about keeping track of receipts, and then it turned out they gave them all to us, printed out, in our final packet. What a nice touch. I can't think of another home-improvement experience I've had that has been easier or more pleasant. And we just received our most recent electric bill—$0.

Sunbug turned an intimidating process into a friendly and educational experience. They took the time necessary to respond to all of my inquiries and never appeared to be rushed. They responded in a timely and friendly manner. Documentation was thorough and comprehensible. They managed expectations very well and, aesthetically, the results exceeded expectations. Regarding implementation, they took care to configure the panels appropriate to my roof so that the finished result gives the appearance that the panels had been integrated into the house from the beginning.

I spoke with a number of companies while evaluating the viability and cost of the project. SunBug ultimately was the one company who I felt was working to design a solution in my interests that would meet my needs. I never felt that I was being "sold". They went back to the design a number of different times until we found just the right set up. Their price was highly competitive.. They were efficient, professional and responsive. If they gave me a day or a time that something was going to happen , it did. I had a few minor glitches with the set up which they promptly took care of for me. They said that they were conservative with their production estimates and that has truly been the case.The system has performed beyond what they told me to expect. They oversaw all the paperwork and permits in a timely manner. The installation crew was professional and neat. I have never had a minute where I have questioned my choice of using SunBug.

I purchased a 5.30 kWh system from SunBug Solar three years ago in September, and I highly recommend them to anyone that cares to listen.

The whole operation is knowledgeable, courteous, and very professional. Hmm, all true, but very “stuffy” now that I read it over. Honestly, these are some of the nicest, and smartest people I’ve ever dealt with. Their capable team will handle all the paperwork (which is substantial), and keeps you informed throughout the whole process.

Let’s not forget the installation and electricians who did an outstanding job of putting them up, and making it look as though there isn’t a wire or connector attached to them anywhere . . . remarkable.

As I mentioned above, my system size is considered to be 5.30 kWh, but has actually over-produced by a full megawatt each year that I can attest to, making it effectively a 6.3 kWh system. So don’t think they are over-inflating your production values. Of course, this is all subject to the amount of sunny/rainy days over the course of a year.

Now for the return on investment (ROI):
I did receive a number of incentives (State/Fed) when I purchased my system, almost 3 years ago. All of which may not be available now, but if you were seriously considering going solar, I’d look into it sooner rather than later because once funds run out, they may not be offered again.

I can safely say . . . my system has already paid for itself, which is due to a number of factors, and not just the State/Federal incentives. Or, the fact I haven’t had to pay for my electricity since installation. Actually, my total bill for May last year to this year was $47 . . . must have been all those darn Christmas lights. ;-)

Depending on your household heating needs, the cost-savings will vary. In my case, I use home heating oil, which also produced my hot water. Since installing the panels, I have changed my oil-fired hot water heater to an electric (hybrid) hot water tank (aka: heat-pump), which switched heating the water from oil to solar power, and has reduced the number of times I need to have the oil tank filled by almost a tank a year (which is factored into my ROI calculations).

So, between these factors: Government incentives, less heating oil, the 15 Megawatts I’ve already produced, along with something I haven’t mentioned yet . . . Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which buys every Megawatt you produce for 10 years. SRECs are a lot more complicated than you want to read about here. I would recommend reading up about them here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/renewable-energy/solar/rps-solar-carve-out-2/.

As for maintenance costs, I haven’t had any since installed. But I am still in contact with SunBug on a regular basis . . . usually, to brag about my production, or to ask all the little questions that inevitably come up along the way. I must say Mike O. has never made me feel like I was bothering him with any of my questions, big or small.

Bottom line: I have never once regretted my choice of installing with SunBug Solar, and I couldn’t be any happier with the decision to install solar in general. It’s more than just the savings . . . it’s how it makes you feel about yourself at the end of the day.

Sunbug was so professional and very helpful in bringing success to this installation. I highly recommend them and have to many prospective solar interested parties. Just the best!

After reviewing proposals from 3 qualified contractors, we chose SunBug to install a 60-panel system on the roof of the small commercial building we own. Their proposal was thorough and clear, and their answers to our many questions during the evaluation process were prompt, comprehensive, and directly responsive. This gave me great confidence that the installation would be high-quality, and they did not disappoint.

The hand-off from Richard (sales) to Aaron (project management) was handled smoothly, and the installation process went exactly as it had been discussed at the proposal stage. The cost was exactly what we had agreed to. I always felt that everyone I interacted with at SunBug was accountable and invested in seeing our installation completed successfully.

As promised, SunBug handled the permitting and paperwork with the City and the utility, and set up the monitoring. We signed the contract at the end of January, and the system was turned on in mid-July.

SunBug’s initial system cost was not the lowest we received, but the detailed financial analysis offered provided the information to see that it would be the best investment.

We were not only looking for a good installation, but also for a competent long-term partner to help resolve any issues that could arise in the future -- after all, we expect this to be a 25 year venture. I’m confident that we have that partnership with SunBug, and I strongly recommend them to others, without reservation.

This is based on the installation of a 60 panel pole mounted system at my home about 3 years ago.

I received quotes from a number of companies, most of which made promises that were impossible to keep. My favorite was a company that showed me payback assuming SRECs would pay out for 20 years at $600 each. In part I went with SunBug because, by far, Ben was the most knowledgeable and honest sales person I had dealt with. The design of the system, both electrical and esthetic, was excellent. Installation was done with professionalism and care for my property.

The system has been operational for three years and has done exactly what I expected it to do. I have had no issues with any of the panels or inverters.

What didn't they do well:
The biggest issue has been service, or lack there-of. Fortunately, the PV aspect of the system is working well. However, I've had intermittent issues with SunBug's monitoring system since shortly after installation. Mostly, the kWH consumed reports about half the actual load for a few weeks, then fixes itself. I've spoken to them repeatedly about it they've never come out to look at it, have repeatedly said "we'll look into it" and never did. I'm pretty nervous about what would happen if I needed *real* service on the system (e.g., an inverter went).

Bottom line: I still recommend SunBug solar to those that ask. But beware, no one is perfect...

In the spring of 2011 I had a MassSave energy audit of my home performed and while there was very little they could do for me they talked about the potential benefit of solar panels. They referred me to two potential installers.

One of the companies had limited experience with residential installations and was not knowledgeable about the rebate from the state, the federal and state tax credits or how to work with my electric company on the net metering. This company was excluded from consideration very quickly. The second company was primarily interested in leasing my roof and selling the electricity back to me at a reduced rate. After going through the math I realized the best thing long-term was for me to purchase the solar system.

I contacted SunBug Solar after talking to a home owner who had an installation performed by them. SunBug Solar was very responsive and within several weeks visited my home and performed an evaluation of my roof to confirm it met minimum requirements for the rebate and tax credits. They worked with me to design the system which would result in maximum solar efficiency from my site. The installation was completed in less than two days and all the paperwork and scheduling of the necessary permits, inspections, applications for the rebate and net metering were handled by SunBug Solar.

The system has been producing for over four years now and after speaking to individuals who have used other installers I am confident I made the right choice in going with SunBug Solar.

Sung solar were very thorough in analyzing the suitability of my roof for a PV array and took the time to explain the details. The installation was timely and efficient and I am very happy to have a system in place that generates most of my energy needs.

We chose SunBug after having three installers provide estimates for a rooftop PV system. SunBug's team was knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to put together multiple options. The installation was seamless. The electrical work, which included installing meter and other boxes next to the basement electrical panel and Verizon equipment, was exceptional. The electrician reorganized the area for a very tidy and neat look. Electric generation has been better than forecast, and the system generates 100% of our power needs. We were very happy with the complete "turn-key" installation by SunBug and highly recommend them to our neighbors.

I cannot recommend SunBug Solar too highly... from my beginning discussions with them to the site visit to the talk about installation to the amazingly streamlined paperwork to the final product... everything went smoothly, and I was always aware of what was going on. The price is fine, the benefits and discounts are fine, and the everyday service and customer contact is fine. Maybe other companies are good, too--I have no way of knowing--but I am 100% satisfied with my experience with SunBug.

SunBug did a great job for us. They were supportive all through the planning process, the paperwork, the installation, and the follow-up. They advised us on SREC's, and helped us to see our panel's production online.
SunBug's staff was great. Mike was always willing to take my calls and offer advice. Andrea was very pleasant, helpful, and cooperative. Malcolm talked me through some of the technical set-up on the phone. The fact that I know these people's names a few months after the installation shows that they made themselves available. They even helped advise me when I was looking into wind power, and their advice saved us money on our taxes, too!
The installation itself went more quickly than expected. We were expecting it to take three days and it only took two. The only small problem was the placement of the equipment in our garage. We had decided on a general area with SunBug, but didn't see the specific location until the equipment was already in place. We lost a little storage space, but it didn't turn out to be too big a deal and we work around it.
I recommend this company highly. They are knowledgeable, efficient, and customer-friendly:)

Sunbug Solar installed 12 SolarWorld 255 Watt solar panels with 12 micro-inverters and all associated wiring, meters, racking for a turnkey 3.06 kW system to cover all of my electricity needs.

Sunbug's rep Mike Ozog spent the time with me to go over my options and explain clearly the costs, schedule, and benefits of such a system. He detailed the complex web of rebates, tax credits, and SRECS. He obviously had a sound knowledge of the state of solar installation in MA and the way it worked, and, although I had a bid from another company, I decided to go with SunBug because of their local experience and history of installing client-owned systems. Mike checked out my site and produced a well-thought-out proposal and budget, which SunBug stuck to except for $300 for structural reinforcement of the roof. I signed the contract in early January. SunBug handled all the paperwork, and Andrea Burke was always responsive to any questions I had. Installation took a couple of days at the beginning of April with a courteous, professional crew. I got inspected within a week, and I went solar April 21st, 2014. The only electric bill I’ve paid since was the March after the brutal 2014-2015 winter when my panels were snow-covered for the entire month of February. Thanks to SunBug for making this such a positive experience. I highly recommend this company: They know what they're doing.

SunBug Solar did a great job with system design and a professional installation. They were responsible, responsive, and flexible. They handled everything and the system has performed perfectly for 4 years now. I recommend them highly and will hire them again for our next roof!

One of the best investments I have ever made. After the second month, my electric bills are ( 0$ )! I am very happy with Sunbug Solar's performance. The workmanship is excellent, the installers were great and friendly. If you're going solar go Sunbug.

SunBug was great. They handled the entire process from system design, to permitting, to installation, and service. I had a lot of initial questions and they answered them all. They provided many different designs and really made sure I understood what I was getting with each of them. I had one service issue since the system was turned on nearly a year ago - they handled it the day after I called without issue. The installers were curtious and neat.