Question 1

Who is Dave Simmer and what is Solar Dave MA?

Accepted Answer

I'm Dave Simmer, a NABCEP-trained solar designer and project manager based right here on the South Shore. I started working in the solar industry in 2011, and over the years, I've designed and overseen more than 1,800 residential and commercial installations. Solar Dave MA is my independent consultancy where I help homeowners get honest numbers and premium solar systems without the corporate sales pitch.

Question 2

What towns on the South Shore do you serve?

Accepted Answer

I primarily serve the South Shore of Massachusetts. My main service areas include Scituate, Hingham, Duxbury, Cohasset, Marshfield, Plymouth, Norwell, Hanover, Pembroke, Weymouth, Braintree, Kingston, Rockland, and Abington. Because I'm local, I know the permitting offices and inspectors in these towns, which helps projects move smoothly.

Question 3

Are you affiliated with any specific solar manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

No, I am completely independent. I don't have sales quotas to hit for any specific panel or inverter brand. I recommend what makes the most sense for your specific roof and budget. That said, I do have strong preferences for premium, reliable gear like REC solar panels, Enphase IQ8X microinverters, SolarEdge inverters, and Fortress batteries based on their performance in New England.

Question 4

Do you install the solar panels yourself?

Accepted Answer

I am the designer and project manager, not the guy on the roof with a drill. I work exclusively with fully licensed, insured, and highly experienced local installation crews. I handle the design, the math, the permitting, and the project oversight, while my trusted partner crews handle the physical installation to the highest safety and electrical standards.

Question 5

Who installs solar in Scituate MA?

Accepted Answer

I do! I'm based right here in Scituate, MA. I've helped hundreds of my neighbors in Scituate, Cohasset, and Marshfield go solar since 2011. If you're looking for a local expert who understands the specific coastal weather challenges and local building codes of Scituate, you're in the right place.

Question 6

Who is the best solar installer on the South Shore of Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

I'm biased, but I believe the best installer is the one who gives you the most honest numbers, uses premium equipment, and relies on local, licensed crews. Over 1,800 installations later, my reputation is built on zero high-pressure sales and accurate financial modeling. I don't just sell you a system; I design a custom solution that actually delivers the savings I promise.

Question 7

Do you use high-pressure sales tactics?

Accepted Answer

Never. I provide proposals, not pitches. I'll evaluate your roof, review your National Grid or Eversource bill, and show you exactly what a system will cost and produce. If solar isn't a good fit for your home—maybe due to heavy shading or a roof nearing the end of its life—I will tell you outright. You can take my numbers and think about it on your own timeline.

Question 8

Why should I choose a local expert over a big national solar company?

Accepted Answer

Big national companies often use cookie-cutter designs, subcontract the work to the lowest bidder, and rely on aggressive door-to-door sales reps who don't understand local utility rules. As a local expert, I know exactly how National Grid and Eversource handle net metering on the South Shore. I know the local town inspectors in Hingham, Duxbury, and Plymouth. You get a custom design, premium equipment, and my direct phone number.

Question 9

How many installations have you overseen?

Accepted Answer

Since 2011, I have designed and overseen over 1,800 residential and commercial solar installations across Massachusetts. That level of experience means I've seen every type of roof, every electrical panel quirk, and every shading issue imaginable.

Question 10

Does solar work in Massachusetts winters?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cold temperatures. While the days are shorter in December and January, your system will still produce significant power. Plus, the bright white snow on the ground can reflect additional sunlight onto your panels. Your annual savings estimate accounts for the shorter winter days.

Question 11

What happens on a cloudy day?

Accepted Answer

Your solar panels will still generate electricity on cloudy days, just at a reduced rate—typically 10% to 25% of their normal capacity depending on cloud thickness. Because Massachusetts uses net metering, the excess credits you built up during sunny summer days will automatically offset the power you pull from the grid on cloudy days.

Question 12

Will solar work on my roof?

Accepted Answer

Most roofs on the South Shore are great candidates, but not all. Ideally, you want a south, east, or west-facing roof with minimal shading from trees or dormers. During our free consultation, I use advanced satellite imagery and 3D modeling to analyze your roof's exact sun exposure and tell you definitively if it's a good fit.

Question 13

How do I read my electric bill after solar?

Accepted Answer

Your National Grid or Eversource bill will look different. You'll still see a small fixed customer charge (usually around $10-$15), but your energy usage charges will be offset by your solar production. You'll see a line item for 'Net Metering Credits' showing the excess power you sent to the grid, which rolls over month to month.

Question 14

How much does solar cost in Hingham MA or other South Shore towns?

Accepted Answer

A typical residential solar system on the South Shore (usually between 8 kW and 12 kW) costs approximately $28,000 to $42,000 before any incentives are applied. After factoring in the Massachusetts state tax credit and SMART program payments, your net cost is meaningfully reduced. Every home is different, which is why I provide exact, customized pricing.

Question 15

Is the federal residential solar tax credit still available?

Accepted Answer

No. The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) officially expired on December 31, 2025. I see a lot of outdated websites still promising it, but it is gone. However, Massachusetts has such strong state-level incentives—like net metering and the SMART program—that solar still makes incredible financial sense here without the federal credit.

Question 16

What is the Massachusetts state solar tax credit?

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts offers a state income tax credit for residential solar installations. It covers 15% of your total system cost, capped at a maximum of $1,000. It's a direct credit against your Massachusetts state tax liability for the year your system is installed.

Question 17

Are there hidden costs in your proposals?

Accepted Answer

No. My proposals are fully comprehensive. They include the panels, inverters, racking, all electrical work, permitting fees, and labor. The only potential variable is if your home requires an electrical panel upgrade (e.g., going from 100-amp to 200-amp service) to handle the solar backfeed, which I will identify and price out for you upfront.

Question 18

How long is the typical payback period?

Accepted Answer

For most homeowners in towns like Scituate, Duxbury, and Marshfield, the payback period is typically between 6 and 9 years. After that, your system continues to produce free electricity for the remainder of its 25 to 30-year lifespan, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in lifetime savings.

Question 19

What is the SMART program in Massachusetts?

Accepted Answer

The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program is a state incentive that pays you directly for the solar energy you produce. It's a per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) incentive paid monthly by your utility (National Grid or Eversource) for 10 years. It is separate from, and in addition to, your net metering savings.

Question 20

How much does the SMART program pay?

Accepted Answer

The exact rate depends on your utility and which 'block' the program is currently in when you apply. Generally, it pays a few cents per kWh produced. For an average 10 kW system, this can translate to several hundred dollars a year in direct payments for a decade.

Question 21

Do I have to apply for the SMART program myself?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't have to worry about the paperwork. My team handles the entire SMART program application and enrollment process with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and your utility company on your behalf.

Question 22

Is the SMART program still active?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as of 2026, the SMART program is still active for customers of National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil. The block rates decrease over time as more capacity is installed, which is why it's beneficial to get your project submitted sooner rather than later.

Question 23

What battery storage systems do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

I highly recommend Fortress Power batteries and other premium, compatible systems. They use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, which is safer, lasts longer, and performs exceptionally well for New England homes that need reliable backup power during Nor'easters.

Question 24

What is the ConnectedSolutions program?

Accepted Answer

ConnectedSolutions is a fantastic demand-response program for Massachusetts homeowners with battery storage. If you enroll, National Grid or Eversource can draw a small amount of power from your battery during peak summer demand events. In exchange, National Grid customers typically earn approximately $50 to $225 per month during the summer season just for participating.

Question 25

Will my solar panels work during a power outage without a battery?

Accepted Answer

No. Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during a grid outage. This is a mandatory safety feature to prevent your panels from sending electricity into the power lines while utility workers are trying to fix them. If you want backup power during an outage, you must install a battery storage system.

Question 26

Can I add a battery to my solar system later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can easily retrofit a battery storage system to an existing solar array. However, installing them at the same time is usually more cost-effective because we only have to pull permits and do the electrical integration once.

Question 27

What is net metering and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Net metering is how you get value for the solar power you don't use immediately. When your panels produce more electricity than your home is consuming, the excess is sent to the grid. Your utility tracks this and gives you a 1-to-1 retail credit on your bill. You then use those credits at night or during the winter.

Question 28

What are the current National Grid net metering rates?

Accepted Answer

For residential solar on the South Shore, National Grid currently credits solar exports at approximately $0.19 per kWh. This rate fluctuates slightly with overall utility rate changes, but it provides excellent value for the power you send to the grid.

Question 29

What is the March true-up for net metering?

Accepted Answer

In Massachusetts, net metering credits roll over from month to month. However, there is an annual 'true-up' every March. If you have excess credits remaining at that time, the utility pays them out at the 'avoided-cost' rate, which is much lower—usually around $0.03 to $0.05 per kWh. This is why I meticulously right-size your system so you don't overbuild and lose value.

Question 30

Does Eversource have the same net metering rules as National Grid?

Accepted Answer

The core concept of net metering is the same across Massachusetts by law, but the exact credit rates per kWh vary slightly between Eversource and National Grid based on their specific delivery and supply charges. I model your exact utility rate when building your proposal.

Question 31

How long does the solar installation process take?

Accepted Answer

The physical installation on your roof usually only takes 1 to 2 days. However, the entire process—from signing the contract to getting the final 'Permission to Operate' from the utility—typically takes 6 to 10 weeks. This is mostly due to town permitting wait times and utility interconnection reviews.

Question 32

Do I need to be home during the installation?

Accepted Answer

You usually need to be home for a brief period on the first morning so the electricians can access your main electrical panel and basement. After that, the crew works entirely on the exterior and roof, so you are free to go about your day.

Question 33

Can my Homeowners Association (HOA) stop me from getting solar?

Accepted Answer

In Massachusetts, we have strong solar access laws. Specifically, MGL Chapter 184, Section 23C makes it illegal for an HOA to outright prohibit you from installing solar panels on a roof you own. They can enforce reasonable aesthetic guidelines, but they cannot block the installation.

Question 34

What if my roof needs to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

If your asphalt shingle roof is more than 15 years old or showing signs of wear, I highly recommend replacing it before we install solar. Removing and reinstalling solar panels later to do a roof job can cost $2,000 to $3,000. I can coordinate with local South Shore roofers to time the projects perfectly.

Question 35

Who handles the town permits?

Accepted Answer

We handle 100% of the paperwork. My team will pull the building and electrical permits in your town (whether that's Hanover, Pembroke, Quincy, or anywhere else), submit the interconnection application to the utility, and schedule all the final town inspections.

Question 36

Why do you use REC solar panels?

Accepted Answer

REC solar panels are widely considered some of the best, most durable panels in the world. They offer incredible efficiency, perform beautifully in low-light conditions, and come with an industry-leading 25-year ProTrust warranty that covers product, performance, and labor. They are built to survive New England weather.

Question 37

What is the difference between Enphase IQ8X and SolarEdge inverters?

Accepted Answer

Enphase IQ8X are microinverters, meaning there is a small inverter under every single panel. If one panel is shaded by a tree, the rest of the roof still produces at 100%. SolarEdge uses a central string inverter with power optimizers on the roof. Both are premium technologies; I typically recommend Enphase for roofs with complex shading and SolarEdge for large, unshaded arrays.

Question 38

What kind of warranties do you provide?

Accepted Answer

You are fully covered. The premium panels and microinverters I use come with 25-year manufacturer warranties. Additionally, the local installation crews provide a comprehensive 10-year workmanship warranty guaranteeing that your roof will not leak and the wiring is perfectly secure.

Question 39

Will solar panels cause my roof to leak?

Accepted Answer

No. When installed by experienced, licensed professionals using modern, industry-standard flashings (like IronRidge or Unirac mounts), your roof is completely protected. The mounting hardware actually creates a watertight seal that is often stronger than the original shingle.

Question 40

What happens if I sell my house?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels increase the value of your home. If you own the system outright or through a loan, you can either pay off the remaining loan balance with the equity from the sale, or the new buyers can assume the loan. The net metering agreement and SMART program payments automatically transfer to the new homeowner.

Question 41

Do I need to clean the snow off my solar panels?

Accepted Answer

I strongly advise against climbing on your roof to clear snow. Solar panels are made of smooth, dark glass and are installed at an angle. As soon as the sun comes out, the panels heat up and the snow usually slides right off. We factor average winter snow days into your annual production guarantee.

Question 42

Do solar panels require maintenance or cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Solar systems have no moving parts and require almost zero maintenance. In Massachusetts, we get enough regular rainfall to keep the panels clear of dust and pollen. You do not need to hire anyone to wash them.

Question 43

Are solar panels safe for my home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every system is designed to strict National Electrical Code (NEC) standards and must pass a rigorous inspection by your local town electrical inspector before the utility will allow it to be turned on. The equipment includes rapid shutdown technology to keep firefighters safe in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Dave & Solar Dave MA

Why Choose Solar Dave MA on the South Shore

How Solar Works in Massachusetts

Pricing & Incentives

The SMART Program

Battery Storage

Net Metering & Eversource/National Grid

The Process

Products & Equipment

Common Concerns

Still have questions?

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