Equipment I Trust
I don't spec cheap gear. A solar system has to sit on your roof and perform for 25 years or more, through New England winters and hot, humid summers. I'm also not tied to a single brand — I design around your home first, then choose the panel, inverter, and battery that actually fit your roof, your budget, and your goals. Here's the hardware I trust, and how I decide what goes on your house. If you want to know what size system you'd need, start with what size solar system do I need.
Solar Panels
What I look for in a panel is simple: high efficiency, low degradation over time, a real warranty, and good performance when it's hot. The one I spec most is the REC Alpha Pure-R series — including the 460W panel used on a recent Scituate project. It uses heterojunction (HJT) cells at around 22.5% efficiency, has one of the best temperature coefficients in the industry (about -0.24% per °C, so it loses less power on a hot roof), and carries a 25-year product, power, and labor warranty when it's installed by an REC Certified Pro — the licensed crews I work with hold this certification. Depending on your budget and what's available, I also spec premium options like Maxeon / SunPower, plus strong value panels from Qcells, JA Solar, and SEG Solar.
Maxeon / SunPower
Industry-leading efficiency and lowest degradation rates available, backed by comprehensive long-term warranties.
REC
Premium, high-efficiency panels known for industry-leading durability and performance guarantees. The best of the best for residential solar.
Qcells
Excellent balance of performance and value, with many models manufactured right here in the USA.
SEG Solar
Reliable, cost-effective modules with solid warranties and strong real-world performance.
JA Solar
High-efficiency, cost-effective panels from a tier-1 global manufacturer, offering great reliability for residential projects.
Inverters: Where Most of the Real-World Performance Lives
For most South Shore roofs — especially anything with shade or multiple angles — I spec Enphase microinverters. Instead of one big inverter for the whole array, each panel gets its own, so a single shaded panel doesn't drag down the rest of the system, and you get panel-level monitoring. The current IQ8 series, including the IQ8X built for today's high-power 400W+ panels, can even keep some daytime power flowing during a grid outage. For larger or simpler roofs I also spec SolarEdge and Sol-Ark. If you're trying to decide between systems, I wrote an honest Enphase vs. SolarEdge comparison, and if shade is your concern, here's how I handle it.
Enphase
Industry-leading microinverters. Every panel operates independently, maximizing output, reliability, and safety.
SolarEdge
Optimized string inverters. Great for specific design constraints and highly integrated battery systems.
Sol-Ark
Industry-leading hybrid inverters perfect for whole-home backup and off-grid capabilities. Highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of battery technologies.
Battery Backup
If keeping the lights, fridge, and heat on during an outage matters to you, a battery is worth a serious look — here's how solar and batteries actually behave in an outage and a fuller battery backup overview. My go-to is the Tesla Powerwall 3: 13.5 kWh of usable storage, 11.5 kW of continuous power, and a built-in solar inverter, which is enough to carry most homes through an outage. I also spec the Enphase IQ Battery 5P and 10C for modular, AC-coupled setups, plus the SolarEdge Energy Bank and FranklinWH. In Massachusetts, a battery can also pay you back through utility programs — see ConnectedSolutions and, for Hingham homeowners, Connected Homes. Already have solar and just want to add storage? Read adding a battery to an existing system.
Tesla Powerwall 3
A very strong option for home backup. Features a built-in inverter, massive power output, and seamless app integration.
Enphase IQ Battery 5P
Powerful and reliable microinverter-based battery, perfect for modular expansion and seamless integration with Enphase systems.
Enphase IQ Battery 10C
High-capacity storage solution offering robust backup power and advanced energy management for larger homes.
SolarEdge Energy Bank
Highly efficient DC-coupled battery designed to work seamlessly with SolarEdge inverters for maximum solar utilization.
FranklinWH
Whole-home backup solution with advanced energy management, compatible with any solar inverter system.
Racking & Mounting
This is the unglamorous part that keeps everything on your roof for decades, and it matters more near the coast where wind loads are higher. I spec proven racking from IronRidge, Unirac, SnapNrack, and Solar Foundations, S-5! clamps for metal roofs, MT Solar mounts, and PanelClaw for flat or low-slope roofs — all properly flashed, sealed, and engineered for South Shore conditions.
SnapNrack
Premium mounting hardware that looks clean, hides wires beautifully, and ensures your roof stays completely waterproof.
Solar Foundations
Robust and reliable ground mount structures, perfect for properties with ample land and ideal for maximizing solar production when roof space is limited.
Unirac
Highly versatile and durable mounting solutions for both residential and commercial solar installations.
IronRidge
Engineered for extreme environments, offering incredibly strong pitched roof and ground mount systems.
S-5!
The industry standard for metal roofs, providing secure, zero-penetration attachments for standing seam and exposed-fastened roofs.
MT Solar
Specialized, highly adjustable top-of-pole mounts that make installation and seasonal tilt adjustments incredibly easy.
PanelClaw
Industry-leading ballasted mounting systems specifically designed for flat roof applications.
Related Solar Guides
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The right panel, inverter, and battery depend entirely on your roof, your usage, and what you're trying to get out of the system. Tell me about your home and I'll spec it honestly — get a free estimate or reach out with questions. Want a ballpark first? Run the savings calculator.
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