I first inquired about solar panels when I had a MASS SAVE energy audit about 5 yrs ago.  The woman told me after studying my house that my roof had too much shade and it wouldnt work.  Oh well.  Fast forward about 2 years and I had some trees taken down in my front yard because they were getting too close to my home.  I didnt even think at the time that solar may now be an option.  

Then a year or so later, Tom Emero a local salesman from Sunrun knocked on my door inquiring if I was interested in solar.  I immediately began with all of the excuses to try and get rid of him.  I first told him that MASS SAVE said I wasnt a good candidate.  He said I was amazed because I had almost 100% sun and a solar system could meet over 90% of my energy needs.  I then remebered that I had the trees taken down, but came up with my next excuse, I just had a new roof put on and didnt want to mess around with it, and he laughed and said we would want you to have a new roof.  I ran out of excuses and agreed that he would provide me with a proposal.

He came back with a proposal for a 36 panel system that would meet almost all of my energy needs, and also that National Grid was offering a free Solar Battery.  That was the kicker and we signed up for the PPA plan, basically renting.  Cost me nothing and I  got a free solar battery which replaced my aging generator, and also cut my energy bill by 1/3.   And the fact that Sunrun owns the system, I never have to worry about maintenance.   A month after install, a $4K piece of equipment was defective and it was replaced immediately for free.  The system was a little smaller at 31 panels, because National Grid wants to still provide some energy, but they also get the right to buy energy  from my solar battery in times of dire energy needs like a heat wave.  Another excellent benefit of a solar battery is the more of them there are, National Grid has ways of meeting all of their customer needs in cases of emergency.

When I'm out walking my dog, I look for houses with good exposure and no panels and wonder why they havent signed up.  It is a No Brainer.