Project Overview
Solaris Renewables partnered with a young, growing family in Amesbury, Massachusetts—located on the North Shore near the New Hampshire border—to design and install a premium solar system. The project involved a modern, southerly-facing barn coupled with a four-square home. While the four-square presented challenges due to its triangular roof surfaces, the new barn offered an expansive, rectangular roof ideal for maximizing solar exposure.
Listen to our discussion about this project:
Design & Planning
During the initial consultation, the homeowners expressed interest in reducing their energy costs, gaining energy security, and making an environmentally responsible choice. A critical factor in the design was addressing shading on the barn. A large oak tree near the structure was causing significant shade, reducing solar access from an estimated 70% to well below optimal levels.
Although trimming was considered, Solaris Renewables explained that only complete removal of the tree would unlock the site’s full potential—boosting solar access to over 90% and ensuring optimal system performance. The decision to remove the tree also mitigated potential risks to the new barn from falling limbs and even helped improve the roof’s longevity by reducing moisture retention.
With a clear path forward, the design team proposed an array consisting of 23 high-efficiency 360-watt Maxeon panels paired with a 7.6-kilowatt SolarEdge inverter. The inverter’s optimization features ensured that even panels partially impacted by environmental factors could perform at their best.
By carefully considering the roof’s characteristics and the homeowners’ energy usage—averaging around 10,700 kilowatt-hours per year—the system was engineered to offset nearly 98% of their electric bill.
Installation
The installation process proceeded smoothly overall, with the primary challenge being effective wire management. In new construction projects like this one, it’s common to integrate wiring during the build phase; however, in this case, the walls had already been closed. The Solaris team innovated by carefully cutting access points to route the wiring into an unfinished attic space, later patching the wall seamlessly.
This attention to detail ensured not only an aesthetically pleasing finish but also enhanced the system’s long-term performance by using durable, high-quality components designed for longevity.
Results & Savings
Prior to going solar, the family’s monthly electric bill averaged about $213. Following installation in 2017, the system began delivering immediate savings thanks to a solar-specific loan with a 10-year term—where the monthly payment was less than their former electric bill. Over time, as electricity rates increased from 21 cents to as much as 38 cents per kilowatt-hour, the family’s savings grew to approximately $333 per month.
In addition to these savings, participation in the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program delivered over $18,000 in incentives during the program’s lifespan, and a nearly $13,000 tax credit further reduced the overall cost of the installation. Even eight years post-installation, the system continues to produce over 10,000 kilowatt-hours per year, and it is expected to maintain its performance for at least 25 years.
Conclusion
This Amesbury solar installation exemplifies Solaris Renewables’ consultative approach and technical expertise. By optimizing the site through tree removal, designing a tailored system, and overcoming installation challenges, Solaris delivered a solution that not only meets the homeowners’ energy needs but also significantly reduces their electric bills and environmental footprint.
The project stands as a testament to the benefits of premium solar installations and the value of thoughtful, customized design. For more information about Solaris Renewables and their solar solutions, please visit SolarisRenewables.com or call (781) 270-6555.