The past couple days, Massachusetts faced one of the most intense bomb cyclones in recent memory. From Sharon seeing a staggering 32.5 inches of snow to Andover hitting 21 inches, and 273,000 neighbors losing power, it was a true test of New England resilience.

At Brightstar Solar, our hearts are with those still waiting for the lights to come back on. As schools remain closed and we dig out, we want to address what this means for your solar investment.

The “Safe Shut-Down” Reality

If your power is currently out, you may have noticed your solar system isn’t producing. For the safety of the utility workers currently on the lines in Marlborough and across the state, all grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during an outage. This “anti-islanding” feature ensures no power is pushed back onto the grid while National Grid and Eversource crews are working to restore service.

The Resilience Test: Engineering vs. 80 MPH Winds

While the wind gusts topped 80 MPH, your solar array was designed for exactly this. High-quality racking and Tier 1 panels are engineered to withstand extreme wind uplift and heavy snow loads. Your roof is actually protected by the panels, which act as a shield against the elements.

The “Day After” Bonus: The Albedo Effect

The sun is out today, but it’s still freezing. While most systems are still tucked under a thick blanket of white, you might notice a few lucky neighbors already have clear panels.

Why do some clear faster? * Thermal Absorption: Solar panels are dark and absorb heat. Even in 20-degree weather, the sun warms the cells, creating a thin layer of meltwater that allows the snow to “shelf” and slide off.

The Albedo Boost: Once your panels are clear, they actually perform better on a day like today. Why? The “Albedo Effect.” The fresh snow on your lawn acts like a giant mirror, reflecting extra sunlight onto your panels. Combined with the cold air—which makes solar cells more efficient—today could actually be a high-production day despite the record snowfall.

The “Start in February” Strategy Still Wins This storm is a reminder of why we plan early. If you want to be “Shining in June,” we need to handle the paperwork while the snow is still on the ground. Let’s get your system ready for the 2026 summer peak sun. Call us at 617-564-0050 or fill out our solar evaluation form if you’re interested in solar panels for your Massachusetts home or business.