Can Solar Energy Provide Energy For My Massachusetts Family?
Kermit the Frog became famous when he sang, “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” and he was partially correct. It’s not always simple, but there are some ways that families can go green, and using solar power is one of them.
Some people think only people who live in Florida, California or Arizona are able to take advantage of solar power to run their appliances, but that’s not correct. Even families in cities in the Northeast can take advantage of the sun's immense energy potential. Solar panels in Boston, Massachusetts...they seem incongruous, but they're not.
Solar electric panels can be highly effective in reducing a family's need to pay for electricity from their local power company. These panels make use of photons, which in turn generates electricity. And once the panels are installed, they're virtually maintenance-free, and do you know what else is free? The solar power, of course!
How Green Can You Go, Solar-Wise?
Going solar is relatively inexpensive when you think of all of the cost savings, benefits, incentives, rebates and credits you receive for producing solar energy. There are ways to make modifications to your home so that you only rely on solar power for most or all of your energy needs.
Here are some of the questions we ask to start the solar estimate process:
- Is your roof shaded/unshaded? (ie. are there big oak trees in the way)
- Is your roof facing south or southwest?
- How large is your roof? Having an array of panels is more effective than installing only one panel.
- How old is your roof? A roof older than 15 years may need to be replaced before installing solar.
The best roof or ground space (for ground-mounted panels) receives energy from the sun several hours a day.
When the Sun's Away, Will the BluRay Player Still Play?
Electricity that comes from solar power is different from the electricity that comes from the local power company; it's not always available (unless you are using energy storage, which is a solution Boston Solar will have in the future). When the sun's rays are shining onto the solar panels, the power generated must be used immediately or it must be stored. We offer grid-tied solutions, which means the electricity that isn't used is fed back to the grid (electric utility - ie. National Grid, Eversource, etc.) and credited on your monthly bill. So, anytime you need to use your BluRay player, it will work, but the energy source may not always be from your panels if they're not producing at the time (it's night time, for example).
Does Solar Power Make Sense in Massachusetts?
Many states are offering incentives to families who want to use solar power. But Massachusetts is a pioneer when it comes to making it easy and affordable to go solar. Whether you live in Boston or Framingham, or anywhere in-between---it's simple to get solar panels installed. The incentives family enjoy are:
- 30% federal tax credit
- 15% state rebate up to $1,000
- Quarterly Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) - click here to learn more about SRECs
- 20 year exemption from paying additional property tax for added value to your home
Why Go Solar?
Perhaps you're a homeowner who is fortunate enough to live in a proactive city like Boston, Massachusetts. But perhaps you have family or friends who are skeptical. Here are some positive characteristics of solar power:
- Solar power will never run out.
- Solar power produces energy that is cheaper than energy that is oil or coal-based.
- Solar power doesn't harm natural habitats.
- Depending more on solar power decreases our dependence on foreign oil.
- Once solar panels are installed, the power is free. For families who want to have solar panels installed, Massachusetts is one of the best cities to live in. Consider discussing this with a Boston Solar expert in the solar energy field...You'll be surprised how easy and affordable it is to convert to solar power!
After all, it's only tough being green when you're Kermit the Frog...For your family, it's simple. Solar. Savings. Simple!