Massachusetts Solar Information

Pros and Cons of Buying Solar Panels in Massachusetts

Advantages:

• +

  Relatively short payback period

  The solar payback period estimates how many years it takes for a new solar system to pay off the initial cost of the investment. Nationwide, the average solar payback period is just under 8 years. As of today, the typical payback period for Massachusetts is only 5.5 years. Affordable solar costs, high electricity prices, or great solar programs and incentives - all of these play role in a shorter payback period for Massachusetts.
• +

  After the payback period, solar power is nearly free

  When the initial cost of your solar energy system is recovered, the electricity it generates is free for you to use.
• +

  Great savings on a monthly electric bill

  By switching to solar energy, you become less dependent on your local utility company and their ever-rising utility rates. Once you begin generating your own electricity, you will see great savings on your monthly electric bill thanks to the Net Metering and SMART programs that Massachusetts offers.
• +

  Helping the environment since solar energy is clean, sustainable, and renewable

  Solar power not only helps many people save a lot on their electric bill but also helps preserve our planet. Sunlight is a plentiful, clean, renewable, and truly sustainable power source that can be easily harvested without any harm to the environment. Nowadays it is proven that using solar energy instead of fossil fuels will decrease our carbon footprint by reducing air and water contamination.
• +

  Support from the government and the state

  Massachusetts is one of the states where the government truly shows interest and provides support for solar. Besides The Federal Investment Tax Credit, the residents of Massachusetts will financially benefit from Solar Tax Credit, Net Metering, SMART program, and other various rebates and incentives. Thanks to this excellent financial help, the solar cost can be reduced by thousands of dollars.
• +

  Very low maintenance

  Solar panels only require very minimal maintenance that consists of making sure they are dirt-free. There is no wear and tear with solar panel usage since they do not have any moving parts. Moreover, solar panels are completely silent when in operation.
• +

  Excellent warranty protection

  Today, two types of warranties come with your solar power system: performance guarantee and extended product warranty. The product warranty covers any physical defects, manufacturing errors, and breakage. The performance warranty guarantees an adequate power output over the life of the solar panel, which is typically 25 years.
• +

  Increase in the property value

  According to recent studies by the Appraisal Institute and Zillow, installing solar panels on the roof of your house definitely adds value to the property. On average, adding a solar energy system will raise your house value by 4.1%. The studies also showed that not only houses with PV installations sell at higher prices but they also sell faster than the houses without solar systems.

Disadvantages:

• -

  The possible high initial cost

  Purchasing and installing a solar power system is a big investment, and many people are hesitant about paying such a high price all at once. However, these high expenses can really be cut almost in half thanks to excellent credit breaks and incentives. Moreover, once the solar power system is installed, you will start saving money on your electric bill right away.
• -

  Must have a large, open area for installation

  On average, the installation of a typical 5kW PV system requires about 500 sq. feet of open area on the roof of the house. This space has to be shade-free for the solar system to operate efficiently. If this becomes a problem, the solar panels can also be installed on the ground as long as they have unobstructed access to sunlight.
• -

  Must be a property owner to install

  As of today, the solar benefits, unfortunately, are not yet available to renters, people with low-income, or people without a job. Solar power system installations are mostly available to only homeowners with good credit and good income.

Is It Worth Going Solar in Massachusetts?

When comparing Massachusetts’s solar energy advantages and disadvantages, it is clear that the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages. With solar prices lower than ever, rising utility rates, and the great support from the government and the state, there is no better time to install solar power systems and start saving money on your utility bill while protecting the environment.