Are you considering solar energy for a Massachusetts property? If so, you’re certainly not alone! The state ranks as one of the top ten for solar power in the United States. Financial incentives make solar more affordable than ever in MA, which then increases your energy cost savings over the years.
However, even with those incentives and low solar installation costs, you might still wonder if solar energy makes sense. After all, the state is not necessarily known for its sunny weather! To help you decide if Massachusetts solar is right for your property, check out some vital information about how it works. You can then discuss this information with a solar installer near you as needed.
Sunlight exposure is a vital consideration when deciding on a solar panel installation. While the state is not known for its sunny weather, it does average close to 200 sunny days per year. This is typically more than enough sun exposure to justify a solar panel installation!
There are also many other reasons to consider a solar panel installation for your home or business. Check out just a few of those advantages here:
A solar panel installer can also explain solar benefits for you and your property. He or she can also evaluate the property and note expected energy cost savings for your family or business.
Massachusetts solar panels typically increase home value, as said. Most homeowners can expect to see an increase of 2% to 3% depending on their home’s location, solar array, and other such factors. Note, too, that the state has waived property tax increases for solar arrays. In other words, you don’t need to pay added property taxes on that increased value due to solar installation.
Currently, Eversource and National Grid offer net metering programs for area property owners. Net metering refers to selling excess energy produced by your solar panels back to these power companies. In turn, they credit your monthly power bill for that power.
Note that solar programs and incentives often change, so check with your local power company about net metering options. A solar panel installer will also typically stay updated with these programs and can advise on any that might apply to your property.
Most contractors say that solar panels in Massachusetts pay for themselves after 6 to 9 years. Consequently, any cost savings after that time just means money in your pocket! Some experts believe that your panels can save you anywhere from $10,000 to $28,000 over the lifetime of their use. How so?
First, consider that most Massachusetts households pay about $100 per month for electricity. Second, consider that homeowners usually keep solar panels for about 25 years. So, after 9 years, you can enjoy no-cost solar for another 16 years.
Next, suppose those solar panels provide enough power for 60% of your energy consumption, saving you $60 per month. Sixty dollars a month for one year means $720 in your pocket. Multiply that $720 over the next 16 years, and those savings add up to over $11,000.
Obviously, your savings will be greater or lower depending on your solar array, sunlight exposure, and energy consumption. However, this quick illustration shows just how easy it is to enjoy tremendous savings with solar panels!
Remember that these savings is in addition to the many other advantages of solar. Along with saving money, you’ll be reducing pollution and creating jobs for others. Also, investing in solar can mean encouraging your neighbors to do the same!
Another great advantage of solar panels is that they typically need little to no maintenance over the years! One reason for this is that solar panels don’t have moving parts. Two, solar panel covers are thick and durable and designed to withstand falling debris, high winds, and the like.
In most cases, property owners need to do nothing more than occasionally brush the front of those panels. This keeps them unobstructed so they can enjoy maximum sun exposure. Also, have a contractor inspect the panels every few years, to check for loose wires, damaged racking, and so on.
Above all, property owners should avoid touching those panels unnecessarily. Surface scratches obscure sunlight, lowering their effectiveness. Also, you want to avoid damaging the racking system under the panels and their connectors. If you need to maintain or otherwise disturb the panels, call a licensed solar contractor rather than attempting this on your own!
Alliance Solar is happy to provide you with this information about solar energy for a Massachusetts property. Hopefully, you found it helpful and practical! If you’re considering a solar installation, call our Massachusetts solar panel installation contractors. We offer FREE consultations and are happy to answer all your questions about solar panels. Also, we can help you choose the right solar array for your property. To find out more, use our contact form or just give us a call.
