With nearly 4 gigawatts of total installed photovoltaic capacity, Massachusetts has one of the fastest growing solar energy markets in the United States. Although inclement weather affects parts of the fall, winter, and spring, high electricity rates and attractive solar policies have made solar panels popular in the Bay State.
Massachusetts is one of the top 10 states with the highest energy bills, according to CNET business partner SaveOnEnergy. The average electricity bill in Massachusetts in November is $160.49, or about $1,926 per year. Investing in solar panels could save a Massachusetts resident every year, as electricity rates in the state jumped 43-64% this winter. Switching to solar power can help lower your energy bills, protect you from fluctuating utility prices, and reduce your home's carbon footprint.
Solar panels are more affordable for the average American than they were ten years ago. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that the cost of residential solar panels has dropped by 69% since 2010. the value of your home.
cost of solar panels in massachusetts
The total cost of a solar home system will depend on the number and type of panels used, installation costs, local permit fees and other factors. Local differences in rates and benefits also play a role in determining the cost of solar power. The average solar system size in a residential building in Massachusetts is 8 kilowatts, larger than the national average of 6 kilowatts. Price per system size and price per watt information is provided in a report by Lawrence Berkeley's National "Sun Tracking" Laboratory.
Typical solar installation cost in Massachusetts
| | Plant size (kW) | price per watt | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up or up | 11.6 | $4.20 | $48,963 |
| median | 8.1 | $3.51 | $28,504 |
| Short | 5.4 | $3.00 | $16,338 |
Massachusetts vs United States of America
| | Plant size (kW) | price per watt | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 8.1 | $3.51 | $28,504 |
| WE | 6.5 | $3.82 | $24,742 |
Residential solar systems are an investment. While paying cash helps you avoid credit checks (and pay interest and loan fees), financing or making deals to lease solar power or buy electricity has costs. lower initials. Participating in a public solar program is another option for Massachusetts residents, especially if you rent your own home or if your property is not suitable for solar panels.
Advertiser disclosure: CNET's corporate partner SaveOnEnergy can help you find the right energy for your home. SaveOnEnergy Marketplace helps you find, compare, track and save the right energy for your home, all for free. If you are interested in solar energy, please answer a few questions to get a firm price from our solar energy consultants.
Massachusetts Solar Panel Incentives or Rebates
Let's be honest: on average, a solar system in Massachusetts costs $28,504, and that's not cheap for a New Englander. Luckily, you can lower your prices through federal and state incentives.
The Federal Clean Energy Credit (formerly known as the Investment Tax Credit) allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of solar panels on your federal tax return after purchasing solar panels. This means you would pay $8,551.20 less for the average solar system installed in Massachusetts after using the federal credit. Most batteries also qualify for federal clean energy credits.
The Inflation Reduction Act is a federal climate law passed in August 2022. With an IRA, Americans can invest in residential solar energy and reduce costs with a federal tax credit until 2032. The credit will be reduced by 26% in 2033 and 2032.% in 2034. Expires in 2035. To obtain a clean energy loan, you can complete Form 5695 (PDF) and submit it to the IRS. Instructions from the IRS can help you complete the form. Once approved by the IRS, you will receive a credit equal to 30% on your federal tax return for the year.
Massachusetts also offers several housing development incentive programs to reduce solar energy costs. The Government's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Incentives Database has a comprehensive list of all incentives in the Gulf State. This is the most significant, which deserves attention.
| Program | Information |
|---|---|
| state tax credit | Massachusetts offers a 15% solar tax credit with a maximum credit of $1,000 for purchased solar systems. You can claim a tax credit when filing your annual income tax return. You can renew it for three consecutive years if you have excess credit. |
| Massachusetts Renewable Solar Destinations | The SMART program pays Eversource, National Grid and Unitil customers a flat rate per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated from residential solar panels. The SMART program allows projects with less than 25 kW of solar capacity to receive a higher base compensation rate of 0.21 cents to 0.31 cents per kWh over 10 years. The program ends with the block reduction process. Rates depend on the three participating utilities: Eversource, National Grid and Unitil. |
| state tax exemption | Massachusetts offers a 6.25% property and sales tax exemption for residential solar systems. You won't pay taxes on the equity in your home as a result of buying and installing solar panels, and you can claim these benefits on your tax return. |
Massachusetts Solar Panel Company
The Solar Energy Manufacturers Association estimates that there are more than 400 solar energy companies operating in Massachusetts. Limiting your choices can be intimidating. Here is a list of well-known solar panel companies to watch out for .
solar hero
ACE Solar is New England's leading solar installer. Solar Power World ranks ACE Solar as the #1 local solar installer in 2020 and 2021. As a long-established, family-owned engineering, procurement and construction company, ACE Solar offers a full range of solar services ranging from the design and maintenance of solar panels. You can choose solar financing, leasing or PPA to use solar energy.
boston sun
Solar Power World, a leading solar energy publication, has named Boston Solar the top solar contractor in Massachusetts for the fifth consecutive year. Since 2011, the company has installed more than 30 megawatts of solar power in homes across the Bay State. Boston Solar handles the entire solar home installation process and offers a 10-year labor and 25-year product warranty. Solar financing is available through a corporate partnership with Sungage Financial.
big clear sky
Great Sky Solar is an employee-owned solar energy cooperative based in the Greater Boston area. The company manages the entire customer life cycle, including design, authorization, installation, connection and maintenance, and offers solar leasing and financing options to customers. Although the company offers a guarantee of workmanship, there is no mention of durability, performance or product warranty.
solar engine
Momentum Solar is one of the country's leading solar panel installers. It serves 11 states, including Massachusetts. The company, which employs more than 1,000 people, provides in-house services such as design, authorization, installation, connection and inspection of the solar system. It offers finance, lease, and PPA options. Momentum Solar promises a 25-year warranty on workmanship and product quality.
solar energy
SunPower has been a leading producer of solar energy since 1980. With an average efficiency rating of 22%, SunPower Maxeon has one of the highest efficiency levels of any solar panel on the market. SunPower has an extensive network of certified installers across the United States who assist customers with design, licensing, installation, maintenance, system monitoring, and other services. SunPower offers a 25-year warranty on performance, materials and workmanship. You can obtain solar financing or access solar leases and PPAs through SunPower. The new in-house financial institution SunPower Financial offers solar loans to low-income people.
Installation Factors to Consider
Investing in a solar system is a major financial commitment. There are several factors to consider that may or may not make solar panels suitable for your home.
- Roof Condition and Slope: According to the Department of Energy, solar panels operate most efficiently at angles between 15 and 40 degrees. because it's up to you Since the slope of the roof will affect the performance of your solar panels , it is very important to determine if the roof is at the correct angle and if the panels can be positioned for maximum performance. The roof must also be in good condition before installing solar panels. In general, it is recommended to replace the old roof before installing the solar panels to reduce the risk of further roof damage and the possibility of higher roof replacement costs after the installation of the solar system.
- Insurance coverage: It is beneficial to include a solar system in your home insurance policy . Contact your insurance company for details on coverage and policy for your solar system.
- Location: There is a misconception that solar panels stop working in the winter. Massachusetts receives a lot of snow in the winter. The sun's energy is less in winter than in summer because the days are shorter. But solar panels produce electricity if sunlight covers the solar panels. Solar panels achieve high efficiency in winter as the internal temperature ideally ranges from 40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Solar panels generate power seamlessly whenever it snows or recedes.
- Cost and Time: It's a good idea to consider how long you plan to live in your home before applying for a solar loan, lease, or PPA. Solar energy is a long-term investment. If you're moving in a few years, it might not be worth buying an expensive solar pack. The typical payback period for solar power is six to nine years.
- HOA and Environmental Rules: The Massachusetts Solar Rights and Conveniences Act prohibits homeowners associations from imposing unreasonable restrictions on access to solar panels. The state allows voluntary concessions and contracts for access to solar energy, but does not consider access to solar energy as an automatic right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Power in Massachusetts
Will solar panels generate electricity in northern states during winter?
Solar panels generate electricity whenever sunlight hits them. They produce electricity in sub-zero temperatures, even in places like Antarctica. Solar panels work most efficiently in cold climates because their maximum efficiency is between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The level of efficiency, which decreases as the temperature increases, depends on the type of solar panels you plan to use. Some solar panels are more efficient than others.
Do I have to pay the electricity bill after I receive the solar panels?
Yes, as long as you don't go offline and rely on solar panels to power your home when sunlight isn't available. In most cases, homes equipped with solar panels remain connected to the grid to be used as a backup power source after dark. Your electricity bill will reflect your debt for the energy you consume from the grid, which will be less than if you had no solar panels.
How do I find a solar panel installer in Massachusetts?
Choosing the right installer from the hundreds of solar panel companies in Massachusetts can be tricky. As a general rule, check customer reviews and opinions, get at least four or five offers from different companies, check the installer license and choose the one that best suits what you are looking for. You can also check out CNET's pick of the best solar companies.
