Going solar as a Massachusetts homeowner comes with benefits. The Bay State is known for its history and beautiful east coast landscapes. However, it is slowly becoming known for solar. The state passed a bill requiring 40% of energy be renewable by 2030*. The bill is encouraging many incentives to go solar.
Massachusetts offers net metering through regulated electric companies (Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil). Net metering pays out 100% of the value of the electricity they deliver to the grid, which includes the value of the fees charge for basic service, distribution, and transmission. The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program is a tariff-based incentive available for Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil customers. It pays a bonus for each kilowatt-hour of electricity produced by a solar system. You can also qualify for an extra incentive if you install a battery to your system. Eversource customers can also qualify for the Connected Solutions program that pays an additional incentive annually in exchange for access and use electricity stored in your battery during high demand periods. It offers $225 per kilowatt for your battery’s average contribution furing summer events and $50 per kilowatt during winter events.
Massachusetts homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).*** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Massachusetts utilities operate on Time of Use (TOU) rates, giving you higher rates when you need electricity the most. By going solar you may be able to avoid these TOU rates altogether. You may have lower rates at night, but if you install batteries, you may not need any electricity from the grid. You could even potentially save from net metering.
Massachusetts can have long, cold winters. During snowstorms demand for electricity rises, making blackouts possible. Avoid being frustrated with power outages by going solar. As long as you have batteries, you will have back up power to continue running your home during an outage. The size of the batteries you need depend on your lifestyle needs and how long you want to run off the grid.
Massachusetts is filled with beautiful parks, forests, and historical sites. Homeowners are especially proud of their environment, which is why many of them want to preserve it. Every Massachusetts homeowner that goes solar directly contributes to reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Going solar can keep your environment beautiful for future generations.
In Massachusetts, utilities will bill you according to TOU rates. It can make budgeting nearly impossible. With solar you can stop wondering how much your bill will be each month. If you install batteries, your electricity usage could lessen. Your solar loan payment could remain the same and you may only pay the minimum payment to your utility.
Home values continue to increase year over year. The average Massachusetts home is valued at $474,673, that’s a 10.4% annual increase.* Keep up with the rising home values in Massachusetts by installing solar. Installing a solar system can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers.** Reinvest into your home instead of giving your money to your utility company.
