Yes, solar panels are worth it in Massachusetts! Solar panels are cheap to install and save you a ton of money. According to RealEstate, “The average Massachusetts household paying $100 a month for electricity can save an estimated $35,900 over the next 20 years — almost $1,800 a year — by purchasing and installing a rooftop solar system, according to data from EnergySage, an online marketplace for solar-energy consumers”.
One of the main reasons why it is worth it to go solar in Massachusetts is that installing solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills. By generating clean, renewable energy from the sun, solar panels can provide a significant portion of your home’s energy needs, potentially reducing your reliance on grid-based electricity and lowering your monthly energy bills.
We try hard to keep people up to speed on the changes and trends that are happening within the solar industry but based on the state or even city that you are in, the solar market information could be broad. Below in these case studies, we are going to show what a solar market looks like for a few specific areas. If you do not see your state, keep checking back for new additions that we will be adding.
Massachusetts Solar Incentives & Tax Credits
Those who live in Massachusetts, just like other solar customers in the United States, they will be eligible for the Renewable Energy Tax Credit for installing rooftop solar energy systems by the federal government. This is about 30% of the cost of a solar system. That is a decent saving amount. There are some providers who claim this credit, which saves you plenty of time and paperwork when it comes time to file taxes. This will provide you the savings, and then there are some providers who will leave this for you to do.
According to Masscec, besides the federal tax credit, you can be eligible for a personal income tax credit that is around 15% of any solar project that costs more than $1000. On top of that, rooftop solar systems in Massachusetts will be exempt from property tax and sales tax.
There are a lot more perks besides that too. There is a solar rebate program that has been exhausted by there are some utilities that will give you a rebate for switching to solar energy. This incentive could be around $2000 and up to $6000, so check with your utility provider to see if you would qualify.
How Much Do Solar Panels Save in Massachusetts?
Electric rates can be high, and there are many benefits to investing in solar energy, but the big question is just how much money you can save. The amount that you are going to save will be based on what solar system you get and what your electricity usage looks like. According to Solar Builder Mag, the average home in Massachusetts can save $24,000 over 20 years once you purchase a solar energy system.
You may have some idea about how you can use savings like that. Not to mention that you just cannot put a price on knowing that your electricity is renewable and clean that will keep the air clean as well.
VivantSolar says, “the amount will vary based on the size of your system and your electricity use, but the average home in Massachusetts is projected to save about $23,000 over 20 years after purchasing a solar energy system.”
5 Reasons Solar Panels Are Worth It in Massachusetts
EnergySage says, “2015 was a big year for residential solar power for the USA. Massachusetts is going to be one of the states that leads the way as more and more Massachusetts homeowners and businesses discover the benefits of rooftop solar panels in MA.”
There are many reasons why solar energy is so popular for those who live in Massachusetts.
- Save Money. Solar energy can help you to save money on your electricity bill. The electricity rates are slowly increasing each year, and they are going to keep increasing by 3% to 5% every year. However, solar energy is declining. That means that using solar energy is a great way to cut down on the costs of your electricity, whether you go with a solar panel system or you use a power purchase agreement or solar lease. Solar energy can eliminate or reduce your electricity bills.
- Pays For Itself. Solar panels are a secure, high-yield investment. In Boston, it is rated #2 on the top cities that have invested in solar energy for the United States. If you have the money to do it, then purchasing a solar system is a great way to make your money work for you. The average solar system can pay for itself in 5 years to 8 years, with an internal rate of return that goes up to 22%. That is much better than your average stock investment, but it is much more secure. If you know that you cannot use cash to purchase it, then consider getting a $0 down solar loan, which can give you similar returns without having the upfront costs.
- Increase Home Value. A home with solar panels will sell for more. It does not matter if you purchase a solar system outright or if you financed it with a loan. You are going to save money on your electricity bills, and you are increasing your property value. There are a lot of studies that show that if you own a solar system it will add value to your home. A recent study that was released by Berkley National Laboratory has confirmed that this is a nationwide trend.
- Tax Credits. The state and federal subsidies are able to make switching to solar energy better. Even without the subsidies, solar is starting to compete with utility electricity rates. On top of the tax credit of 30% from the federal government, there are incentives from Massachusetts. There is a state-level tax credit of $1000 or 15%, whichever is greater and a solar net metering policy that states that your utility companies pay you a fair rate for your solar power. Then there is the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate which means that you get bonus cash each month for solar power, which is on top of what you save on your electricity bill.
- State Programs. In Massachusetts, there are several financial incentives and rebates available to help offset the cost of installing solar panels. The state offers a range of programs, including the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, which provides incentives for residential and commercial solar installations. These programs can help reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels, making them a more affordable and attractive option.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint. Another benefit of solar panels is that they help reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that does not produce harmful emissions or pollutants, making it an environmentally-friendly option for generating electricity. By choosing to install solar panels, you can help reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and do your part to combat climate change.
- Low Maintenance. Solar panels are also a durable and long-term investment in your home’s energy efficiency. Once installed, solar panels require little maintenance and can last for decades, providing a consistent source of clean, renewable energy for your home. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy for many years to come, without the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
- Backup Power. They can provide a source of backup power during power outages or natural disasters. Massachusetts is prone to severe weather events, such as hurricanes and nor’easters, which can knock out power to homes and businesses. By installing solar panels, you can ensure that your home has a source of electricity even during times when the grid is down. This can provide peace of mind and ensure that you and your family have access to essential services during emergencies.
- Net Metering. One more reason why solar panels are worth it in Massachusetts is that they can help you take advantage of net metering policies. Net metering is a program that allows homeowners with solar panels to sell excess electricity back to the grid. This means that if your solar panels generate more electricity than you need, you can receive credits on your electricity bill for the excess energy that you supply to the grid. This can help offset the cost of your electricity even further and make your investment in solar panels even more worthwhile.
- Electricity Price Wont Go Up. One more reason why solar panels are worth it in Massachusetts is that they can provide a hedge against future increases in electricity prices. Electricity prices in the state have been rising in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue as demand for energy grows and the cost of fossil fuels increases. By installing solar panels, you can lock in a portion of your home’s energy costs and protect yourself against future price increases. This can provide long-term savings and help you budget more effectively for your home’s energy needs.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Massachusetts?
On average, solar panels in Massachusetts cost about $15,450 with average prices for solar panel installation ranging from $13,132 to $17,768 for 2021.
According to EnergySage, “Given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), an average solar installation in Boston, MA ranges in cost from $13,515 to $18,285, with the average gross price for solar in Boston, MA coming in at $15,450.”
Disclaimer – This is not an actual quote. Contact The Solar Guy to get a quote for your solar project.
Solar panels in Massachusetts cost about $11,130 to $25,000 on average according to 3 different online sources.
According to EnergySage, “Given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), an average solar installation in Boston, MA ranges in cost from $13,515 to $18,285, with the average gross price for solar in Boston, MA coming in at $15,450.”
According to RealEstateBoston, “It costs between $18,000 and $25,000 to buy and install a 5.13-kilowatt system (the average in Massachusetts) before incentives.”
SolarReviews says, “As of Dec 2020, the average cost of solar panels in Massachusetts is $2.87 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (5 kW) solar system $11,130 after claiming the 26% federal solar tax credit now available.”
Get a Free Solar Quote in Massachusetts
Get a free solar quote in Massachusetts by giving The Solar Guys a call at (401) 632-6871 or by filling out our contact form. Our Massachusetts service area includes Framingham, Attleboro, Milford, Marlborough, Blackstone, and Boston, MA.
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