Everything You Need to Know about Solar Panels in Massachusetts

Mar 30

Is this the year to go solar?

Solar panels have been around for a while. But now, more and more of us are investing in our homes and are concerned about the growing climate crisis. Now may be the time to explore this option for saving some money, and saving the planet while you're at it.

I answer a few frequently asked questions about solar panels below. Check out the resources section at the end to learn more.

Can you have solar panels in Massachusetts?

Yes! Even with our temperamental weather, solar panels work well in Massachusetts. They are unaffected by snow and work well in cold weather.

How do solar panels work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy. They connect to your home's electrical system and are converted into the energy you use in your home. This way, your boiler or furnace isn't the only heat source in your home. This reduces environmental impact.

How do I know if my home qualifies for solar?

Your house may qualify for solar panels if:

Your electric bill is more than $75/month - otherwise, it may not be a cost savings
Your roof is made of a durable material, like composite/asphalt shingle, concrete tile or standing seam metal.
Your roof is new or fairly new
Your roof receives enough sun

You can use Project Sunroof by Google to determine if solar is a good fit for your home. By entering your address, Google uses Google Earth technology and weather data to create a personalized solar plan.

What is the average solar savings in Massachusetts?

According to Project Sunroof, the average solar savings in Massachusetts is $28,000 over 20 years

What are the other benefits of going solar?

Massachusetts offers the following incentives when installing solar panels on your home:

Federal residential renewable energy tax credit for 22 percent of qualifying project costs (2021)
State income tax credit for 15 percent (or $1,000, whatever is less) of the solar panels' cost
Massachusetts SMART Program. SMART is an incentive that is paid by utility companies to solar system owners. Residential systems are eligible to participate for 10 years and receive monthly incentive payments.
A net metering incentive. This allows customers to receive credits for excess energy generated. This is like "banking" extra solar energy during the summer to use during the winter.