subject: Residential Solar Programs In Massachusetts [print this page] Solar power is a renewable energy-producing alternative to burning the more traditional fossil fuels. "Renewable" means just as the name says: renewable energy such as solar power does not use irreplaceable fossil fuels. Fossil fuel usage is the number one reason for carbon emissions into the atmosphere, which causes global warming. With electric bills rising by 5% every year and the demand predicted to grow every year, it is important to reduce our reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Today it is possible to replace the fossil fuel use of homes and businesses using photovoltaic, or solar, panels. These panels absorb sunlight, and the silicon in them emits electrons, which produces electricity. This renewable energy source drastically cuts carbon emissions. As nuwattenergy.com writes, "5 KW of photovoltaic capacity will avoid the release of 73 tons of carbon over a 25-year lifetime that would have occurred if you had purchased power from your utility. This is the environmental equivalent of planting 682 trees."
Modern solar panels are smaller and thinner than ever before, in place of the bulky and unsightly panels of years gone by. Solar power is an important, major investment in a home that not only reduces electric bills by up to 70% but also increases the value of the home. Additionally, with the savings in energy bills, the investment in solar energy pays for itself in 5-6 years.
Along with the photovoltaic panels, converting a home from traditional fossil fuel usage to solar power involves the use of a inverter and a battery. An inverter is needed to convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels to the alternating current (AC) energy used by homes. A battery backup is needed for times when the sun is down or is blocked by clouds.
Massachusetts leading the way in renewable energy
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers generous incentives for homeowners to "go green" and use renewable energy. In 2007, Massachusetts launched the Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program, which gives rebates for those purchasing photovoltaic panels. The program was needed because most residents did not have thousands of dollars available for solar panel installation.
Massachusetts also has a "residential renewable energy state income tax credit," whereby homeowners can claim a 15% state income tax credit for the entire cost of the renewable energy system. People can claim up to a $1,000 credit.
The state's "Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption" grants 100% property tax exemption for homeowners who invest in solar energy. Massachusetts also has an equipment sales tax exemption, along with other credits and incentives. These residential solar Massachusetts incentives, when combined with federal incentives, can reduce the cost of converting a home to solar energy by up to 50%.
Other states looking to promote renewable energy can look to Massachusetts for inspiration. Indeed, as the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) writes, "Massachusetts is leading the way in innovative and comprehensive energy reform that will make clean energy a centerpiece of the Commonwealth's economic futurethe Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technologies, companies and projects in the Commonwealth-while creating high-quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts."
