4 Reasons To Install Your Solar System This Fall

As with every year, the warmer months of summer are beginning to give way to the fall foliage and pumpkin spice lattes. As the daylight hours begin to shorten, you may be wondering if now isn’t the right time to install a residential solar system within your home’s energy ecosystem.

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the fall may just be the perfect opportunity to install that long-awaited solar energy system that you have always dreamed of. 

Let’s explore 5 reasons why this may be the case for you and your home.

1. Your Solar System Still Produces Electricity In The Fall And Winter

Despite popular belief, solar panels still produce electricity in the fall and winter months. While the days may grow shorter during the second half of the year, there are still plenty of peak daytime hours left to capture and convert sunlight into clean, renewable energy for your home.

Solar Battery Storage For Winter Blackouts

If you choose to bundle solar battery storage with your home solar system, you’ll have the added benefit of taking advantage of solar batteries this winter. This includes the ability to power your home for a period of time when the occasional blizzard or nor’easter knocks out the power.

2. Solar Panels Perform Better In Cold Temperatures

Did you know that solar panels actually perform more efficiently in colder temperatures? You might be surprised to find out that solar systems actually lose a bit of performance power in very hot weather or climates. 

Not only does this make Massachusetts a great place to own solar panels year-round, it also means that you can reap the benefits of solar energy throughout the fall, winter, and into spring. So, the temperature should not factor into your decision to hold off on installing your solar energy system.

3. A Potentially Smoother Permitting Process

While we know that home solar systems are a viable option all year long, it’s not uncommon that homeowners tend to schedule their installation in the spring and summer months. However, it’s important to keep in mind that construction season begins to slow as it nears its end in the fall. 

This means that the permitting process with your local government should be a little less clogged and bogged down by the various projects happening at once. While we shouldn’t say that this is a sure thing, it’s definitely worth checking into. 

4. Start Your Solar Benefits Immediately

Why wait until the summer to start utilizing clean, renewable energy to power your home? By installing solar panels in the fall, you will be able to reap the benefits of solar energy as soon as possible. As soon as your installer (safely) flips the switch, your home can start receiving the solar-powered electricity you have always wanted!

The Solar Investment Tax Credit, Net Metering, And More

You also may have the ability to take full advantage of the various state and federal incentives that come with solar panels, including net metering, the solar investment tax credit (ITC), and the Massachusetts SMART programs. Remember, while the Solar Investment Tax Credit is currently set at 26%, the percentage will drop year after year, so it may be better to have your system installed sooner rather than later.