Top 7 Reasons To Go Solar In Massachusetts In 2022

Have you been thinking about going solar? Maybe your New Year’s Resolution this year was to become greener in your daily life. Or maybe you simply wish to use your household’s energy more efficiently.

It goes without saying that there are many benefits of home solar. Solar panels can allow homeowners to boost their energy independence and support the environment around them. So, today, let’s explore why 2022 is a great year to go solar in Massachusetts.

1. Earn Solar Incentives & Tax Credits Before It’s Too Late!

The federal government and the state of Massachusetts both offer great solar incentives and tax credits for home solar system owners. 

One of these incentives is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The US Department of Energy defines the tax credit as a “dollar for dollar reduction in the amount of income tax that you otherwise would owe the federal government.” 

But, you don’t want to wait too long to install your panels and receive this credit. This year (2022), the tax credit is set at 26% but will drop to 22% in 2023 before expiring for residential customers in 2024. However, it is worth noting that the credit has been extended in the past.

Other Massachusetts solar financial programs include the SMART program, net metering, and more. For additional information, check out our full breakdown of solar incentives and tax credits.

2. Potentially Reduce Your Monthly Energy Bill

As mentioned above, we’re fortunate enough to live in a state that supports net metering. 

Net metering is a concept where any excess energy generated by solar panels is sent back to your grid in exchange for monthly credits. These credits can be used to lower your energy costs.

To be upfront, while solar panels can eliminate your electricity bills, this usually isn’t the case as you will still require grid energy to power most solar panels. And without solar battery storage, you’ll need to use grid energy during the nighttime hours. However, the less energy you use from the grid during peak sunlight, the less you’ll be charged each month.

3. Increased Solar Battery Storage Availability

Solar battery storage certainly seems to be the next frontier in the solar industry. Residential storage solutions offer great control over your solar energy. This includes potentially keeping the lights on when the power goes out and powering your home after the sun has set.

With more and more brands offering high-quality home solar batteries to pair with your solar panel system, there are certainly more options out there to explore. However, you will want to make sure that the battery is compatible with your specific solar panel system. You can do this by consulting your local solar contractor.

4. Support Your Local Economy

By investing in solar power, you’re also helping your local and national economies. Not only do home solar companies provide jobs for experienced solar contractors and engineers, they also provide careers for sales and administrative professionals. 

By installing solar panels via your local solar company, you’re helping to support this job growth. In fact, the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the “employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow 52 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.”

5. Gain Greater Energy Independence And Control

One of the best parts about going solar is that it decreases your home’s dependence on grid energy. While we’re certainly not hating on grid energy, as it is required to power most solar panel systems (as we have mentioned above), there is something powerful about having more control over how your home uses energy.

(Side note: home solar can potentially help your local grid by taking some of the strain off during peak hours.)

And, with the many smart features and solar battery storage additions available in 2022, you have a greater amount of control over how and when your solar energy is used. Whether you wish to save excess energy for power outages, to power your home at night, or to send it back to the grid, the options are available.

6. Potentially Increase Your Home’s Value

And, did you know that solar panels can potentially increase your home’s value. 

Let’s talk about visual appeal. No longer are solar panels a (subjectively) bulky, eye-sore on your home’s roof. Some of today’s solar panels are sleek and elegant in design, created as an aesthetically appealing addition to your home.

In addition, the United States Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), explains that “buyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium of about $15,000 for a home with an average-sized solar array.”

While there are many additional factors to consider, such as the current market and the interests of potential buyers, solar panels can potentially increase your home’s value.

7. Do Your Part To Combat Climate Change

We see it every day in the news and on our social feeds. The world is suffering from the effects of climate change. 

Traditional electricity is generated from fossil fuels. While we don’t want to completely demonize fossil fuels too much, our world’s reliance on these fuels has become unsustainable and financially unstable.

According to the US Green Building Council, “When fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity, they emit harmful gases that are the primary cause of air pollution and global climate change. Not only are fossil fuels bad for the environment, but they are also finite resources. Because of this, the price is constantly fluctuating and can increase in a short period of time.”

By integrating sustainable energy practices into your everyday life, you can help combat climate change, hopefully helping to steer us on a path towards a cleaner, greener, and brighter future.