Solar Panels have been around since the late 1970s, but they sure have changed. What were once clunky, inefficient monstrosities that cost a small fortune are now sleek, subsidized affairs that promise a quick return on investment.
For homeowners looking to save money, the marketing and communications director of Burlington–based RevoluSun, Tim Post, says solar energy is a “natural fit.” With both NStar and National Grid introducing electricity rate hikes, there’s no question Massachusetts residents have been hard-hit with big bills this year. In fact, we are now facing some of the highest electricity rates in the country. The reason? Natural gas—the demand for which, in New England, is high come winter. The problem? The pipeline distribution network isn’t big enough to accommodate the increased demand. The Band-Aid solution? Power plants use more expensive fuels like coal or oil to generate electricity. The result? Astronomical rates.
The better solution? Solar energy. Harnessing sunlight to supply a home’s electrical needs can significantly reduce and in some cases eliminate electric bills, according to Post, who recalls a major breakthrough in the industry four years ago. “The technology changed to the point where panels are 22 percent efficient right now, whereas they had been about four percent efficient,” he says.
Factors that affect cost savings include the house’s orientation, shading, and roof pitch and size. RevoluSun works with leading-edge manufacturers of high-efficiency panels to maximize those savings. (It should be noted, too, that any unused power goes to the grid, and the homeowner’s bill is credited.)
Industry trends reflect concerns around aesthetics. “Very sleek, low-visual-impact panels are now available,” says Post. People are also getting creative with their systems. Fixed or raised ground mounts make use of land space—a good option for homeowners who have a complex roofline that doesn’t allow for panels. Arrays can also be mounted on carports or other outbuildings. Post and his team have even filled requests to build solar panel-covered sheds. “It isn’t just the roof that makes this viable,” he says, adding that ground mounts are especially popular with North Shore residents and are popping up more and more.
To purchase panels, there are several financing options available, and subsidies through government agencies and utilities providers assuage the initial expenditure. “Most people will get their money back from their investment in seven to nine years, and free electricity thereafter for the next 20 to 30 years,” explains Post. (Typical costs of panels run anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000.) Through Massachusetts’ Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, systems can also generate income—currently $200 for every 1,000 kilowatts produced. Furthermore, federal tax credits can pay for up to 30 percent of the purchase of panels. Massachusetts also provides a $1,000 tax credit and rebates of up to $4,000; and then there is the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). However, notes Post, “Solar power panel prices have come down quite a bit in the last 10 years, which makes them almost sustainable even without subsidies.”
In addition to aesthetic concerns, New Englanders often worry about the winter months and snow-covered panels. They want to know how that will impact their return on investment. “The impact is very small,” explains Post. “We know that 1,600-kilowatt hours per square meter of solar power falls on Massachusetts right now—that’s a significant amount of sunlight. We also know that during January and February, very little of that sunlight is viable for solar power.” In truth, over 80 percent of production for a solar power system occurs in a five-month period. “The rest of the year is just a bonus,” says Post. RevoluSun calculates an entire year’s worth of energy and designs a system to match that, factoring in inclement weather. “An entire month of snow—there’s almost no impact whatsoever.”
The general public’s attitude toward solar energy has improved tremendously in the last three years, according to Post. “Today, most people are viewing this as a viable way to keep up with inflationary costs.” In response to the commonly asked question: When is the best time to go solar? Post says, “Yesterday.” He advises people do some research, discover the savings and benefits, and do it now.