What about solar panels?
Once you’ve weatherized your home, solar panels can help generate some or all of the electricity you use.
Solar panels can lower your electricity costs and generate renewable energy for your home, but they are expensive to install.
These local, state, and federal incentives can help you with the upfront cost:
- Rebates from our local utility: Middleborough Gas & Electric
- State and federal tax credits: Information from EnergySage
We know that getting solar panel estimates from salespeople can feel high pressure and overwhelming. Plus we have such low electricity rates here in Middleborough that the payback period is longer than in other towns. That makes it harder to figure out whether solar panels make sense for your home. To help you find reliable solar installers and calculate a cost-benefit analysis before you make any decisions. Sustainable Middleborough has partnered with independent consultant Energy Sage.
EnergySage can help in several ways:
- A free solar calculator can give you an initial estimate of the costs and benefits of solar panels for your house, based on your roof, monthly electric bill, and contractors who serve our area.
- EnergySage will gather several estimates for your property from prescreened solar installers, all in the same format so they’re easy to compare. You don’t have to share your contact information or talk to any salespeople unless you’re ready.
- EnergySage advisers will answer your questions, review installer quotes, and help you figure out which, if any, work for you.
- EnergySage services are free to you.
DID YOU KNOW?
The U.S. Department of Energy lists four benefits of switching to solar electricity:
Cost savings: Solar can help reduce your monthly utility bills.
Increased home value: Solar panels are viewed as upgrades, like a new kitchen. One study showed solar panels increased the value of a home by about $15,000.
Solar works everywhere – even Massachusetts! If you have an unshaded roof or yard, especially facing south, you can benefit from solar.
Environmental benefits: Generating electricity through solar substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions like CO2 as well as other dangerous pollutants. Installing solar is one way to support a clean environment.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, “Benefits of Residential Solar Electricity.”
Is Solar Right for You?
You can still watch our workshop on solar panels with Sam Kooharian of EnergySage. Sam explains how to figure out whether you should invest in solar panels and how to choose an installer. Sustainable Middleborough’s own Dan Hotchkiss also presented a cost-analysis of his solar installation here in Middleborough Center—what he expected, what actually happened, and what he’d do differently. Lots of great advice from a neighbor.
Start Weatherizing Now
Sign Up for Your Energy Assessment:
