Solar Panel Installations in Duke County, MA

Installing Solar Panels in Duke County, Massachusetts: Costs, Incentives & More

Key Details

• Solar panel installations in Dukes County, MA range from $3-$3.5 per watt, depending on type of panel, LCOE, and price per watt.
• It takes an average of five to nine years to recover the money invested in solar panels.
• Incentives available include Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit, Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART), Home Solar Project Sales Tax Exemption, and Solar Installation Property Tax Exemption.
• Net metering allows users to transmit energy back to their electric companies in return for a credit to offset their energy consumption.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Dukes County, MA?

As of 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels in Dukes county, MA ranges from $3 to $3.5 per watt. The cost of solar panels is dependent on various factors, including, the type of panel, levelized cost of energy, price per watt and installation company.

Type of Panel

The higher the quality of your panel, the more expensive it will be. Solar panels come in three main varieties: thin-film, polycrystalline, and monocrystalline.Of these three, Monocrystalline is the best quality and costs more than thin-film and polycrystalline.

Brand of Panel and Solar Equipment

Like every product, certain brands of solar equipment command a higher price due to various factors like reputation and length of time they have been in the business.

Levelized Cost of Energy

Levelized cost of energy (LCOE), sometimes known as levelized energy cost (LEC), is a metric used to evaluate and contrast various energy sources. In this instance, it calculates the amount of energy the solar panel will produce over its lifetime and compares it to traditional energy sources over that timeframe. This way, an aspiring owner will know whether it is financially viable.

Price Per Watt

The price-per-watt refers to the total cost of installation (price) divided by the capacity (watts) of the solar panel. For example, if an 8 kW/8000 watts panel costs $40,000, then the price per watt for that system is $5.

How Long Does it Take for Solar Panels to Pay for themselves in Dukes County?

In Dukes County, the average period it takes owners an average of 5 to nine years to recover the money spent. The amount of time it takes is dependent on how much the particular panel costs, and the energy it generates.

What are the Incentives for Solar energy in Dukes County, Massachusetts?

Some incentives available to residents of Dukes County, Massachusetts include:

Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit

Under the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit, the owners of renewable energy are given a maximum credit of $1000, allowing them to deduct 15% of the cost of the system from their Massachusetts income taxes.

Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART)

Under the SMART initiative, the State of Massachusetts pays Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil customers, three investor owned utility companies in Massachusetts, a fixed price per solar energy kilowatt hour (kWh) generated for a period of ten years. According to your area and utility, the price per kWh for systems under 25 kW ranges from 19 to 31 cents.

Home Solar Project Sales Tax Exemption

Direct tax exemptions are also provided by the state of Massachusetts to ensure increased investment of residents in solar panels. One of such exemptions is the Home Solar Project Tax Exemption which exempts residents from the standard sales tax of 6.25% applied at the point of sale of most products in the state.

Solar Installation Property Tax Exemption

Another such exemption is the Solar Installation Property Tax Exemption that decides not to factor the cost of the solar system into the estimation of the overall tax due on the property.

How can I Sell Solar Energy in Dukes County, Massachusetts?

Solar homeowners are able to sell off some of their energy back to the grid for credit. This is known as net metering. It permits users to transmit energy back to their electric companies in return for a credit to offset their energy consumption.

Solar panels on a residence or a wind turbine at a school are typical examples of net metering facilities. These facilities are linked to a meter that calculates net electricity use. The meter indicates when the electric power is supplied by the electric company and when you produce extra electricity and export it to the electric grid.

A net metering facility's design, setup, and installation can be challenging and so should be done by a professional.

What are the Best Solar Energy Companies in Dukes County, Massachusetts?

Multiple solar energy companies offer services to residents in Dukes County. Some of them include:

Great Sky Solar
29 Mill St
Arlington, MA
02476

Future Energy Solar
5 Short Street
Melrose, MA
02176

All Energy Solar
66-D Main Line Drive
Westfield, MA
01085

Invaleon Solar
26 Parkridge Rd, Suite 1B
Haverhill, MA
01835

Solar Rising LLC
348 Main Street
Mashpee, MA
02649

Do You Need a Handyman or a Solar Installer in Dukes County?

Solar companies typically provide installation as part of the total package. However, when this is not possible, the U.S Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy recommends that you hire the services of a professional. DIY installations are not encouraged.

What Solar Financing Options are Available to Me in Dukes County, MA?

There are three major financing options. Firstly, the interested individual may choose to pay cash upfront if they have the means to do so. This eliminates any lengthy negotiations and enables them to install and use the solar panels as soon as possible. Those who cannot afford this can take advantage of solar loans and leases/power purchase agreements.

What is a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

A solar Power Purchase Agreement refers to an arrangement where a customer hosts a photovoltaic system belonging to a solar service provider on their property. In turn, the provider sells electric output to the customer at a predetermined rate which is typically low-cost.

What are Solar Loans?

A solar loan simply refers to a loan taken from the bank or lender for the purpose of financing the installation of solar panels on a property. This way, the owner can go solar without struggling to foot the initial cost.

What are Solar Leases?

Similar to the Solar PPA, a solar lease is an arrangement involving a third party who owns the solar panels installed on a property. The homeowner then rents the electricity generated from the third party.

Do Solar Panels Increase a Home Value in Dukes County?

Yes. Solar panels are considered property upgrades, and thus increase the value of the property. In addition, since most buyers are searching for renewable energy homes, solar panels also increase the chances of the property getting sold. However, it is important to note that the increase in value is relative to the size of the solar panels. For example, a 4 kW solar panel adds about $23,600 to a property on average, while an 8 kW adds about $47,000.

Are Solar Panels Exempt from Property Taxes in Dukes County?

Yes. Massachusetts law states that solar energy systems utilized as a main or backup power source to heat taxable property or otherwise meet its energy demands are free from municipal property taxes for a 20-year term.

How to Find Solar Companies Near Me in Dukes County, Massachusetts?

Finding the right solar company near you is easy and straightforward. Using local companies and installers has proven to be cheaper and faster; thereby providing a good service experience. Ways to find solar companies near you include:

Talking to Neighbours and Family: Friends and family who already have solar panels installed can recommend installers who gave them quality service. By word of mouth, you can learn a lot about the process and eliminate a lot of preliminary investigation.

Web Search: A quick “Dukes solar companies near me” internet search should help you locate solar companies in the county. It is important to verify their licenses, most notably the electrical license and a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certification.

Online Reviews: Websites such as Google and Yelp provide platforms for customers to review services. Going through these reviews can help you weed out those solar companies with unsatisfactory reports and streamline your options.