Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Quincy Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: in.govIncentive Amount:
Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
15%
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: mass.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Industry Recruitment/Support
Incentive Amount:
100% deduction
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: capelightcompact.orgIncentive Amount:
Appliances
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $125
Electric Clothes Dryers: $50
Clothes Washer: $350
Dehumidifiers: $30
Room Air Purifiers: $40
Room Air Conditioner: $40
Heating & Cooling
Oil Heating System: Up to $800
Propane Heating Equipment: Up to $2,300
Oil Water Heater: Up to $400
Propane Water Heater: Up to $800
Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $600
Central AC/Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Mini-Split Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Programmable Thermostats: Up to $25
WiFi Thermostat: Up to $100
Solar Domestic Hot Water heater: $500 - $1,500
Home Electronics
Advanced Power Strips: Varies
Home Insulation
Limited Time Enhanced Incentive: 75%
Year-Round Tenant Incentive: 100%
Enhanced Residential Program: 100%
Lighting
LEDs: Varies
Home Energy Assessment: Free
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: masssave.comIncentive Amount:
$25,000 ($50,000 for some expanded HEAT offerings)
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: masmartsolar.comIncentive Amount:
(Base compensation rate + compensation rate adders - greenfield subtractor) * total kWh generated - value of energy generated
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: masssolarloan.comIncentive Amount:
Maximum required: $35,000; maximum possible: $60,000
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: masscec.comIncentive Amount:
New GSHP Rebate: $2,000 per ton with adders to eligible applicants
Retrofit Existing GSHP Rebate: varies with installation costs
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: masscec.comIncentive Amount:
Standard Residential:
Pellet Stove: $1,000 - $1,750
Catalytic Woodstove: $750 - $1,250
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $500-$1,250
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $1,500 - $1,750
Low-Income Residential:
Pellet Stove: $2,500 - $3,250
Catalytic Woodstove: $2,250 - $2,750
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $2,000-$2,750
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $2,750 - $3,250
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Financing amount locally determined; 20-year financing term
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: mass.govIncentive Amount:
Varies, depending on market supply and demand
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Quincy
The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Consider each of these criteria in your business search.
Licensing and Training
Massachusetts requires new solar PV systems in the Commonwealth to be installed by a licensed electrician and new solar water heaters to be installed by a construction supervisor. Solar companies can also pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Quincy
The style of solar panels you select determines how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.
You can expect to pay about $20,300 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Quincy. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Quincy solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,200 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $936 |
Thin-Film | $547 |
Solar Battery | $768 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,879 |
Financing Solar Energy in Quincy
Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and solar loans. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Quincy.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.0 years |
2 kW | 3.9 years |
5 kW | 9.8 years |
10 kW | 19.6 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Quincy
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy widely available in Quincy?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after going solar?
How many years does a standard solar system last?
How do I care for my new solar system?
What's the average solar system size in Quincy?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
If you choose a lease, you'll make set payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
In contrast, solar loans can come from installer, local banks, specialty lenders and the government. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are larger, and you'll be responsible for maintenance, you'll also have complete ownership and can apply for many more financial rewards.
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