Solar Energy: How to Produce Your Own Electricity

Overview – Chris Robinson

How solar works

Advantages of solar

Financial Incentives

How do you get solar?

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What makes solar work?

How solar hot water works

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Why Solar – Environmental Reasons

Reduce your impact on the environment

– Control your carbon offset

– Increase your community’s awareness of energy independence

Over 30 years, the benefits of a 5kW system are equivalent to:

– Planting 30 acres of trees OR not driving 237,000 miles!

– Removing 190,000 lbs CO2 (greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere!

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Other ways to reduce energy use

Power Stripping– Phantom Loads= 10-15% of your energy bill.

Power strips in each room of your home. Turn off when leaving. Important rooms – kitchen, home office or entertainment room.

Passive Solar Advantage– Open blinds during the day to let in sunlight during colder months

help heat your home. Keep blinds closed during warmer months to reduce your AC use

Get a free energy audit – Masssave.com– Switch light bulbs, seal up your attic, blow test door. Learn how your

home might be losing energy. 866-527-7283

Install a Solar Dryer- – Use a cloth line to dry clothing and reduce your dryer use

Solar Thermal Hot Water– Offset demand on gas, oil, or electric

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Why Solar- Economic Reasons

• Take Control of Your Electric costs:

-Reduce or eliminate your electric bills by $700 to $1,200 per year.

MA amongst the highest in the nation.

-Protect yourself from rising utility rates.

• Adds Value to Your Home:

Based on a study funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with the Environmental Protection Agency

Solar can add $20,000 in home value for every $1,000 of yearly energy cost savings.

Will not increase property tax

Your solar system will generate $1,100 to $1,800 of additional annual income through the Renewable Energy Credit Program.

Disclaimer: Homebuyers should consult with their tax consultant, referencing the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 1335. Tax laws are subject to change.

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Investment, Incentives Detail

Commonwealth Solar Rebate– $Dollar-for-dollar subtracted off the up front cost

– $1.10-$2.10 off per watt

– Maximum rebate available $10,500

– $1,000,000 of available funding for residential customers

Federal Tax Credit– 30% Federal Tax Credit Return of your net cost, no cap

MA State Tax Credit– 15% State Tax Credit of your net cost, $1,000 maximum

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (S-REC’s)$285 per Megawatt Hour produced (mWh)

The State of Massachusetts allows solar installation to be exempt from property taxes. This incentive only applies to the added value to a property. M.G.L. ch. 59 § 5 (45, 45A)

Disclaimer: Homebuyers should consult with their tax consultant, referencing the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 1335. Tax laws are subject to change.

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Solar Renewable Energy Credits:

Separate from the electricity used to power your home

Credits are accumulated via monitoring system connected to your inverter

Credits are sold online to companies who need to buy them or pay fines of twice the value

– Floor price of credit is $285

– Alternative Compliance Payment (fine) is $600

Credits are auctioned off at up to 95% of the fine ($570).

The whole process is done online through an aggregator who will manage the customer’s account.

Customer is paid every quarter.

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Wareham, MA - Flush Mounted Array

Robinson, Sunpower 230 watt panels

Cost of a 3.2 kW system after incentives

System: 14 panel each producing 230 watts = 3.2 kW

Initial cost: $26,086

Massachusetts rebate - $6,762

“Out-of-Pocket” cost $19,324

State and Fed tax credits - $6,797

Final cost of system $12,527

Annual savings on bill $779

Annual S-REC income (minimum) $1,109

System pays for itself in 6 years

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Investment, Sunpower Financing Options

Same As Cash- SunpowerFirst Twelve Months- No Money Down, No Payments

- Take advantage of Federal & State Tax credits,

MRET Solar rebate, S-RECs & utilize energy produced by your array

If repaid within twelve month period- No Fees & No Interest

Wainwright Bank – Green Loan - 24 hours approval, No application fee

- Reduced interest rates for solar installations & Wainwright customers

MRET Solar rebate, S-RECs & utilize energy produced by your array

Disclaimer: Homebuyers should consult with their tax consultant, referencing the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, Section 1335. Tax laws are subject to change.

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Aesthetically Pleasing Array

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Yarmoff, (48) Sunpower 205 watt panels, 9.8 kW system

Maynard, MA - Sunframe Array

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King, (27) Sunpower 225 watt panels, 6.075 kW system

Previous Home use 9,135 kWh

Solar Contribution 7,473 kWh

Annual power provided82%

Estimated annual electric savings $1,495

SREC IncomePer year $2,109

Low Use, City Home

Mercer Hennen, (10) Sunpower 210 watt panels, 2.1 kW systemOverall Investment$16,800State Rebate:$4,410Tax Credits:$3,640

Total InvestmentAfter incentives

$8,750

Annual Electric Savings

$612Annual SREC income

$855

Solar Hot Water and PV

Knudson, (2) Schuco Hot Water Collectors

Overall Investment$8,500

State Tax Credit:$1,000

Federal Tax Credits:$2,550

Total InvestmentAfter incentives

$4,950

Maynard, MA – Evergreen Array

Kucich, (14) Evergreen 210 watt panels, 2.94 kW system

Solar Wedge Tilt Mount– Sunpower Array

Kaznay, (27) SPR 215 watt panels, 5.8 kW system

Ground Mount

Romer, (24) Sunpower 210 watt panels, 5.04kW system

Pole Mount & Dual Axis Tracker

Ladd, (12) Sunpower 225 watt panels, 2.7kW system

Q & A

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