One of the things that people in the solar industry like to joke about is we’re all taking a ride on the “Solar Coaster”. Meaning, it is a very up and down business as public opinion and policies sometimes change at an alarming rate.  But the truth is we know it is the same for […]

We can all rest a bit easier now that the Polar Vortex has come and gone. The cold was not only deadly, but it most certainly left in its wake frozen pipes, spiking heating bills, and other issues for homes, properties, and sadly several unfortunate people that died in the cold. For most of you, […]

It’s been a busy last month or so for climate change news. The biggest of the published findings was the Fourth National Climate Assessment from the US Government released over the Thanksgiving weekend. And the media coverage has been pervasive, covering everything from the fires in California to those few that still believe it isn’t […]

SMART Highlights  The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, which pays homeowners and businesses in Massachusetts to generate solar energy, is finally here with the official start date of November 26, 2018. If you haven’t yet gone solar the time to sign up is now. And the SMART program is aptly named. The three best […]

Every year, trade magazine Solar Power World compiles a list of the top solar contractors in the country. New England Clean Energy ranks very high nationally for a small, regional player. And we’re #14 in Massachusetts based on megawatts installed in 2017, among all solar installers including huge developers. But truth be told, that’s not what I care […]

I do not believe in bad-mouthing other solar companies. I do believe in helping homeowners make good choices. (Sorry to sound like the mother in Freaky Friday for fans of the film). That means talking to you about some of the bad practices we see in the industry. Earlier this summer, our solar consultant Todd […]

The MassSolar website has an intriguing analysis on its blog today about the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Waynesboro, Georgia, where new units are under construction. A higher than anticipated cost for the project has just been announced, pushing the total price to $18.4 billion. Our friends at MassSolar ask: “How much electricity could you generate […]

Skeptics scoff when told that solar electric systems pay for themselves. I understand the skepticism because very few purchases in life truly pay you back. But most people do get the concept of a purchase that saves money, like LED light bulbs or a more efficient water heater. Solar is like that, but better. You […]

If the extremely hot July we’re having has you cursing the sun, think again. Because solar energy systems in New England, powered of course by the sun, are having a real, measurable and positive impact on electricity prices and the planet in this oppressive heat wave. The evidence of this will turn you from a […]

Enough sun reaches the Earth to power the entire planet, as you may have heard. But can your home or business produce enough solar to meet your electricity needs? It depends on your roof size, and its TSRF. My what? you ask. Let me back up. The “solar-friendliness” of your roof depends on factors including […]