Recent polling shows that 89% of Americans support solar power. So when a chance comes up to mention solar, you can pretty much assume you’re on solid “no conflict” ground regardless of all parties political affiliations. But it’s also true that it is usually best to get right down to the key details.
Here’s our current list:
- It’s Springtime – One of the best times of year for solar energy production in New England is the spring when the sun is intense and the temperatures are cooler. Sure it’s a 25-year project, but it’s always nice to jump out right at the start.
- Potential Price Increases – None of us can be sure what will happen with tariffs on goods from China, but another bump up to the 25% tariff we’ve heard about would likely drive up the average system price in New England. Acting now could protect you by locking into today’s pricing.
- Shrinking Investment Credits – State and Federal investment credits are built to urge buyers to move now, not later. Instead of getting richer over time they all seem to have adopted a declining value model.
- In Massachusetts, the value of the SMART program’s investment credit declines over time. We’re almost halfway through block one when the dollar value for a new buyer will go down roughly 10%.
- In Rhode Island, the REF and REG programs have limited sizes and time frames and available funds have often been completely subscribed the very first day they open. Yes they have been renewing each year, but like the SMART program, the credits have gone down every year as well.
- And In New Hampshire as well as everywhere else, the Federal Investment Tax Credit goes down at the end of this year, reducing the total dollar value for a new buyer by a substantial 13% (30% ITC goes down to 26%). Waiting until later in the year however may leave some people out as your new system must be completed and operational by the end of December. As the race heats up you don’t want to be one of the folks left out.
- Solar and Batteries Beat Out Fossil Fuels – If it is all about the money, then solar plus batteries (as well as wind) have crossed the financial goal line, even when considering the three tests of “bulk production cost, dispatchablity cost, and flexibility costs”. In short, solar is winning not only the clean energy battle but the cost battle as well. After all, when was the last time anyone had to stop and fill their solar panels? Read the Bloomberg report here.
- Consider Your Own Savings – Last and not for nothing, solar also saves your friends money as well as helps the planet. In fact, if you compare it with any other home project it makes sense on just a monitory basis even if you’re not so concerned about climate change. It’s just hard to argue with the 25 to 30 years of clean and input free power production.