May 19, 2025
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the solar market, you’ve probably heard some buzz about tariffs—what they are, how they could affect prices, and what they might mean for your plans to go solar. At New England Clean Energy, we know this topic can feel overwhelming, especially when policies shift and headlines change. So,… Read the entire post »
May 13, 2025
Switching to solar energy is an excellent way to reduce electricity bills, lower your carbon footprint, and increase the value of your property. However, the upfront costs of installing a solar system can be a barrier for many homeowners and businesses. Fortunately, various solar financing options make it easier to go solar without paying the… Read the entire post »
May 25, 2023
Solar loans interest rates, much like mortgage rates, are subject to macroeconomic forces that cause them to fluctuate. These rates dropped significantly during the pandemic, but have been steadily increasing since mid-2022. While there is little control over macroeconomics, there are steps that can be taken to secure a lower interest rate, with the key… Read the entire post »
October 8, 2020
Our last financial blog focused on commercial financing options so you know how to afford the cost of commercial solar panels. Today we are here to focus on just one of them and talk about power purchase agreements. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option for your specific needs. We… Read the entire post »
March 29, 2019
As an installer who sells systems I’m naturally biased. But I see a false equivalence in much of the Lease vs. Buy conversation out there when it comes to the cost of solar panels. I’ve written about it before, but a question I saw on the Internet made me think about it again. A homeowner… Read the entire post »
February 7, 2017
So long, Mass Solar Loan. It was fun while it lasted. This state-sponsored program, which makes solar accessible to more Massachusetts homeowners, including those with low credit scores and low income levels, has been hugely successful. So successful, in fact, that more than 70% of the available funds* had been used as of January 19,… Read the entire post »
June 2, 2016
I was skeptical about the Mass Solar Loan when it was first announced by the Clean Energy Center and the Department of Energy Resources. The loan program, intended to replace the Commonwealth Solar II rebate, had been delayed and delayed again for nearly two years. In the meantime, many strong solar loans emerged to fill… Read the entire post »
April 21, 2014
Or, Why You Should Care What Solar Leasing Companies Charge Solar leasing companies have helped many consumers get solar on their roofs and reduce their electric bills without actually buying the solar energy systems and incurring those costs. Sounds good, right? But of late, leasing companies like SolarCity are coming under fire. (Read this informative… Read the entire post »
I started writing The Energy Miser in 2011 because I like to analyze energy issues and pontificate about my findings. Got a topic you want me to cover? Let me know.
