January 31, 2023
2022 was a breakout year for solar. The Inflation Reduction Act, which kept the ITC at 30% as well as a major increase in the cost of electricity, made it possible for solar to become even more of a lower-cost alternative to traditional energy sources. But is solar now the new normal? Solar energy has… Read the entire post »
April 25, 2022
If you live in Massachusetts in NationalGrid or Unitil territory and have considered going solar, or went solar anytime since roughly 2016, you likely were told about the 10 kW AC Limit. And if you live in Eversource territory, you will soon know all about it too. What is the 10 kW AC limit? Basically,… Read the entire post »
February 22, 2022
Same products are from the same manufacturers and yet most everything – including the price and solar production – is different. How could that be? Most people understand that each installer is probably going to give you a different price. If you’ve ever had to gather quotes for a new roof or another similar project… Read the entire post »
January 17, 2022
We’ve gotten a lot of questions from people since Biden’s new “Build Back Better Bill” was first introduced, asking if it would be a good idea to wait for the bill to pass before going solar. For one, I’ll say we’re not entirely sure it will pass yet. We’re following along just like you are… Read the entire post »
January 17, 2022
I’m often asked by my solar customers if their solar system will generate enough electricity for them to convert from a fossil-fuel-based heating system to an electricity-based heating system. As it turns out, this is not a difficult question to answer. It does however, require some knowledge about how much fossil fuel you use for… Read the entire post »
November 10, 2021
Data source: [1] As opposed to solar panel installations, Fossil-fueled electricity is at the highest price per million British thermal units (MBTU) since February 2014, says CNN Business. [2] And that price is not decreasing. National Grid [3] and Eversource Energy [4] recently filed for approval to raise their electricity rates. Though the changes are pending,… Read the entire post »
November 10, 2021
From Portsmouth to Keene to the White Mountains – New Hampshire’s vibrant land, cities, and bodies of water are prime spots for installing solar panels. The Granite States’ solar industry has grown to an eye opening degree over the past decade. And while it doesn’t have the incentive programs some other states have, existing benefits… Read the entire post »
September 16, 2021
You just had your solar panels installation done and you have panel level electronics. That means you can see the electricity production of every panel. In fact, you can see power at any instant and the accumulated energy over time. But then you wonder, why isn’t each panel producing the same? There are several reasons… Read the entire post »
August 12, 2021
The Biggest Little State of Rhode Island for Solar Too Now that you are familiar with solar incentives in Rhode Island, let’s look at just how affordable solar panel systems are in The Ocean State. Although the cost of solar panels has changed over the years, Rhode Island residents are looking at very reasonable prices… Read the entire post »
July 29, 2021
Completing our review of solar incentives throughout our primary service areas, this month we’re tackling solar incentives in Massachusetts. Between the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), net metering, and other state programs Massachusetts has some of the best solar incentives in the country. So not only can you experience the benefits of renewable energy, but… 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.
