5 Benefits of Solar Panels in Central and Western MA

Have you seen solar panels popping up on more and more roofs in your neighborhood? Solar is taking over in Massachusetts—right now, there’s enough solar installed throughout the state to power 715,336 homes! 

If you haven’t added solar panels to your home yet, now is the perfect time. There are excellent tax benefits available for home solar installation in 2023 that you don’t want to miss out on. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a home solar energy system for your home in Springfield, Northampton, or Chicopee, MA. 

1. A Smaller Carbon Footprint

Solar panels generate electricity without burning fossil fuels. They utilize a fully renewable resource—sunlight—to produce power and don’t release greenhouse gases. By making the switch to solar panels in Chicopee, Springfield, or Northampton, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help create a more sustainable future. 

2. Electric Bill Savings 

The number one benefit of a solar panel installation in Western MA is electric bill savings. The cost of electricity has been going up—according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), retail electricity rates rose by an average of 7.5% in 2022. 

Installing a residential solar energy system at your Springfield or Northampton home will help you get away from the grid and rising electricity rates. You’ll be able to produce some or all of your own power, so you can slash your bills and save money every month. 

3. Solar Tax Benefits 

Did you know you can save 30% on solar panel installation in 2023 with the federal solar tax credit? The solar tax credit was recently increased by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and is making solar more affordable than ever. It reduces what you own in federal income tax by 30% of your solar installation costs and can save you thousands of dollars on solar panel and battery installation. 

Solar panels are also exempt from sales tax in Massachusetts and are exempt from property tax increases for 20 years, even though installing solar panels can increase your home’s value. 

4. Incentive Programs 

Massachusetts has some of the best solar incentive programs in the country. 

Net metering: Allows you to export your excess solar electricity to the grid in exchange for a credit that will offset the cost of electricity you buy from the grid. 
ConnectedSolutions: A battery incentive program that allows you to earn incentives by giving your utility company access to your stored energy during peak demand times. 

5. Blackout Protection 

When a Nor’easter rolls through and knocks out the grid, you need a reliable backup power source. Solar panel and battery systems provide backup power during an outage and can keep your lights and other essentials on in an emergency. 

Get Solar Panels for Your Home in Western Massachusetts

Boston Solar is the leading solar company in Western MA. We can design a custom home solar panel system to maximize your energy production and electric bill savings. We are one of the most experienced solar companies near you with over 11 years of experience serving Massachusetts homeowners, and we’ve installed over 5,000 solar energy systems. We prioritize communication to make sure you get the answers you need fast and are always kept up to date while we are designing and installing your solar energy system. 

Start saving with solar! Call 617-858-1645 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.