Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the most effective ways you can reduce your household carbon footprint. Collectively, it also helps Weston achieve its goal of reaching net zero by 2050. Over 160 Weston homes have already installed a rooftop PV system. Based on the record number of permits issued in recent months, this number should grow steadily higher.

Solar PV systems provide several benefits:

• Environmental - Contributes clean energy to the grid
• Economic – Saves on electric bills and generates ongoing revenues
• Resilience - Provides back-up power when paired with a battery

Environmental
Generating electricity with solar panels can substantially reduce your household greenhouse gas emissions. Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced results in one less pound of CO2 emitted, as well as fewer pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particulates.

A mid-to-large sized system can also help charge electric vehicles and power high-efficiency electric heat pumps, moving your household even further away from fossil fuels.

Economic
Solar can be a great investment if you have a suitable roof. Most systems have a payback period of 6-9 years, after which they produce positive cash flow for 20+ years. Financial incentives include:

• Federal investment tax credit – Owners can claim a 30% tax credit on their federal income taxes. For example, a 10kW system that costs $35,600 is reduced to $24,920 after the credit.
• State energy credit – Owners are eligible to take a state income tax credit for 15% of the system cost, up to $1,000.
• Lower electric bills – Even if your panels don’t produce 100% of the electricity you consume, your utility bills will be much less.
• Net metering – Excess electricity produced during a month can be sold to the utility for credits you can use later.
• Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) – By enrolling in this program you will receive an incentive rate for the electricity you produce, paid monthly over a 10-year period.

Resilience
Battery storage, when paired with solar, provides energy independence and resiliency in the event of a power outage. Batteries can be expensive, but are becoming more affordable. Many homeowners also like not paying the recurring fuel and maintenance costs associated with generators.

According to EnergySage, the average cost of a 13 kWh system is $19,345, which drops to $13,542 after the 30% federal tax credit. Incentives are also offered through these two programs:

• SMART Energy Storage Adder – An incentive based on your battery size, which is added to your SMART base compensation rate.
• ConnectedSolutions – Payments for allowing your utility to draw energy from your battery during times of high summer electricity demand.

Going Solar Steps

1. Learn the basics about solar here and here.
2. Find and contact potential installers.
   • Ask friends and neighbors with solar if they would recommend their installer. SWAG also has a list of installers used by Weston residents, which you can ask us about.  swag@sustainablewestonma.org
   • Explore EnergySage’s free online platform and compare quotes from vetted installers. Weston residents who access EnergySage through this link and install a rooftop system with an EnergySage installer will receive a $200 rebate.
   • Search MassCEC's Solar Costs Comparison Tool for information on PV systems installed in Massachusetts, including location, median project cost, size, and installer.
3. Installers may visit your home in order to provide a more accurate quote and solar production estimate. They will review recent electric bills and assess your roof, electrical panels and sun potential.
4. Select an installer. Sign a contract only after carefully reviewing details on costs, incentives, equipment, cancellation terms and clauses.
5. From this point, the installer typically handles the rest – permits, equipment procurement, scheduling, installation and paperwork. The actual installation only takes about two days.

Community Solar

Community solar is a great option for renters, condo owners and home owners who don’t have a suitable roof for solar - for example, when there are too many trees or the roof needs to be replaced soon. A community solar subscription can save you money on your electric bill and also helps support the development of solar power in Massachusetts.

Community solar projects can be found on the EnergySage marketplace. Weston residents who subscribe to a community solar project through this link will receive a $75 rebate. SWAG has partnered with EnergySage because they act as an impartial marketplace for many community solar developers. They also have Energy Advisors who can help answer your questions. To see a list of available projects, simply enter your zip code and click on the Explore Community Solar page. If you don’t see an available project right away, check back in a few days or weeks.

Resources

Ask a Solar Expert – A conversation with EnergySage (start at 14:00 mins.) – Green Energy Consumers Alliance presentation on solar basics, community solar and EnergySage.
Backup Power: Battery Storage for Homes & Businesses (start at 2:00 mins.) – MetroWest Climate Solutions presentation on solar + battery basics, technical considerations and humanitarian issues.