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Spring into Solar!

Spring is indeed an excellent time to start the process of transitioning to solar energy for several reasons:
  1. Optimal Sunlight: Spring brings longer days and increasing sunlight as compared to winter. More sunlight means your solar panels can generate more energy, making it an ideal time to start harnessing solar power.
  2. Preparation for Summer: By starting the process in spring, you can have your solar energy system installed and ready to go by the time summer arrives. Summer typically sees the highest energy demand due to air conditioning use, so having your solar panels operational by then can help offset your energy bills during peak usage months.
  3. Maximize Savings: Installing solar panels in spring allows you to take full advantage of the abundant sunlight throughout the summer months, maximizing your savings on energy bills. The sooner you start generating your own clean energy, the sooner you can start reducing or even eliminating your reliance on traditional energy sources.
  4. Tax Incentives and Rebates: Many governments and utilities offer incentives, tax credits, or rebates for installing solar panels. Starting the process in spring gives you ample time to research and take advantage of these incentives before they expire or decrease.
  5. Avoid Peak Season Rush: Summer is often a busy time for solar installers, as many homeowners decide to go solar when they start feeling the heat. By starting the process in spring, you can avoid the rush and potentially secure earlier installation dates, ensuring your system is up and running efficiently before the hottest months.
  6. Assessment and Planning: Spring allows for a thorough assessment of your property’s solar potential. With the trees in full bloom, you can accurately determine the shading patterns and make any necessary adjustments to maximize sunlight exposure for your solar panels.

Overall, starting the process of going solar in spring sets you up for success by capitalizing on optimal sunlight, preparing for increased energy demand in summer, maximizing savings, and taking advantage of available incentives.

Solar for your Commercial Property

The Inflation Reduction Act has brought about a remarkable change. It has presented Federal Tax Credits for Solar that, in some situations, double the previous benefits. This is something we’ve never witnessed before. The benefits are significant. Many of our clients are seeing a 50% reduction in their tax burden thanks to these credits. But it gets even better. When you factor in depreciation, these tax credits could cover up to 75% of the cost of a solar system. There’s more good news. The Department of the Treasury has guided how to maintain these tax credits. They’ve also shared information about various add-ons that can further enhance your savings. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. We’ll help you determine if your site can benefit from these fantastic tax credits. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to save big while contributing to a greener future.

Tax Breaks Explained

The investment Tax Credit has been increased from 26% to 30%, and may now be transferred or sold to other taxpayers. The 30% applies to both business and residential projects, including projects installed in 2024, and will last until the end of 2032.

Energy storage projects were previously ineligible for tax credits unless they were connected directly to solar power projects. The Inflation Reduction Act removes these requirements and allows energy storage projects to receive the same 30% tax credit, even if they are stand-alone facilities. Batteries connected to a solar power project will continue to qualify for the credit, even if they are no longer being charged by solar power.

Interconnection costs will also be included in the tax credit, for projects smaller than 5 MWac.

Domestic content – 10% tax credit adder

Solar power projects eligible for the full 30% tax credit can increase their tax credit by an additional 10% – to 40% in total – by purchasing domestically produced hardware. Per the document, 100% of steel and iron must be US-manufactured in the United States. For manufactured goods – like solar panels, inverters, and electrical gear – the goods must initially be 40% US manufactured, though this percentage will increase in the future.

Project siting – 10% tax credit adder

Projects that are located in former ‘energy communities’ can earn an additional 10% tax credit. Energy communities are first defined as brownfields, and secondly as locations associated with fossil fuels over the last generation.

If there have been significant extraction jobs associated with coal, oil, or natural gas after December 31,1999, then the census tract – and its connecting census tracts – are eligible. If a coal power plant or mine has closed in the same window, the area and its surrounding tracts are also eligible.

Clean electricity production credit

For a long time, the wind industry has been given a tax credit on a per kilowatt-hour basis. Prior to 2007, the solar industry was also eligible for this production credit. The Production Tax Credit is now fully applicable to the solar power industry. This document, it is titled the ‘Clean Electricity Production Credit’.

If a solar power project meets the prevailing wage requirements, then it will receive a tax credit of 2.5 cents/kWh for the first ten years of the project’s life. If a project does not meet prevailing wage standards, it will earn only 0.3 cents/kWh before adjustment for inflation. Going forward, the production credit increases as it is adjusted for inflation.

60% tax credit opportunity?

There is also a 10% adder for solar power projects that sell their electricity via community solar projects to low-income individuals. If we add the 30% tax credit base, 10% for domestic content, 10% for being located in a former fossil fuel energy community, and 10% for selling the electricity via community solar to low-income families – the tax credit could potentially reach 60%.

As a turn-key installer, Second Generation Energy will manage the process of getting your solar system installed so you can take full advantage of all the Tax Credits as well as REC incentive Payments. 

Harnessing Sunshine: SGE Solar Illuminates the Path to Sustainable Savings in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire

In an era where environmental consciousness meets economic pragmatism, the quest for sustainable energy solutions has gained unprecedented momentum. Here at SGE Solar, we’re a full-turnkey installer dedicated to empowering homeowners in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also slash their high electric bills.

The Power of Solar Energy:

  1. As the demand for clean energy solutions rises, solar power has emerged as a beacon of hope for eco-conscious homeowners. SGE Solar leverages cutting-edge technology to harness the power of the sun, providing a renewable and sustainable energy source that not only benefits the environment but also significantly reduces dependence on traditional electricity grids.
  2. Full-Turnkey Installation:SGE Solar stands out as a full-turnkey installer, offering a seamless and hassle-free experience for homeowners looking to make the switch to solar energy. From the initial consultation to the final installation, SGE Solar takes care of every step in the process, ensuring that customers can make the transition to solar power with confidence and ease.
  3. Savings Beyond the Horizon:One of the most compelling reasons to choose SGE Solar is the substantial savings it offers on high electric bills. By tapping into the virtually limitless power of the sun, homeowners can experience a drastic reduction in their monthly energy costs. SGE Solar’s customized solutions are designed to maximize energy efficiency, providing homeowners with long-term financial benefits.
  4. Regional Focus: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire:SGE Solar’s commitment to transforming the energy landscape extends to the residents of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. By catering to the unique needs and regulations of these regions, SGE Solar ensures that homeowners can navigate the process seamlessly, taking full advantage of the abundant solar resources available in the area.
  5. Federal Tax Credit: A Beacon of Financial Incentive:In addition to the inherent savings, homeowners opting for solar installations with SGE Solar can also benefit from the 30% Federal Tax Credit. This substantial financial incentive serves as a powerful motivator, making the transition to solar energy not only environmentally responsible but also economically advantageous.
  6. Environmental Impact and Sustainability:Beyond the immediate financial gains, embracing solar energy with SGE Solar contributes to a healthier planet. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions, homeowners play a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable future for generations to come.

SGE Solar’s dedication to making solar energy accessible and affordable for homeowners in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire is paving the way for a greener and more economically sound future. With the added advantage of the 30% Federal Tax Credit, the journey towards sustainable living becomes not only responsible but also financially rewarding. As SGE Solar continues to illuminate homes with the power of the sun, it invites homeowners to join the solar revolution and be part of a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable tomorrow.

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Has your heat bill been higher this winter? Heating costs overall are predicted to be higher this winter – and we have definitely been feeling the effects!

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2022 Installation Highlights

Residential Installation Highlights of 2022 Here are some of our highlight installs from each month of 2022! Hover over the image to see what month we installed each solar panel system in.

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What Fuels your Electricity in Massachusetts?

Electricity in Massachusetts comes from a few main sources: Solar, Wind, Hydroelectric power, Biomass, Petroleum, and Natural gas. Currently, natural gas is the largest source of electricity, coming in at 67% of electricity fuel. Next is renewables at 30%, then hydroelectric and lastly petroleum at 0.5%. The graph below from the EIA shows this breakdown.

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2021 Installation Highlights

Residential Installation Highlights of 2021 Here are some of our highlight residential installs from each month of 2021! Hover over the image to see what month we installed each solar panel system in.

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