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Massachusetts, A Solar Powerhouse

Massachusetts ranks 10th nationally in total solar electric capacity, with over 5,000 megawatts (MW) installed as of March 2024 . The state generates approximately 21.75% of its electricity from solar power, placing it third in the nation for the percentage of electricity derived from solar .ConsumerAffairs

Key factors contributing to Massachusetts’ success include:

  • Generous Net Metering: Residents benefit from a 1:1 net metering policy, ensuring they receive full retail credit for excess solar energy fed back into the grid.

  • Tax Incentives: The state offers a Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit (up to $1,000) for solar installations on primary residences.

  • Sales Tax Exemption: Solar and wind energy equipment are exempt from sales tax, reducing upfront costs for consumers.

Additionally, Massachusetts has committed to procuring 5,000 MW of energy storage by 2030 and has been awarded $156 million in federal funding to expand solar access to small residential and multifamily homes .Mass.gov

Rhode Island: Rising Solar Star

Rhode Island ranks 32nd nationally in total solar capacity, with approximately 1,195 MW installed as of Q4 2024 . The state generates about 13.10% of its electricity from solar.

While Rhode Island’s total capacity is smaller compared to Massachusetts, it has shown impressive growth:

  • Solar Jobs: The state supports 1,396 solar jobs across 28 companies.

  • Investment: Over $1.9 billion has been invested in Rhode Island’s solar sector.

  • Future Projections: The state is expected to add 656 MW over the next five years.

Rhode Island’s commitment to renewable energy is further demonstrated by its participation in joint offshore wind projects with Massachusetts, aiming to enhance the region’s clean energy infrastructure .Mass.gov

Looking Ahead

Both Massachusetts and Rhode Island are poised for continued growth in solar energy. Massachusetts’ robust policies and Rhode Island’s rapid expansion set a strong foundation for a sustainable energy future in the Northeast.

For residents and businesses in Milford, MA, and surrounding areas, these developments present opportunities to invest in solar energy, reduce electricity costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Contact us today to get a free no-obligation solar quote!

SGE Solar Employee Outing 2023

Our team here at SGE Solar has been putting in some serious hustle, staying late, working weekends, and just generally going above and beyond. In light of  everyone’s hard work, why not have a well-deserved break at the ballpark! We all had a fun-filled day watching the WooSoxs at the new stadium Polar Park! Thank you to all our customers patience while we had the office closed for the day. And thank you to all our employees for continued hard work and dedication throughout the year. It’s like hitting the reset button on productivity and motivation. Not to mention, it gives everyone a chance to bond outside of the office walls and helps build that sense of camaraderie while giving the best solar experience we can.

 

Solar Efficiency in Cold Temperatures

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels create energy from the sun’s radiation “sunrays” & not from the sun’s heat. A solar panel is made up of a layer of silicon cells and when light interacts with a silicon cell, it causes electrons to be set into motion, which initiates a flow of electric current.

When the sun is hitting a solar panel, the solar panel will generate electricity — no matter how cold it is. Most people don’t know that solar works more efficiently in colder temperatures. A sunny and cold environment in New England is the best condition for solar panels. Heat actually reduces solar efficiency (tests shown that panels start to lose efficiency above 77ºF).

Best example is the McMurdo Station, the primary hub for U.S. science operations on Antarctica, using solar as it’s critical source of power. Temperatures in outer space, where solar powers the International Space Station, experience the most extreme cold temperatures that are significantly colder than New England winters or even Antarctica’s tempatures!

In fact, the solar industry is thriving in cold-weather states like here in Massachusetts (our main office location), Rhode Island and Connecticut.

This isn’t to say that solar is better or produces more energy during the winter months. Shorter days in winter, snow cover, clouds and a lower angle of the sun can all reduce the amount of sunlight solar panels get.

Do you live in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Connecticut and thinking about going Solar? Call our office today to speak to one of our Solar experts to see how much solar can save you!

Benefits of going Solar:

  • Reduce or eliminate your Electric Bill
  • Earn a great return on your investment
  • Increase your property value
  • Protect against rising energy costs
  • Protect the environment