The question isn’t about the best month or time of year to go solar—it’s about seizing the opportunity as soon as you can. Going solar is not just a timely decision; it’s a long-term investment that will illuminate your life for decades. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the process of going solar, how Solaris Renewables will help guide you through that process, and why now is the best time to take advantage of solar energy.
The Perpetual Power of Solar
Solar power’s benefits extend far beyond the beauty of a sunny day. Solar power is a reliable source of electricity. Installing solar panels is a strategic, long-term investment in both your household’s budget and the planet’s well-being. Solar power is not bound by seasons or time constraints—it’s a year-round solution to energy needs, especially when participating in net metering, and provides a consistent source of power.
Capitalizing on Incentives
Before solar became so popular in Massachusetts, it was heavily incentivized to attract more people to go green. But as more people begin to adopt solar power, incentives begin to naturally decline the more mainstream solar technology becomes. Although the success of incentives is positive, it is imperative for your personal financial savings to take advantage of the incentives available now to Massachusetts residents.
Currently, incentives are still very robust and attractive. Massachusetts rebates, our Renewable Energy Certificate Program, and even net metering could be less lucrative in just a few short years. They were incredibly rewarding incentives earlier on when solar was not as popular, but benefits decrease naturally as time goes on. While these are still great programs that will help you save big, the sooner you go solar the higher your yield will be. Every day you do not go solar is a missed opportunity for savings.
It Takes Time To Get Solar Installed
Going solar with a turnkey solar installer like Solaris Renewables is easy, but it does take some time. Solar systems are a unique product – you can’t just buy a system at a store. There is a thorough process involved so we can ensure your system is built, engineered, and installed perfectly for your home. Although the process can take a few months, Solaris Renewables is here to help at every stage of the process: from consultations to permitting assistance to engineering and everything in between.
Because a solar installation takes a while, it is necessary to start as early as possible to maximize benefits and get it done on your timeline. Altogether, the process could take a minimum of 3-4 months but trends closer to 5 months. We do our best to make this process hassle-free, but the sooner you start the sooner you finish. Solar has a lot of hoops to jump through, and if you want to go solar for spring, the time to start is now!
The Solar Process
Hiring a Solar Contractor
Hiring a solar contractor is very different from hiring another type of home professional. When you hire a plumber, painter, or carpenter, they are able to do your project much faster than a solar contractor, often within a few days. Solar contracting is just like regular contracting – it is a serious commitment to home renovation, and will take a lot of time to accomplish.
Contract Signing & Solar Consultation
Once you contact us, we can work with you to analyze your property and create your custom shade report. This allows us to design a system just for you, maximizing energy production while making sure your roof looks exactly how you like it. If you’re eligible, one of our Project Developers will do an assessment of your home, go over financing and incentives, and help you better understand solar and all the benefits that it offers.
Building, Engineering, and Planning
The next phase is made up of permitting and engineering. Permitting can take from a couple of weeks to a few months – it depends heavily on your area. Getting started sooner gives you more time to allocate to the permitting process, as each town takes a different amount of time and it’s not always set in stone exactly how long the process will be.
Although installing a system may seem intimidating given the different requirements and bylaws of each city and town, Solaris will gather the documentation, set up inspections, and work with municipal zoning boards. We pull local permits, file utility applications, and handle the required paperwork for you to capitalize on solar incentives. Solaris strives to make your solar process as easy as possible.
Solar Installation
Lastly, we’ll offer you premium service when it comes to installing your panels. Installation may take 1-3 days, depending on the complexity of the project. With the shade report and analysis, we can assess if you should cut down trees, where to install materials, and more. You’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind solar design, a no-leak guarantee, clean wire management, and 50% fewer roof penetrations than industry standards.
The last step is for you to pass a final inspection by your city or town: then you can finally get Permission-to-Operate (PTO) from your utility company, which we will take care of completely. Getting PTO could take a couple of days or months, all depending on the project and its respective utility company. This is another reason to get your project started sooner than later.
Maximizing Sunlight Opportunities
Sure, the idea of capturing the July sun might seem appealing, but the significance of solar power lies in its adaptability to various weather conditions. Solar panels are designed to utilize sunlight throughout the year, not just during peak summer months. By procrastinating your solar journey, you’re essentially postponing opportunities your roof has to soak up the sun and convert it into clean energy during even less sunny months. With incentives such as net metering, it is possible to save money by using the sun’s power, even on cold, cloudy, or rainy days. And with solar panels lasting decades, there will be plenty of sunny days for you to capture.
Financial Savings Instantly and Over Time
One of the key benefits of going solar is the guarantee of financial savings. Every day that goes by that you do not go solar is a missed opportunity to save! Solar power systems significantly reduce or eliminate your electricity bills, providing a return on investment that compounds over time. The sooner you make the switch, the sooner you start capitalizing on the financial benefits of solar energy. The best resource you can have on your side when you make an investment is time, and solar is the ultimate investment.
Energy costs are rising in the Northeast, so going solar is one of the best improvements for your budget. Lower your bills and capitalize on incentives such as tax credits, rebates, net metering, and more. Contrary to popular belief, Massachusetts has the perfect climate for going solar, making it incredibly easy to save money.
Make Your Environmental Impact Now
Looking beyond personal finance, the decision to embrace solar power is one step towards a cleaner, greener planet. It’s not just about the dollars saved; it’s about the environmental impact and the legacy we leave for future generations.
Choosing solar energy is a proactive stance against this environmental crisis. By utilizing the power of the sun, you break free from the chains of fossil fuels, reducing your contribution to climate change and overall strain on the environment. The decision to go solar is a tangible step towards a more sustainable future—one without compromising the health of our planet. So, rather than waiting, act now and let your decision play a role in that change.
Final Notes
In the realm of solar power, the best time to make the switch is not dictated by the calendar. The longer you wait, is a missed opportunity to service the sun’s limitless power, save on energy costs, and contribute to a healthier planet. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—seize the opportunity to go solar today.
While it’s different from a typical home improvement process in that it is longer to plan and often in the hands of several different entities (towns, utility companies, etc.), it is also a really special type of home improvement that not only saves you money but also turns a profit.
Solaris is dedicated to making this process as painless as possible with our client-first approach. Although we work efficiently, the soar process can still take up to a few months, so the best time to go solar is now. Start saving as soon as possible and take the next steps to start going solar!
Go Solar With Solaris Renewables
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