THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE WILL BE EVEN GREENER WITH SOLAR
Why go solar in Vermont
It is no surprise that the Green Mountain state is a national leader in renewable energy. With a target of producing 20 percent of its energy from renewables by 2017, and 75 percent by 2032, Vermont is pursuing a greener future more aggressively than almost every state. By going solar you can help preserve the beautiful outdoors, have predictable energy bills, and invest in your home.
If you are on a time of use (TOU) billing system, you may see higher rates at different times of day. By going solar and installing batteries, you may be able to avoid TOU. The goal is to design your system to produce enough energy to keep your house running. This means you may not need to use any energy from the grid.
Be prepared for outages
Scheduled outages in Vermont are normal and sometimes necessary, but they are still inconvenient. Unforeseen weather may also cause outages and leave you without power. Installing batteries with your system can help your home stay powered even during an outage. Talk to your dealer about what batteries can give you the freedom to keep powering your home.
Preserve Vermont’s outdoors
Vermont has beautiful landscapes, forests, and agriculture that needs to be preserved. Many homeowners report the environment as a key reason to go solar. Your solar system prevents additional greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2, from polluting your environment. Going solar also reduces your reliance on fossil fuels and other traditional energy sources.
Have predictable payments
Vermont’s weather can vary, and so can your energy bill. With TOU rates, it becomes even more difficult to predict your energy bill. If you go solar, you have the opportunity to offset* your energy consumption and minimize your payment to the utility. Then you can budget for your monthly solar payment.
Invest in your home**
If you ask your neighbors, some of them have already gone solar to build equity. Going solar may add value to your home and may help it sell faster. The average Rhode Island home is currently valued at approximately $277,364, that is a 6.1% annual increase from last year. Keep up with the rising home values, especially if you want to sell in the future.
Solar incentives in Vermont**
With Vermont’s Renewable Energy Systems Sales Tax Exemption, you won’t pay any sales tax on the purchase of your system, and the Uniform Capacity Tax and Exemption for Solar keeps you from having to pay increased property taxes. Vermont also offers net metering through the Public Utility Comission, which allows you to sell your excess energy back to the grid and get a credit on your energy bill. As of February 2, 2021, net metering is credited on a one-to-one exchange. This means you get credited for the exact amount each kWh sells for. Beginning September 1, 2021, the electricity you sell back will be one cent less than what it normally sells for. Green Mountain Power customers can also get up to $10,500 toward the purchase of a new home battery when they enroll in their Bring Your Own Device program. All programs are dependent on customer eligibility.
Vermont homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).**** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Going solar is a big decision, and although there are many factors you should consider, local weather shouldn’t be a deterrent. Solar panels are designed to work in almost any type of weather… even snow and clouds!
Sunny
There are sunny days ahead for solar. The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you may be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through net metering and other incentive programs.
Rainy
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust or dirt.
Cloudy
It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system can still produce.
Windy
Solar panels are highly reliable and sturdy, they hardly notice your average winds. In most cases, damage from wind will be due to weakened roofs, not solar panels. This is why we assess your roof condition and reccomend any repairs prior to installing your system. In the event that higher winds cause an outage in the grid, you will still have power if you have batteries with your system.
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*Offset requires matching energy usage to the solar system’s output
**This information is current as of May 5, 2021 and figures are only approximations. We advise you to consult with the appropriate professionals (including, but not limited to, your solicitor or attorney, accountant, CPA, CGA, or any other financial or legal advisor) for the implications of any information contained in our website and in any link you access through our website.
***Customers are encouraged to check with their local utility providers for the most up to date and accurate information regarding solar incentives and programs available.
****You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forever’s family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
