FAQ's
Why should I pay for solar?
You already are! On your utility bill, you often find a "solar charge" or similar fee. This charge is typically used to fund programs that support other homes or initiatives to adopt solar energy. It is worth considering why your own home is not the one directly benefiting from a program that YOU pay into!
Why do they need my energy bill?
Energy specialists often request energy bills from potential customers to assess their energy consumption patterns and determine the feasibility and potential benefits of installing a solar energy system. This information allows them to provide informed recommendations, accurate cost projections, and customized solar solutions tailored to the customer's energy needs and financial goals.
Nothing is "free" so what's the catch?
You are absolutely right! The government provides incentives and subsidies to make solar system purchases more affordable. However, these incentives may not be suitable for every family. In a scenario where the upfront cost is a challenge, solar companies step in and invest in your home by covering the remaining capital required for the panels and installation. This approach helps alleviate the financial burden on homeowners and aligns with the government's goal of promoting renewable energy.
How much will solar reduce my energy costs?
The goal is to reduce reliance on the utility company by maximizing solar power generation. In the best-case scenario, solar panels would cover 100% or more of your home's power. Factors like shading, panel orientation, and energy consumption determine the actual coverage percentage. Assessing energy usage and conducting a site visit helps determine the potential savings.
Why are so many solar reps canvassing my area?
Solar representatives closely monitor supply and demand trends to identify locations that would benefit the most from adopting solar energy. By analyzing factors such as sunlight availability, energy consumption, and cost, solar companies determine the areas where going solar would have the greatest advantages. This helps them focus their efforts on promoting solar installations in regions where it can make a significant positive impact on energy generation and cost savings.
With the closure of power plants across the nation, the energy you use gets imported from more distant sources. As a result, there are significant delivery charges that contribute to the soaring energy costs for many residents. By generating your own power, you become less dependent on distant sources and the associated fees.
How can I get "credits" from my utility company?
Net metering programs enable homeowners with solar or renewable energy systems to generate surplus electricity that is fed back to the grid. The utility company provides credits for this excess energy, offsetting future consumption when the system generates less electricity. Some utility companies even allow homeowners to transfer net metering credits to other homes.
What if I sign something and change my mind later?
A solar manager will coordinate all the moving pieces and you can cancel anytime prior to the installation.
All that is needed from you is to:
Provide your latest energy bill
Give your Consent to an on-site visit
Decide if you would like to move forward or not
It's that simple!
My region isn't sunny all year round. Is solar a good fit?
There are two main factors that make an area ideal for going solar. Firstly, regions with ample sunlight are excellent candidates for solar energy as they can generate a significant amount of power. Secondly, areas with high energy costs provide a strong incentive for adopting solar as a means of reducing electricity expenses. If you find yourself being approached by many solar representatives, it is likely because your location either receives abundant sunlight or has costly energy rates. In either case, installing solar panels can bring substantial benefits and savings to your energy consumption.
What if I am planning on selling my house in the near future?
Installing a solar system prior to selling your home can offer several enticing benefits:
Added Home Value: Homes equipped with solar systems often have a higher resale value. Potential buyers recognize the presence of solar panels as a valuable asset due to the low and predictable energy costs they provide. This increased value can translate into a higher selling price for your home.
Enhanced Attractiveness: The prospect of low and predictable energy costs offered by a solar system can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. With rising energy prices, having a solar system in place can be a significant selling point, as it provides the opportunity for long-term savings on energy expenses.
Transferability: When it comes to selling your house, the solar system can be easily transferred to the new owner. Similar to changing utility bill names, the solar system is connected to the home's meter number rather than a specific individual. This seamless transfer ensures that the benefits of the solar system continue to be enjoyed by the new homeowner.
By installing a solar system prior to selling your home, you not only increase its value but also make it more appealing to buyers who are seeking energy-efficient and cost-saving features. Take advantage of the opportunity to harness renewable energy and maximize the selling potential of your home with a solar system installation.
Won't my property taxes go up if solar panels are installed in my home?
In Massachusetts, as in many other states, there are property tax exemptions available for solar systems. These exemptions are often part of incentives designed to promote the adoption of renewable energy and to encourage the installation of solar panels on residential and commercial properties.
In Massachusetts specifically, the state has a program called the Solar and Wind Energy Exemption. Under this program, the added value of a solar system is exempt from property taxes for a period of 20 years. This means that the increase in assessed value resulting from the installation of a solar system will not be subject to property tax for the duration of the exemption.
View a step-by-step overview of how Kiskeya Soalar Grant Applications are processed
Step 1: Verification of Personal Details To - homeowners will need to provide their personal details for verification purposes so that an on-site visit can be scheduled. This ensures eligibility and enables the subsequent steps to proceed smoothly.
Step 2: On-Site Visit for Home Eligibility - After the initial verification, an on-site visit will be scheduled to assess the eligibility of the home for solar panel installation. This visit allows experts from Kiskeya Solar affiliates to evaluate the property and determine its suitability for solar panel installation.
Step 3: Decision to Move Forward with Installation - Once the on-site visit confirms that the home is eligible to go solar, homeowners will have the opportunity to decide whether they want to schedule an installation. This decision is entirely up to the homeowner, and they can choose to move forward. Homeowners can opt out at no cost, at any point prior to installation.