I'm frustrated—and frankly, I'm disgusted. The recent passage of the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) doesn't just undermine renewable energy progress; it fails utterly to address the deeper societal challenges we face today. The OBBB redistributes wealth upward, strips essential resources from our most vulnerable citizens, and irresponsibly borrows from future generations, robbing them of clean air, affordable energy, and sustainable prosperity. But while I'm deeply concerned about these broader injustices, my focus here remains clear: Solar power remains the smartest, fairest, and cheapest form of energy available to Massachusetts homeowners right now. Northeast Solar (NES) is committed, more than ever, to supporting our communities and promoting local solar energy solutions and energy independence.
Before we dive deeper, let's get this out of the way: Our 2025 installation calendar is full. However, if you decide to move forward today, there's still a chance—thanks to our efforts to expand installation capacity—that we may be able to accommodate a select few additional customers. We can't promise anything at this point, but we will certainly do everything possible to make it happen.
We Saw This Coming
Back in early 2025, I wrote about exactly what has now unfolded. While many hoped or expected that the federal solar tax credits would last, we knew differently. We prepared our customers with transparent, accurate guidance. Those who acted earlier will reap the rewards of timely solar installations. This isn't about hindsight—it's about clear foresight and honest local advice.
Moreover, there's an emerging issue we can't ignore: the growing energy demands from technology, particularly artificial intelligence and data centers. These facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity—often more than entire cities. As tech companies rapidly expand, Massachusetts utility costs will inevitably rise—we've already seen evidence of this in recent electricity auctions, where energy prices increased by 22% compared to last year's record-high levels. Solar panel installations aren't just beneficial; they're becoming essential as a strategic response to this mounting challenge.
But here's the essential truth—solar is still an exceptional investment even without the federal incentives.
Massachusetts Solar Economics Without the Federal Tax Credit
Let's use a realistic and conservative scenario: a 9.3 kW system with 20 REC 465 solar panels and Enphase IQ8+ inverters, ideally generating about 9,300 kWh per year under perfect conditions. However, most homes will realistically experience slight shading, less-than-perfect orientation, and inverter limitations—like clipping during optimal sunny days—to protect system components. To account for these real-world factors transparently, we've conservatively estimated your solar production at around 7,400 kWh per year, or about 80% of the ideal scenario.
For an 8.7 kW Solar System in Western Mass:
- Installed Cost: Approximately $28,830 (at $3.10 per watt).
- Massachusetts State Solar Tax Credit: $1,000, reducing your net cost to $27,830.
- Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): valued at $27 per MWh (2.7 cents per kWh), further reducing your effective cost.
With Massachusetts utility rates currently around $0.32 per kWh, and rising about 3% annually, solar's value becomes increasingly clear:
- Your solar electricity cost after installing solar: Approximately $0.133 per kWh over the system’s 25-year lifespan. Including REC revenues and realistic production estimates, this figure reflects your locked-in electricity rate—approximately 58% cheaper than the current utility rate.
Here’s what this means financially over 25 years:
- Lifetime Solar Energy Savings: Over $60,000 in electricity bills avoided.
- Net Present Value (NPV): Approximately $35,000—real value delivered straight into your family's budget.
- Solar Payback Period: Around 9-10 years, meaning you’ll enjoy at least 15 years of essentially free electricity.
- Savings vs. Staying with Utility: Nearly 70% in total energy cost savings, avoiding approximately $86,000 in projected utility costs.
Local Solar Benefits Beyond Your Budget
Beyond your savings, Massachusetts solar panel installations directly increase home values by roughly $15,000 to $20,000. In Massachusetts, solar improvements are exempt from property tax increases, making it one of the best financial upgrades you can invest in.
Local Massachusetts solar programs remain robust:
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits (RECs): Earn income for every kilowatt-hour produced.
- Net metering: Earn credits for excess power you send back to the grid.
- Mass Save rebates: Generous support remains for complementary technologies like heat pumps and energy storage.
Every Day You Wait Costs You Money
It’s really that simple: every month you delay installing solar panels, you’re sending money to someone else—money that could otherwise stay in your own pocket. When you pay your utility bill, those dollars leave our community permanently. Choosing solar keeps your money local, supports Western Massachusetts jobs, and strengthens our neighborhoods.
Why Northeast Solar?
We've navigated policy shifts, economic upheaval, and global disruptions before. NES isn't going anywhere. We're rooted right here, living and working beside you. Every dollar invested with NES generates $1.50 in local economic activity. These aren't just solar panel installations—these are relationships, resilience, and real community wealth.
It's Time to Take Control
Policy frustrations aside, the sun keeps shining, the technology works brilliantly, and the economics speak for themselves. The longer you wait, the more you pay someone else. Contact Northeast Solar today. Let’s talk openly and clearly about how Massachusetts solar works for you, even without the federal tax credit. Let's do the good work together.
–Greg and the Northeast Solar Team
Ready to take the next step? Call us at (413) 247-6045 or visit www.northeast-solar.com.
