NSTAR has another great option for NSTAR Electric customers looking to support renewable energy - NSTAR Solar.
By participating, NSTAR customers will receive a free home energy assessment, and at the same time we'll evaluate your home's solar options. Simply call 800-666-6775 or apply online to get started.
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About NSTAR Solar
NSTAR Solar enables customers to support
renewable energy through the installation of photovoltaic (PV)
systems. PV systems can supply some of a home's electricity
needs during the day with green solar energy, and often offset
electricity provided by traditional means in the evening.
All homes may not be suited for solar panels. Many factors such as shading, how your home's roof is constructed and how much space is available help determine if a home is right for PV systems.
Average Cost
Installing PV systems is a significant home improvement
project. While the cost of installing solar panels is offset
over 10 to 15 years through lower energy bills, the typical
customer can expect to spend about $15,000 or more toward the
installation of solar panels after current tax
incentives.
Is NSTAR Solar Right For Your Home?
Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Home Ownership. NSTAR Solar is an option for NSTAR Electric customers who own their own home.
- Roof Orientation. For Massachusetts homes, an unobstructed south facing orientation works best to maximize the amount of energy produced from the PV system. Roofs oriented to the southeast or southwest can also effectively support PV systems.
- Exposure. PV systems work best in shade-free conditions. Even a small amount of shading from objects such as trees, other buildings or HVAC systems can impact the effectiveness of a PV system.
- Roof Conditions. Roofs that will need repairs or replacement should have work done on them before installing solar panels.
- Roof Material. Composition shingle (asphalt) roofs are most common in Massachusetts and work well with solar panels. Standing seam (metal) and EPDM (rubber) roofs also work well with solar installations. Installation on both slate and clay tile roofs is not recommended.
- Available Space. At least 100 square feet of unshaded space is needed for each kilowatt (kW) of PV system capacity. Typical 4 kW systems will require at least 400 square feet of available space.
- Tilt. To generate electricity year round, PV systems in Massachusetts should be tilted between 30 and 40 degrees from a horizontal position. Most panels are installed flat on a roof that may already provide this tilt.
Making The Green Choice
The first step in taking advantage of NSTAR Solar is
contacting NSTAR for a free home
energy assessment. In addition to receiving tips on how to make
your home as energy efficient as possible, an Energy Efficiency specialist will evaluate your home for NSTAR Solar.
Simply call 800-666-6775 or
apply online
to get started.
NSTAR's Green Commitment
NSTAR Solar is just one of several initiatives NSTAR is
undertaking to increase the use of renewable energy in
Massachusetts. Greater reliance on renewable resources will
diversify our electricity generation mix, help attain
environmental goals and support the development of the renewable
electricity market in New England.
