Their target is a 600 percent increase in solar energy use in the next four years. The plan aims to simplify the process of gaining solar energy funding for both residential and commercial purposes. Although there are no modifications regarding tax or fees, the plan involves special incentives for consumers that purchase solar panels made in the state. The program also seeks to provide extra help for lower-income homeowners that will patronize solar energy systems.

Benefits for homeowners and businessmen

According to Patrick’s administration, the simplified process will involve mail-in rebates. With the new program, homeowners and businesses that use solar panels home kits will no longer have to fill out complicated applications and wait for an administrative approval. They won’t have to wait for months or years. Instead, they can easily get their rebates easily through mail-ins. Patrick envisions that the rebates will amount to as much as 70% of what system users will spend on solar panel system installations.

Based on the reports made by program initiators, a typical household that uses solar panels home kits will be able to produce as much as 2,500 watts of electricity. This amount of energy comprises approximately 30% to 50% of electricity that an average household will purchase from a local utility provider on a monthly basis.

These calculations show that through the rebates offered by the state of Massachusetts, homeowners and businessmen can save enough money from their electricity bills to cover the costs of installing solar panel kits within five years of continuous use. The usual cost of solar panel system installations is around $20,000 to $25,000.

Approval from the local energy companies

Aside from providing benefits to the homeowners and businessmen, the state government also wants to create a stronger state market for the local companies that provide solar energy through the installation of solar panels home kits. Primary of these is the Evergreen Solar Inc. In exchange for the stronger market and some government subsidies, the solar energy company agreed to build a factory that will cater to jobless state residents.

According to Paul Gromer, executive director of the Solar Energy Business Association (SEBA), the statewide program of Patrick offers a win-win scenario for solar energy system installers and users. “This program will give us a world-class solar market right here in Massachusetts,” Gromer pointed out. The association represents manufacturers and installers of solar energy equipment in Massachusetts. GP