Massachusetts is one of the top-ten solar generators in the nation. In fact, in 2014 Massachusetts solar installers created 308 megawatts of new solar electric capacity, to make the state the fourth largest producer of new solar energy nationwide. Overall, the state has the sixth largest installed solar capacity.
If you’re considering a residential solar energy system for your home, then here are some fascinating facts and solar systems in Massachusetts.
- A study by the Solar Foundation found that almost 175,000 people work in the solar energy industry in 2015, a 20% increase since the year prior. And in Massachusetts, about 9,400 people work for 377 solar energy companies.
- State politicians have set an ambitious goal of installing 1,600 megawatts of solar energy by 2020. This year, the governor announced that we were halfway there, with more than 800 megawatts installed so far. That’s enough solar energy to power 130,000 homes.
- According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are at least 47 solar panels for every single seat in Fenway Park.
- Massachusetts solar power advocates have scored rebates for solar energy producers, known as net metering, in which residential solar power systems are credited for the electricity they produce. State legislators are expected to raise the net metering cap again in 2015, creating even more benefits of solar energy.
- The price of residential solar panels has dropped by nearly 80% nationwide. Because of this, solar power experts say there will be new solar panels installed every 80 seconds by next year.
- By 2020, the U.S. government predicts that more than 1 million homes will use solar panel systems. Already, solar energy accounts for 50% of all new power generation.
If you’re interested in Massachusetts solar panels for your home, then you’re lucky to live in a state where local politicians are on your side. Residents in some red states are facing fierce resistance to residential solar energy, both from lawmakers and homeowner’s associations.