Tag Archives: srecs

About solar incentives

Illinois SREC program: an overview

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The best states to go solar aren’t always the sunniest; those who benefit the most from installing a solar PV system for their home spend a lot in electricity and live in a state with good solar incentives.

Illinois may not have the year-round sunshine of the Southwest, but it does have a great solar market because of the available financial incentives. In addition to the 30 percent federal solar tax credit for solar system owners, Illinois residents can receive additional financial benefits through the state’s solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) market.

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2019 SREC prices: explaining how to sell your RECs in the U.S.

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What are SRECs?

If you’ve been researching the best solar energy incentives available in 2018, you have likely heard something about solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). SRECs are a tradable commodity that you obtain from owning a solar panel system and producing clean energy. Because of a common state requirement known as the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), utilities in 38 different states must generate a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources, typically at least 20 percent. In 6 states and Washington D.C., the RPS specifies that a certain percentage of the renewable energy produced must come from solar power. States with this type of “solar carve out” are willing to pay significant amounts of money to take credit for the power generated by solar homeowners.

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SRECs in New Jersey: prices, projections, and program status

Massachusetts community solar: everything you need to know

What is an SREC? Net metering credits explained

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People often think SRECs and net-metering are the same thing, but really, the comparison is like apples to oranges. It’s true that they are both important to getting the best financial results from your solar PV system, but SRECs and solar net-metering actually have very different, distinct functions.

SRECs are a way to put cash in your pockets while net-metering is an efficient way to manage the finances related to your utility bill. Both can have positive financial effects and understanding the difference between the two can help you, as the owner of a solar PV system, to maximize the benefits of both. Here’s how it all works: Continue reading →

Does my solar roof have to face south?

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You don’t need optimal conditions for your solar power system to be a great investment. One of the biggest myths about the financial viability of solar is that it requires a really sunny location and a south facing roof. While these may be ideal conditions, folks outside of Southern California with roofs that face other points on the compass, such as east to west-facing roofs, can still satisfy most of their electricity needs and reap significant financial returns when they adopt solar power systems.

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How do SRECs work? Solar Renewable Energy Credits primer

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Of all the incentives for installing solar panel systems, solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) are some of the most potent, yet least-understood. You may have heard enigmatic terms like “SREC markets,” “solar renewable portfolio standards,” and “minimum compliance payments” thrown around in discussions about SRECS, but sifting through of all this jargon can be downright mind-numbing. However, SRECs can provide sizable streams of money to owners of solar power systems, so learning about what SRECs are, where they are available, and how they can make solar more financially-rewarding can, quite literally, pay off in a big way. In this article we aim to answer the simple questions: “how do SRECs work?”
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Top 5 Reasons Why Solar Panels Are Worth It in Massachusetts

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Solar panels popular in Massachusetts graphic

Massachusetts is considered a leading solar state. Find out why solar is so popular

Despite the state’s reputation for its cold, snowy winters, going solar is in fact a great way for Massachusetts residents to save money on their power bills. In this article we take a look at why solar panels are such a great investment for your home or business in Massachusetts.

Why are solar panels so popular in Massachusetts?

2015 was a big year for residential solar power for the USA. Massachusetts is going to be one of the states that leads the way as more and more Massachusetts homeowners and businesses discover the benefits of rooftop solar panels in MA. Once a state filled with underserved renewable demand, Massachusetts is starting to heat up as a leading solar state, according to various data reports. Continue reading →

How to Count Your Home Solar Savings in 6 Steps

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Using solar energy can save you thousands of dollars. But how do you make sure you’re keeping track of it all? We’ll show you how to tally up all your home solar savings.

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Solar Loans: The Best of Both Worlds

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Solar loans are bridging the gap between purchasing your solar panel system with cash and using a lease or PPA. Like a purchase, a solar loan allows you to own your system and reap the many financial benefits tied to ownership. Like a lease or PPA, it will allow you to go solar with no money down. Today, a host of banks, credit unions and specialty finance companies have emerged presenting a wide range of solar loans. Continue reading →