(17) 59 Greenwood Avenue
“If you possibly can, go ahead and act while the federal tax credit lasts!”
Name
Ann Shedd and Mark Meess
What motivated you to install solar?
To transition away from fossil fuels in order to decrease our impact on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
How many panels do you have, and if you know, how much energy are you producing, percentage of your electric usage?
29 panels, 9.2 kW system, installed and connected in Feb 2020. We sized out the system in anticipation of installing air source heat pumps, which we did in early fall 2021; with that extra load, the system just about covers our electric usage. Even in the spectacularly rainy July 2021, our panels generated about 650 kWh of electricity. With net metering giving us credit during our high production/low usage months, there have only been two months in the last 1-1/2 years in which we owed any payment on our bill.
What has been the biggest benefit so far? What are you excited about?
We’re excited every day that the sun shines on our panels, excited to be able to track our production with an app, and excited to see net credit on our Eversource bills.
What were the obstacles to installing solar and what did you do to overcome them?
We did need to replace roofing (it was over 30 years old) and relocate a vent-pipe before our solar installation, and there was a slight delay in the process while assuring that the roof supports in our 1913 house were adequate to carry the extra weight of the system. The actual installation was quick: one day of electrical work (mostly outside), one day of a team installing racks and panels on the roof. It took a couple of weeks for the final inspections from the city and Eversource.
What advice do you have for people considering installing solar?
If you possibly can, go ahead and act while the federal tax credit lasts! (22% through 2021 and then scheduled to end – unless pandemic economic recovery plans extend the credit longer.)
Getting an evaluation and proposal from installers is critical; learn enough in advance to ask informed questions.
Even with federal tax credit and possible state rebate the payback may be in the 7-12 year range (depending on electricity rates) but you’ll have a new appreciation for sunny days!
Did you know: Federal tax credits for solar will expire soon…
26% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2019 and before 01/01/2021
22% for systems placed in service after 12/31/2020 and before 01/01/2022
Learn more on the Energy Star website.
Anything else you want to share?
The actual installation was quick: one day of electrical work (mostly outside), one day of a team installing racks and panels on the roof. It may take a couple of weeks for the final inspections from the city and Eversource.
Clean Energy Keene 