Even homeowners who know next to nothing about solar power can learn how to tap the energy of the sun.
Plymouth resident David Buckman said he looks forward to many happy years of “tapping the sun” after signing a deal to lease solar panels for his home.
Buckman read about the offer from a company called SunRun, a home solar service company based in California, last spring and decided to learn more. The more he learned, the more he realized how beneficial it would be on several levels.
“We did it for the economy, we did it for the environment, and we did it to save money,” he said.
SunRun has power purchase agreements – like the one the Buckmans entered into – in place in California, Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
The 5-kilowatt solar electric system is typically priced at $32,000 to $36,000. Buckman has leased his for a one-time installation fee of $1,000 for the next 18 years. He avoids utility rate increases and isn’t responsible for maintenance.
“At the end of the 18 years, you can either buy the panels from them or they can take them back,” he said.
If Buckman had purchased the solar panels, he would have received a state tax credit, but because he leases the panels SunRun received the credit. Buckman said the leasing program works for people who otherwise could not afford a solar electric system. He paid a one-time installation fee and isn’t responsible for maintenance according to the terms of the legal contract with SunRun.
The power purchase agreement guarantees that Buckman will pay a set fee of 14 cents per kilowatt-hour for the next 18 years. The system was turned on Jan. 5, and after checking against NStar rates, he found he was ahead by 5 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Alteris Renewables, a company with offices in Boston and Connecticut, installed the panels. Another Massachusetts company, Evergreen Solar, manufactured the solar panels at its factory in Devens.
Homeowners interested in home solar electric systems will soon be able to take advantage of new state rebate programs, according to Bill Kanzer, director of marketing for Alteris. By mid-February, he expects to be able to talk in more detail about what financing programs Alteris will be able to offer.
As part of the process of determining whether the Buckman home would be a good candidate for solar power, Sun Run evaluated the Buckmans’ electrical use and the amount of sunlight striking the home. In 1993, when the house was built, they selected a design that was solar-friendly. Their house faces due south. Elevation is another deciding factor.
The solar panels lay flat on their garage roof.
At least 60 percent of the energy produced by the solar panels will provide electricity for the Buckman home. The rest of the energy will be sold back to the company, so SunRun can profit.
“They sell energy back to the power grid,” Buckman said.
So will other Plymouth residents interested in harnessing the power of the sun learn more about the programs offered through companies like SunRun? Buckman hopes so.
Going solar doesn’t have to be a solo act: Plymouth resident encourages homeowners to ‘tap the sun’
Going solar doesn’t have to be a solo act
Plymouth resident encourages homeowners to ‘tap the sun’
Solar panels are installed on the roof of homeowner David Buckman’s garage.
Solar panels are installed on the roof of homeowner David Buckman’s garage.
Even homeowners who know next to nothing about solar power can learn how to tap the energy of the sun.
Plymouth resident David Buckman said he looks forward to many happy years of “tapping the sun” after signing a deal to lease solar panels for his home.
Buckman read about the offer from a company called SunRun, a home solar service company based in California, last spring and decided to learn more. The more he learned, the more he realized how beneficial it would be on several levels.
“We did it for the economy, we did it for the environment, and we did it to save money,” he said.
SunRun has power purchase agreements – like the one the Buckmans entered into – in place in California, Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
The 5-kilowatt solar electric system is typically priced at $32,000 to $36,000. Buckman has leased his for a one-time installation fee of $1,000 for the next 18 years. He avoids utility rate increases and isn’t responsible for maintenance.
“At the end of the 18 years, you can either buy the panels from them or they can take them back,” he said.
If Buckman had purchased the solar panels, he would have received a state tax credit, but because he leases the panels SunRun received the credit. Buckman said the leasing program works for people who otherwise could not afford a solar electric system. He paid a one-time installation fee and isn’t responsible for maintenance according to the terms of the legal contract with SunRun.
The power purchase agreement guarantees that Buckman will pay a set fee of 14 cents per kilowatt-hour for the next 18 years. The system was turned on Jan. 5, and after checking against NStar rates, he found he was ahead by 5 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Alteris Renewables, a company with offices in Boston and Connecticut, installed the panels. Another Massachusetts company, Evergreen Solar, manufactured the solar panels at its factory in Devens.
Homeowners interested in home solar electric systems will soon be able to take advantage of new state rebate programs, according to Bill Kanzer, director of marketing for Alteris. By mid-February, he expects to be able to talk in more detail about what financing programs Alteris will be able to offer.
As part of the process of determining whether the Buckman home would be a good candidate for solar power, Sun Run evaluated the Buckmans’ electrical use and the amount of sunlight striking the home. In 1993, when the house was built, they selected a design that was solar-friendly. Their house faces due south. Elevation is another deciding factor.
The solar panels lay flat on their garage roof.
At least 60 percent of the energy produced by the solar panels will provide electricity for the Buckman home. The rest of the energy will be sold back to the company, so SunRun can profit.
“They sell energy back to the power grid,” Buckman said.
So will other Plymouth residents interested in harnessing the power of the sun learn more about the programs offered through companies like SunRun? Buckman hopes so.
Download the story here.