Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Suitability Requirements
Orientation
• Ideal: Southern facing ~ 7 – 8 hrs of generation time per day
• Less suitable: East/West facing ~ 5 – 6 hrs on either side of ridge. Panels on both sides can generate for up to 10 hrs but costs more
•Not suitable: Northern facing
Space
Insolation
•Stow gets ~ 4-5 kWh/m2/day. This is moderate
GIS ANALYSIS OF SOLAR ENERGY SUITABILITY IN STOW
REGIONAL SOLAR SUITABILITY
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CENTRAL STOW
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SECTION 2
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SECTION 3
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SECTION 4
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SECTION 5
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SECTION 6
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SECTION 7
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FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY FOR SOLAR ENERGY
Initial installation of PV cell panels can cost up to $19, 000, with a pay-back period varying from 20-30 years based on the solar suitability at the location. However, there are many federal and state tax and rebate incentives can cut cost of solar installations down to $6,000. Hudson Light, the energy supplier for the town of Stow has recently a program to encourage increased use of solar energy. This incentive aims to save customers $100 annually. In addition, Hudson Light also provides a free meter to its customers to sell extra energy generated back to the grid.
How to Calculate Paybacks | Typical Costs | Solar Manufacturers | More information
State Financial Incentives
Financial Incentives Corporate Deduction
Excise Tax Deduction for Solar- or Wind-Powered Systems
Corporate Exemption
Excise Tax Exemption for Solar- or Wind-Powered Systems
Industry Recruitment/Support
Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Exemption (Corporate)
Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Exemption (Personal)
MassCEC – Sustainable Energy Economic Development (SEED) Initiative
Local Loan Program
New Generation Energy – Community Food Service Efficiency Lending Program
New Generation Energy – Community Solar Lending Program
Personal Tax Credit
Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit
Production Incentive
Massachusetts DOER – Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Mass Energy Consumers Alliance – Renewable Energy Certificate Incentive
Property Tax Incentive
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
State Rebate Program
MassCEC – Commonwealth Solar II Rebates
MassCEC – Commonwealth Solar Stimulus
Utility Rebate Program
Chicopee Electric Light – Solar Rebate Program
Concord Concord Municipal Light Plant – Solar Rebate Program
Mansfield Municipal Electric Department – Marblehead Municipal Light Department – Solar Rebate Program
National Grid (Gas) – Commercial Solar Thermal Rebate Program