The Solar and Clean Heat Challenge is off to a strong start. 

Over 350 residents in Ashland, Framingham, Holliston and Natick have submitted requests for no-cost assessments from the program installers and over 30 clean energy technology systems have been contracted to date! 

 

The MetroWest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge is a regional partnership launched by the municipalities of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, and Natick to connect residents and small businesses with reliable installers and competitive pricing for clean energy technologies of

• Solar panels, which convert clean, free sunlight to electricity, reduce air pollution, and can reduce or eliminate monthly electricity bills

• Air-source heat pumps, which are a flexible, cost-effective and energy-efficient option for heating and air conditioning

• Ground-source heat pumps, which are the most efficient heating and cooling system available and are reliable even on the coldest days

The Metrowest Solar + Clean Heat Challenge kicked off this past June and will run through the end of the year. 

Going solar is good for the environment, it decreases the need for fossil fuels to be burned and is a completely zero-emission energy source. Not only is it good for the environment, but solar saves you money as well. It is an investment in which you can save thousands in avoided electric bill costs and even increase the value of your home. With the solar incentives available currently, there are even more savings to get excited about. 

While most people have heard of solar panels and solar energy, there are a couple of other clean energy sources that can also save money over time. They are also as environmentally friendly as solar energy.

Geothermal energy is a clean, efficient way of heating and cooling your home with minimal impact on the environment. The energy savings, in some instances, can pay off in as little as three to five years.

Electric heat pump systems are becoming increasingly popular because they do not rely on fossil fuels to produce warm and cold air. 

Purchasing a heat pump will help reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses that are released into the environment each year.  In addition, installing a heat pump instead of a furnace or central air conditioner can help you save money on your utility bills. 

A misconception about heat pumps is that they are not effective during our harsh New England winters. In reality, technological advances, along with the real life experiences of home and business owners in the area who have heat pumps, have demonstrated their effectiveness in providing clean heat and cooling year round.

Despite the data showing otherwise, solar and clean energy Can have a significant impact in the New England area.  

A misconception for solar is that it isn’t worth it in New England, when Massachusetts is actually one of the best states to go solar. Even through our seasons, solar produces ample energy and the incentives in New England make going solar more economically viable.

Speaking of being worth it, don’t let the upfront costs scare you away. There are plenty of financing sources that can help navigate your way into a cleaner, but less expensive heating system.

Learn more about the MetroWest Solar and Clean Heat Challenge, and meet the vetted partners to see which technologies are right for you! Check out their website or get in touch with the installers for any questions, information, or an estimate for your home. You can save a lot of green by going green, especially through this program. 

Visit https://www.metrowestcleanenergy.com/ to learn more about each clean energy technology, sign up for a no cost home assessment, and check out upcoming events