Dear Reader,

Once again we have jumped from misty May right to sweltering summer. But you won't hear solar system owners complaining! Here in Massachusetts, solar electric systems will produce 30% of their annual electricity in June, July, and August. That is almost $1,300 in SRECs and electricity for a typical 5 kW system. We have found that although the state grant program is closed, installing your system today may make better economic sense than waiting until the grants reopen. Call us and we'll run the numbers for you.

As always, if you feel that you have been added to this mailing list by mistake, please use the unsubscribe button below.

Thanks for Reading The Energy Miser,

Signature

Mark Durrenberger
New England Breeze Solar

phone: 978-56-SOLAR
web: http://www.newenglandbreeze.com

Upcoming Events

We will be out and about in your neighborhood this summer. Please stop by and bring your questions about solar power.

Mid June: Solarize Harvard - Solar 102 presentation
August 13, 2011: Hudson Ballon Fest sponsored by Hudson Elks
August 27, 2011: Holden Days

State Solar Grants Reopen in July

Another $1 million in funding has been allocated for residential solar electric projects in Massachusetts. Commonwealth Solar II Block 6 stopped accepting new applications only 6 weeks into the second quarter. Block 7 of funding is expected to begin accepting applications in early to mid July. We will let everyone know the exact date. The Comm Solar II program offers up to $8,500 toward the purchase of your solar electric system.

If you are thinking about putting in a solar array, don't wait to get going. The grants will reopen in early July and a flood of grant applications will go in. If we have all your paperwork in order, we can file your application the day the grants open. That means we can get started on your system in September (once the grant is approved).

Solar Panels are Property Tax Exempt

If you recently installed a solar system, be sure to check your property tax bills. One of our customers says he noticed an increase in his property taxes after the solar electric system was installed. In fact, solar systems are exempt from property taxes for the first 20 years. To learn more about this exemption, visit the Database for State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

Some (but not all) System Anniversaries

Three & Four Year Anniversaries


Two panel Solar Hot Water system, Augustine-Praetorius Residence, Maynard, MA (4 years)	3.96 kW Solar Electric system, Church Residence, Northborough, MA (3 years)	Intrieri Residence, Northborough. Hybrid System including 2.16kw Solar Electric array and six SunDrum Solar Hot Water Collectors (hidden under the PV panels). This system has been in service for 3 years. Mike Intrieri is the president of SunDrum and he used his home for the prototype testing. SunDrum is another Hudson based solar company!

One & Two Year Anniversaries


3.8 kW Solar Electric System. Hudson Resident, Original 12 panels: 3 years, 8 panel expansion: 2 years	2.0 kW Solar Electric System. Boover Residence Worcester (2 years)	5.04 kW Solar Electric System. Haran-Costello Residence, Jefferson (1 year)

TIPS

Trying to reduce your cooling load this summer? Consider awnings. I just added an awning over my deck/sliding door, and the impact on the room temperature was substantial. The awning served to stop direct sunlight and reflected sunlight. It also made the deck a much more comfortable place to hang out. (as an added bonus, I bought my awning used via Craig's List)

National Gird electric customers - Buy your discounted smart power strip and start saving kWh!