How Solar Panels Affect Your Roof
One of the first questions we often hear from homeowners is “How will solar panels affect my roof?” The answer is simple. Our prestigious solar installers at NEC Solar are licensed professionals that take precautionary steps throughout your entire installation process to prevent leaks or damage. We provide a 10-year roof workmanship warranty on all of our installations, backed by a robust insurance policy.
As part of our consultation process, we will ask about the age and condition of your roof, to make sure your roof is qualified for a solar installation. It is important to begin with a healthy roof in good condition. At your site visit, your project manager will confirm that your roof is in good condition before we proceed with a solar installation. We also can install a GAF composite roof, in the case that you do need a new roof before installing solar panels For more Information contact NEC Electric Solar.
The Installation Process and Your Roof
Renewable Energy Growth Program
The Renewable Energy Growth (REG) Program is a state program administered by National Grid to comply with RI’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. The “REG Program” is also known as a “Performance Based Incentive” (PBI), or “Feed In Tariff”(FIT). The terms PBI, FIT and REG may be used interchangeably. The important thing is to understand that the REG Program is a supportive program for RI residents who are interested in direct financial compensation for their solar generation.
Depending on the size of your solar PV system, National Grid will pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produced by your solar system for a fixed term of 15 or 20 years. After the incentive term is over, customers will transition to Net Metering, and will receive kWh credits on their bill instead of cash payment for their solar production.
Net Metering
Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows solar energy systems to store electricity within the grid. Net metering is beneficial to the consumer because you can use your electricity at any given time instead of being restricted to when the electricity is generated. For example, a solar array will typically generate the most amount of electricity within the daylight hours, when people may be at work or school. The excess electricity is sent back to the grid in return for credit. When people come home and consume energy at night, the electricity is taken from the grid and the credits are used to offset the cost.
When going solar, your utility provider will install a meter that monitors electricity production and consumption. The metering method is simple; producing electricity rolls the meter backwards and consuming energy rolls the meter forwards. This back and forth motion allows the home or business owner to monitor their net electricity consumption. Each month, your utility provider will either credit you for your excess production or bill you for the excess consumption.
In Rhode Island, net metering is available to residential and commercial customers. Net Metering customers may be eligible for the REF Grant as well. Net Metering customers are NOT eligible for REG. Consult with one of our solar professionals to learn more about Net Metering for your project.
Renewable Energy Fund
The Renewable Energy Fund (REF) is a grant program offered through the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, and funded by RI’s allocation of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) monies. Small scale and commercial solar projects are eligible for the REF grant, within specific parameters. Residential systems must have a Total Solar Resource Factor (TSRF) of at least 80 to qualify, and the REF can only be combined with Net Metering.
Small scale residential projects are compensated up to a maximum of or $7,000 per project.
Applications for the REF are available in rounds throughout the year and can be found on the Small Scale Funding Program Time Table:
https://commerceri.com/financing/renewable-energy-fund/
Massachusetts Incentives
MA State Tax Credit
Residential Customers in MA may take a local state tax credit of $1,000 in addition to the federal tax credit. Please consult with a tax professional to see if you qualify.
Net Metering
Net metering is a billing mechanism that allows solar energy systems to store electricity within the grid. Net metering is beneficial to the consumer because you can use your electricity at any given time instead of being restricted to when the electricity is generated. For example, a solar array will typically generate the most amount of electricity within the daylight hours, when people may be at work or school. The excess electricity is sent back to the grid in return for credit. When people come home and consume energy at night, the electricity is taken from the grid and the credits are used to offset the cost.
When going solar, your utility provider will install a meter that monitors electricity production and consumption. The metering method is simple; producing electricity rolls the meter backwards and consuming energy rolls the meter forwards. This back and forth motion
allows the home or business owner to monitor their net electricity consumption. Each month, your utility provider will either credit you for your excess production or bill you for the excess consumption