Solarize Salem-Swampscott FAQs

Since the Solar 101 event at Swampscott High School on January 28, many residents have come forward with questions about the Solarize Salem-Swampscott program. The following Frequently Asked Questions have been compiled to help answer those questions and provide general information about the program.

I wasn’t able to attend the Solar 101 event. What is the Solarize Salem-Swampscott program?
Swampscott and Salem were recently awarded the designation of being a Solarize Mass Community from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and Department of Energy Resources. The program looks to increase the adoption of small-scale solar electricity systems through a grassroots educational campaign and a tiered pricing structure that increases the savings for everyone as more home and business owners in town sign up. 

What are the companies working with Solarize Salem-Swampscott?
RGS Energy is the only company Solarize Salem-Swampscott is working with. Swampscott and Salem Solarize teams, with technical help from the Mass. Clean Energy Center and the Department of Energy Resources, thoroughly vetted RGS Energy and chose them because of their pricing, full range of equipment options, the quality of their in-house technicians, and their history of doing right by businesses and residents. Although it is always wise for consumers to shop around before making such a big decision, it is recommended that interested parties meet with RGS Energy to explore options before reaching out to other companies.

What are the benefits of installing solar panel systems through the Solarize program and not an independent company?
At the heart of the Solarize Mass program is a town-wide, community-sponsored, volume discount-based tiered pricing structure at 28-33% below market average that reduces the costs for all participants. The more homeowners and businesses within Swampscott and Salem who sign up, the greater the savings will be for all other participants in town. Swampscott is teaming up with Salem in this year’s Solarize Mass program, which combines our purchasing power, broadens our addressable market, and will allow us to achieve higher volume discounts than would be possible on our own.

How do I find out if my home or business is eligible for a solar installation? 
It is easy to find out if your home or business is eligible for a solar installation. Both Swampscott and Salem have designated community solar coaches to help home and business owners learn more about the program. The solar coach for Swampscott is Sydney Pierce. She can be reached at solarizebigblue@gmail.com. The solar coach for Salem is Jeff Cohen. He can be reached at solarizesalem@gmail.com. You can also reach out to RGS directly at realgoodssolar.com. RGS will contact you about your inquiry and can work with you to schedule a free, no obligation site assessment.

What are the technical criteria for rooftop solar installations? 
The general technical requirements for a viable site are:
• A sunny roof (i.e., minimal shading from trees, other buildings, and structures  such as chimneys, dormers, skylights, and vent pipes) 
• Generally southern exposure
• Roof in good condition (the newer the better)
* Ground mounts and adjacent buildings (a shed or garage) may be an option.

Can the town cut down a tree that is shading my property? 
No, the town will not cut down a tree on town property that is shading your home or business, nor is it advised that you cut large trees on your own property. The town may consider cutting a tree/limb if the tree/limb is dead or dying. Even if you have some shading on your property, you may still be eligible to participate in the program. Homeowners may decide, through working with RGS, to trim some limbs to maximize solar energy.

What kind of properties are eligible for installations?
Single family homes, multi-family homes, businesses, condominiums, and faith communities are all potentially eligible for installations. Renters cannot install systems but owners of rental properties can. Each situation is different and RGS can answer any questions that you may have. Commercial properties, including rental properties, have additional tax advantages including accelerated depreciation.

What are the pros and cons of owning vs. leasing?
If you own a system, you will achieve higher long term cost savings and the solar panel array has the ability to actually generate revenue for the owner of the system.  Payoff for panels is usually 4-7 years depending on financing and most people realize a return on investment (ROI) of 10-20%.  The upfront cost will be more expensive than a leased system, however, there are excellent loan opportunities. Also, by purchasing panels the owner can offset rising electric costs for the life of the panels, which is often 30-40 years. Owning is not for everyone, though, and RGS offers leasing programs as well. With leasing you can start saving from day one with a lower electricity rate than grid power but your long-term savings will likely be lower than with a purchased system.

RGS confirmed that my roof does not meet the technical criteria for an installation. I am still interested in reducing my carbon footprint. What can I do?
We are hoping that the Solarize program will inspire residents to be even more energy efficient than they are currently. If you haven’t scheduled a home energy assessment in recent years, we recommend that you consider it. There are many programs available, including Mass Save (mass save.com/residential). An energy expert will look at your home from roof to basement and identify where energy efficiency improvements can be made.  RGS also offers a significant referral program for homeowners with a non-feasible site.