BlueSel Commercial Solar Blog
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How Cape Cod is Ideal for Solar Energy
Solar Power and Massachusetts
Much to the surprise of some, Massachusetts ranks highly in the U.S. for solar power production. In both solar power capacity and growth of solar energy system installations, the state ranks in the top 10 year in and year out. This is due to the relationship between incentives and actual environmental conditions for solar energy. A few interesting data points for Massachusetts solar:
Over $6 billion invested in solar energy through 2018.
By some calculations between 10% and 12% of the state’s energy demand is being met by solar.
In numbers, the state is approaching 3 GW with more than 100,000 solar energy systems.
Some of the earliest, sizable solar installations in Massachusetts were completed on Cape Cod. Even though other parts of the state are more densely population and more industrialized, communities from Falmouth to Dennis and up to Provincetown generally buy some of the most expensive electricity in the state. Solar energy continues to be the best solution for relief and long-term savings.
Large Solar Projects on Cape Cod
For nearly a decade, landowners and businesses have found a solar energy system makes sense on the Cape. In the earlier days solar panel costs were much higher than today’s prices. In fact, the cost of solar power in general is at historical lows in 2019. Many of the state and federal incentives that were almost mandatory to make commercial solar affordable before still survive today, some with only minor changes.
You may have seen some of the largest projects:
Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis has been operating an approximately 1.5 MW solar array for more than 5 years.
Several Cape Cod landfills have become solar power generating locations. They include, among others, a 3 MW site in Falmouth nearing its second year of operation; A 1.5 MW site in Mashpee approaching its fifth year; And a 4.5 MW project operating in Harwich also approaching year 5.
Everyone is familiar with how the sun draws tens of thousands to cross the bridges every summer for fun and relaxation. But many locations of the Cape are extremely well suited for year-round production. This is because yearly solar energy production is related to both location above the equator and the typical atmospheric conditions. In general, the closer to the equator we go, the more intense and regular the sunshine is 365 day a year. However, cloud cover and overcast conditions are major factors, too.
That’s why solar projects on Cape Cod may produce nearly as much power in a year as one on the Florida Panhandle or the Gulf Coast of Texas. With decades of solar data (irradiance), we can show how a project in Sandwich may produce nearly as much solar energy as a project in less productive areas of these other states.
Adding Solar Energy to a Business on Cape Cod
Upgrading to solar power on Cape Cod is an irresistible option for most businesses because it pays for itself so quickly while also giving the company a competitive edge beyond the money savings. Travelers and residents notice a business that has taken steps to add solar power. From Bourne to Provincetown, the benefits are the same:
Eversource customers have access to the best of the SMART incentives.
Your seasonal businesses generate income 12 months through incentives.
Your year-round businesses generate income while also offsetting all of their electricity demand.
Customers and employees alike are drawn to your location or your company when you display that you are environmentally proactive.
Adding EV chargers enhances your environmental image and may distinguish your business further from competitors. This is especially true for lodging and resorts where guests may charge overnight, with clean energy!
Across Massachusetts, solar power continues to grow in capacity and in the value it delivers to buyers. The combination of the cost of power and the seasonal nature of most Cape Cod business makes it perhaps the best region in the state for getting the most out of a solar energy system installation
For example, the Sandcastle Resort and Club in Provincetown has enjoyed significant energy savings from their solar project that puts management in the hands of a partner, allowing the owners to focus on the resort.
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