Energy from the sun’s rays excites electrons within the solar cells on a photovoltaic (PV) panel to create electricity. Output from the panels depends on weather and time of year, and at night or during extended cloud cover the building may revert to using electricity from the utility grid. There are a number of ownership and financing options available to help you get solar PV panels on your roof. Are you interested in solar PV? Go to sunnycambridge.org to request no-obligation solar quotes online for free.
1. Own your own panels
Owning your own panels is more affordable than ever. If you own the installation, you will reduce or eliminate your electricity bill and you can sell your solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) every year for additional money. See our section on financing to view the many programs available to help you finance your solar investment.
2. Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
If your roof has good solar potential, many companies will install panels on your roof for little or no upfront cost. The company then owns, operates, and maintains the panels. In return, you agree to purchase the power generated by the panels at a set price, and the company receives the solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) that the panels generate. For more information about the costs and benefits of PPAs, view this reference guide.
3. Other Options
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The City of Cambridge has created these guides to help you through the solar decision-making and installation processes. The presentations from our Sunny Cambridge info sessions can also be found below. Check them out!
Ready to install solar PV? Contact Inspectional Services Department (ISD) with any specific solar permitting questions.
The Solar Permitting Guide is currently being updated.
Get an estimate of your building’s solar energy potential using Cambridge’s interactive solar map. View the Map here.
Get started today by comparing free quotes for rooftop solar through the EnergySage Marketplace. Click here to compare quotes.