Research Shows Solar Customers are Mostly Middle Class in 2015
Installer’s survey in Mass. highlights the trend throughout the country
Most people going solar in Massachusetts have household incomes (HHIs) of less than $150,000, according to a survey conducted by New England Clean Energy .
Mark Durrenberger, president of New England Clean Energy, says nearly 250 customers responded to the Hudson, Mass.-based installer’s survey on HHIs. The results show that people purchasing solar electricity systems, without or without financing, cross all income brackets, but predominantly 67 percent earn less than $150,000 per household.
According to the survey, 35 percent have HHIs of less than $100,000 per year, 10 percent have HHI of less than $50,000 and 13 percent earn $200,000 or more.
“Anti-solar forces in Arizona and other states are claiming that solar policies – in particular net metering, which compensates solar owners for their production at retail – benefit the rich at the expense of the poor. This argument assumes only the rich can install solar,” Durrenberger says. “We knew anecdotally that plenty of middle-class families and retirees on fixed incomes were going solar. Now, we have data confirming that people of all income brackets are installing solar to save and make money.”
Durrenberger say states with progressive solar policies, such as Massachusetts, enable virtually anyone with decent credit to go solar. Even those without the necessary credit rating – and those with bad roofs or who rent – can access solar through community solar gardens and virtual net metering.
Furthermore, he says, solar benefits utilities in ways just starting to be quantified.
New England Clean Energy’s anonymous, online survey of 460 customers was conducted between Oct. 23 and 29. Of those contacted, 244 completed the survey. For more information on the survey, click here.
About NC Solar Now: NC Solar Now is your trusted local solar installation partner. We are a pioneering force in empowering communities across North Carolina with sustainable energy solutions. As a leading solar provider, we specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining state-of-the-art solar systems tailored to meet the unique needs of our customers.
NC Solar Now takes pride in being certified experts in solar installation, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and professionalism in every project we undertake. Our team consists of highly trained technicians who are certified by leading industry organizations, equipped with the knowledge and expertise to deliver superior solar solutions tailored to your needs.
By choosing NC Solar Now, you can trust that your solar installation will be carried out with precision and attention to detail, meeting and exceeding industry standards. Our certifications not only demonstrate our commitment to excellence but also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your solar system is in the hands of skilled professionals. Experience the difference that certification makes with NC Solar Now and embark on your journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future today.
NC Solar Now excels in providing comprehensive solar savings analyses, offering invaluable insights into the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy. Leveraging their expertise and cutting-edge technology, NC Solar Now conducts thorough assessments tailored to each client’s specific needs and circumstances.
Through meticulous examination of energy usage, local incentives, and system configurations, they empower individuals and organizations to make informed decisions about their energy future. By showcasing potential cost savings and return on investment, NC Solar Now enables clients to envision the long-term economic advantages of solar adoption. With a commitment to transparency and accuracy, their solar savings analyses serve as invaluable tools for navigating the transition to clean, renewable energy with confidence and clarity.
Committed to innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship, NC Solar Now transforms spaces, illuminating a brighter, greener future for homes and businesses. Join us in harnessing the sun for a cleaner, more sustainable North Carolina. We are NABCEP Certified! Check us out on Facebook or Instagram. Visit us online at NC SOLAR NOW, send us a message, or call us at 919-833-9096.