When people think of New England, they think of the rolling green hills, and often, the green-minded people who live in them. But surprisingly, many New England states, though they have large numbers of solar advocates, do not have the rebates, incentives, and legislature to go along with them, making the solar industry, though eager, still young. However, Massachusetts is making sure that solar and other renewable energy sources are main stream, with a long list of great incentives and rebates for homeowners and commercial projects alike. And, of course, solar home and business owners can take advantage of the payback from net metering. With utility costs high, Massachusetts residents are quickly learning where to look for cost-effective, clean energy.

And solar in Massachusetts is also becoming high profile. In 2008, Vermont based gro Solar installed a solar hot water system on Fenway Park that will provide a third of the hot water needs of the ballpark. Since 2008, Fenway has continued this commitment to green energy and energy conservation. With Fenway acting as a trail blazer, other large Massachusetts solar projects are also popping up. In April, Logan Airport completed a 200 kW solar electric system, making it one of the most energy efficient airports in the country. The system is one-upped by a 201 kW system that was recently installed on the Dartmouth Building Supply warehouse in Massachusetts, which, besides providing the equivalent impact of planting around 150,000 trees, will also pay for itself in about five years.

Solar is only getting easier in Massachusetts as groSolar, partnering with SunRun, allows Massachusetts homeowners to pay a small upfront cost and then a low monthly cost to SunRun. This cost, unlike utility prices, will not vary over time, making solar energy a truly smart and affordable choice for Massachusetts homeowners. Massachusetts is proud of its solar accomplishments, and showed them off at the 3^rd Annual Living Green & Renewable Energy Fair on June 19, 2010, which featured exhibitors, vendors, speakers, seminars, and workshops for kids and adults alike.