1. What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency is described as using less energy to perform a task or produce the same result. In buildings, energy efficiency can be measured by the mechanical systems used to heat & cool spaces and water, how well the building retains heat, how tightly sealed the windows and doors are, and what types of light are used.

In Massachusetts, Mass Save is a program to financially incentivize residents and businesses to make their buildings more energy efficient and to decarbonize by using less or no fossil fuel-based systems. Unlocking the energy and money saving upgrades starts with a no-cost energy assessment!

2. How do I sign up for a no-cost energy assessment?

Please reach out to Vineyard Power by calling 508-504-9508 or click here to sign up for your no-cost energy assessment for your home or business.

3. How is the Mass Save energy efficiency program funded?

Mass Save is funded by a small energy efficiency charge listed on your electricity bill. These funds are collected by our Mass Save Program Administrator, the Cape Light Compact, and used to administer and pay for energy efficiency and decarbonization programs for Barnstable and Dukes County. 

4. Do I need to be a member of the Compact’s power supply program to receive Mass Save services or rebates?

No. As long as you have an active Eversource electric account in your name for a home or business on Martha’s Vineyard, you are eligible to participate in the Mass Save energy efficiency programs.

5. What is Vineyard Power’s relationship with Mass Save?

Mass Save® is an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, including the Cape Light Compact. Vineyard Power was selected by the Cape Light Compact as a Community First Partner to promote and administer the wide range of energy efficiency & decarbonization services, incentives, and information that helps residents and businesses lower energy and fossil fuel use and related costs.

1. Who is eligible for an energy assessment?

All Eversource customers on Martha’s Vineyard are eligible to receive a no-cost energy assessment. This includes owners, renters, and businesses. There is no income qualification for the no-cost energy assessment.

2. Who should I expect to work with during a no-cost energy assessment?

RISE Engineering was selected by the Cape Light Compact to conduct all energy assessments. For income-eligible households (i.e. households earning below 60% of the state median income), the Housing Assistance Corporation conduct energy assessments.

3. What is looked at during a no-cost home energy assessment?

During the assessment, the energy assessor will evaluate your home from basement to attic, paying attention to the insulation, heating system, and other large appliances. Based on these evaluations, the assessor will determine how efficient your home is and recommend any upgrades you could use, as well as the incentives you are eligible for.

4. Can I use my own contractor to do insulation work?

No, you must use a MassSave qualified contractor to complete the recommended work. On Martha’s Vineyard, there are two approved contractors: 5C Energy and Cape Cod Insulation. To qualify for the insulation incentive, you must receive a no-cost energy assessment and complete the work recommended by RISE.

5. How do I proceed with the work that is recommended?

After your energy assessment, you will receive a report with a list of recommendations from the energy specialist. To proceed with your energy efficiency upgrades, you may either sign the contract and return it to the energy specialist, or select one of the Compact’s participating contractors for installing heat pumps for heat, cooling, and hot water. The list of HVAC contractors may be found at https://www.masssave.com/learn/find-a-contractor.

6. What rebates are available?

After receiving a no-cost home energy assessment, renters and owners can qualify for a minimum 75% off insulation costs, 100% off air sealing, up to a $10,000 rebate on a whole home air source heat pump, and much more including rebates on electric landscaping equipment, energy efficient appliances, and electric bicycles. For a list of all available rebates please visit http://www.capelightcompact.org/resrebates.

1. Who is eligible for an assessment?

All Eversource electric account holders on Martha’s Vineyard are eligible to receive a no-cost energy assessment, including businesses that rent their space.

2. Do I need to own the building that my business is in?

No. Everyone who has an active Eversource electric account in their name is eligible for a no-cost energy assessment, including renters. However, in order to proceed with the recommended work, permission must be granted from the owner of the building. 

3. What is the incentive for recommended energy efficiency work?

For work recommended through an energy assessment, up to 80% of energy efficient project costs are typically covered. For a list of all incentives, visit: https://www.capelightcompact.org/business-incentives/ 

4. What is looked at during an assessment?

The energy specialist will look at lighting and controls, refrigeration controls, programmable thermostats, variable frequency drives, motors, aerators, spray-valves, shower heads, vending controls, and duct sealing/insulation. Additional measures may be eligible for incentives.

5. How do I proceed with recommended work?

After a thorough assessment, you will receive a custom report that recommends specific cost-effective energy-efficient measures designed to maximize energy savings and promote greater comfort in your workplace.

If you decide to proceed, the Cape Light Compact, our Mass Save program administrator, will make all the necessary arrangements for installing the energy-efficient measures at your facility. All installations will be performed by licensed tradespersons using top-quality materials backed by a full guarantee. 

6. Is there a warranty on work that is installed through an energy assessment?

Yes, there is a one-year warranty on measures installed through an assessment.

7. How is billing handled?

The customer will be billed by their contractor. For insulation work, the customer will be invoiced the discounted price. For heat pumps, the customer will be invoiced the total cost and then apply for the rebate. Customers may apply for the 0% HEAT Loan prior to applying for the rebate.

1. What is the No-Interest Mass Save HEAT Loan?

Qualified Massachusetts customers can receive zero-interest financing through the HEAT Loan Program to make your home more energy-efficient year-round. The HEAT Loan can help you afford efficient upgrades, increase your home’s comfort, and boost the value of your home. 

For more information visit: HEATLoan

2. What are the eligibility requirements?

• The HEAT Loan is available to qualified customers participating in the Mass Save Home Energy Assessment Program 

• Loan applicant must be the homeowner 

• Residents must have a current residential electric or gas account through a participating Mass Save Sponsor 

• Financing is only available for the qualifying energy-efficient improvements outlined in question 3. 

Financing is contingent upon loan approval from a participating lender.

3. What work can be done with the Heat Loan?

No-interest loans are available for these home energy efficiency improvements through the Mass Save HEAT Loan Program:

• Mass Save Recommended Attic, Wall and Basement Insulation

• Heat Pumps

• Heat Pump Water Heaters & Solar Hot Water Heaters 

• Central Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Air Conditioners

• ENERGY STAR® Qualified Replacement Windows

• Energy-Efficient Thermostats

4.How much can I borrow and what are the terms?

You can borrow up to $25,000 over 7 years at 0% interest for weatherization, pre-weatherization barriers, ENERGY STAR certified replacement windows, and residential batteries enrolled in ConnectedSolutions. 

An additional $25,000 (totaling $50,000) is available for work done in conjunction with heat pump projects and heat pump water heaters over 7 years at 0% interest for the same house.

The loans are administered by approved lenders, and the interest is paid by the Mass Save program.

5. How do I apply?

Once you have found an approved lender using the link above, you can apply directly through that lender. The interest is paid for you through the Mass Save program.

6. Are there any local banks I can work with?

Yes, Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank and Cape Cod Five.

8. How should I structure my HEAT Loan?

The best way to structure your loan would be for you to be the single source receiver of funds.

The customer receives the check(s), pays a deposit to the contractor, and then pays the final amount once the work is completed within a specified timeframe. When a bank issues the loan, they expect payments to start within a month or so. This timing depends on factors like loan approval, product availability, and contractor schedules.

Structuring your loan this way minimizes the risk of having to start loan payments before your heat pump is installed and operational.

1. Where can I find the most up to date information on Tax Credits and Incentives for EVs?

Check out these links to read about guidelines on EV tax credits and incentives.

State and Federal EV Funding Programs

IRS EV Tax Credits

2. Are electric vehicles better for the climate than gasoline cars even with power plant emissions and battery manufacturing?

Yes. The lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of an electric vehicle (EV) are typically lower than those of a gasoline-powered vehicle. Even when accounting for emissions from power plants and battery manufacturing, EVs still have a smaller carbon footprint over their entire lifecycle. This makes them a more climate-friendly option overall. For more details, check out this visual comparison.

3. How much money can I save annually by switching to an electric vehicle?

The amount you can save annually by switching to an electric vehicle (EV) depends on various factors such as your driving habits, local electricity rates, and fuel prices. Typically, EVs have lower usage and maintenance costs compared to gasoline-powered cars. To get a personalized estimate of your potential savings, you can use this savings calculator.

4. Can an increase of EVs entering the market cause the power grid to collapse?

Electric vehicles have charging strategies that can prevent overloading the grid, and, in some cases, support grid reliability. Here’s how:

1. Off-Peak Charging: EVs can be charged during off-peak hours (night time) when electricity demand is lower, reducing strain on the grid.

2. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Charging: V2G technology allows EVs to send power back to the grid during high demand, helping stabilize it.

Source

1. What is available to help me get solar?

There are several incentive programs and financing options to help households install solar on their property. 

• Energy Saver Home Loan Program

  • Qualified participants must earn under 135% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and must demonstrate home energy savings of at least 20%. Depending on income, qualified participants can receive low interest rate loans to finance their solar project.

  • Household incomes of between 80-135% of the AMI qualify for a 2% interest rate loan. Households with incomes less than 80% of the AMI qualify for a 0.5% interest rate loan. To see if you are eligible, visit this link. 

• Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credit

  • All taxpayers are eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit on solar, battery storage, and solar water heaters. You can claim the annual credit every year that you install qualifying products.

• Massachusetts Residential Energy Credit

  • If you install solar on your main resident, you can apply for a 15% tax credit up to $1,000 towards your state income tax.

• Third Party Ownership

  • A developer installs, owns, and maintains a system on your roof. You pay for the power generated by the system (see Power Purchase Agreement below). 

• Solar Loans

  • Many banks offer loans specifically for the purpose of installing solar systems. Visit the webpage of your local bank for rates, terms and conditions. 

2. How long do solar panels last?

Solar photovoltaic panels have an anticipated lifespan of about 25 years, while inverters typically last over 10 years. As a result, many solar products are still in use and have not yet reached the end of their life. In fact, panels installed in the early 1980s are still operating effectively.

3. What are the components of a solar system?

A solar system consists of solar panels, electrical wiring to string the panels together, an inverter (or microinverters) to convert Direct Current (DC) electricity that is produced to Alternating Current (AC) electricity that is consumed or distributed to the grid, and a meter to record how much the system produces.

4. What are Net Metering Credits?

Net metering credits record the value of the electricity produced by your solar array that is exported to the grid. One net metering credit equals one kWh of electricity generated by your solar array multiplied by the cost of electricity during a monthly billing cycle.

Net metering allows customers to offset their energy use and transfer energy back to their electric companies in exchange for a credit on their electric bill.

5. What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is an agreement between the system owner, typically on systems that are owned by the developer, and the system user to pay for the electricity produced by the system over a certain period of time at a designated $/kWh rate. Power purchase agreements are used to finance solar systems. 

6. Can you explain Behind the Meter vs Front Meter (Standalone)?

A Behind the Meter solar system includes a power inverter that is connected directly to your home or facility from the solar panels. Electricity flows from the solar panels into the inverter, where it is inverted from DC to AC, and then is distributed throughout your home. Excess power is fed back to the main grid, flowing through your utility meter, turning it backwards.

A Front Meter (Standalone) solar system includes a power inverter that is connected directly to the main grid. Electricity flows from the solar panels into the inverter, is inverted from DC to AC, and is then sent directly into the grid.

7. How do I get savings from solar?

If you own the system outright, you realize savings from the value of energy produced by your system and from tax credits for purchasing and installing the system.

If a developer owns your system, you receive savings by paying for electricity at a discounted rate through your power purchase agreement.

8. Can I sell power back to the grid from my solar system?

No. However, any excess generation produced by your system is credited to your utility account for future use towards your utility bill balance. Another option is to allocate, or sell, your excess production to another account in our region. The mechanism for allocating excess production is through a Schedule Z form.

1. What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)?

A battery energy storage system stores energy generated by your solar system for later use when the sun doesn’t shine or when the grid is down. It is a method to address the intermittency of solar and to provide resiliency in the event of power outages.

2. Are batteries safe?

Like any regulated energy producing or energy storage technology, batteries are safe when used properly under the right conditions. It is important to discuss safety with your developer/installer and know your local regulations regarding batteries.

3. What are the incentives for batteries?

There are multiple incentive programs for batteries. Batteries qualify for the Federal Investment Tax Credit, which delivers a 30% federal income tax credit on the price of your battery project. 

Commercial customers may also enroll in the Mass Save’s demand response program, called ConnectedSolutions and qualify for a 0% HEAT Loan. Check here for more info.