What to Expect With a Mass Save Energy Assessment

In an effort to better understand the process our customers go through for a solar installation in Massachusetts, my husband and I participated in a Mass Save energy assessment.  My first reaction is why isn’t everyone getting one.  The time invested in the one- to two-hour process is well spent.

Mass Save is an initiative funded by Massachusetts’ gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency providers, including Bay State Gas Company, The Berkshire Gas Company, Cape Light Compact, National Grid, New England Gas Company, NSTAR, Unitil, and Western Massachusetts Electric Company.  The sponsors of Mass Save are working in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to administer a wide range of services, incentives, trainings, and information advocating energy efficiency programs to help residents and businesses manage energy use. In order to qualify for a Mass Save energy assessment, you must be a homeowner or renter and must reside in a service area of one of the above mentioned utilities.

Our energy assessment from Mass Save took a little less than two hours.  The consultant reviewed my electric and gas utility bills and did a thorough analysis basement-to-attic.  At the end of his review, he sat down with me to go over his recommendations for conserving energy in my home. He cited quick and easy upgrades I can make immediately, like air sealing, and actions I may want to take over time, like better insulating the attic.  The air sealing process is offered at no cost and is worth $700 to $800… that’s right, free!  The insulation would need to be assessed by another consultant which I arranged an appointment with.  If we do decide to move forward with that project, up to 75% of the cost can be subsidized by Mass Save and I can qualify for a 0% loan (max $10k) up to 7 years through the HEAT loan program.  The incentives just seem too good to be true!

My energy specialist also looked at signs of moisture and if there was any safety concerns.  He even looked at my furnace and water heater, citing that there is more efficient equipment available today but the equipment I have doesn’t need to be immediately replaced.  My Mass Save consultant offered me free goodies like compact fluorescent lights.  On top of that, we talked about energy star appliances and how I could reduce my consumption by 20 to 30%.

Overall, I think they give you a good roadmap on how to lower your utility bills and protect and conserve natural resources.  They also mention you can take things one step further with deep energy retrofits that include super-insulation, solar thermal, and solar photovoltaic installations.  If you do want to move forward with a solar photovoltaic installation in Massachusetts, it is a requirement to complete an energy audit or assessment as part of the state-funded rebate program.  The state wants to make sure that you’re using your energy wisely before they give you money in the form of a rebate toward a solar power investment.

There are a great number of incentives available for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Massachusetts.  Brightstar Solar is a licensed Massachusetts solar installer with experience working with the Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) solar rebate programs and familiar with the incentives available in the state.  Please reach out to us if you’re interested in a complimentary solar evaluation and free estimate for your home or business in Massachusetts.