Research finds that solar PV owners cross all income groups

Most people going solar in Massachusetts have household incomes (HHI) of less than USD 150,000, according to a survey conducted by New England Clean Energy.

Research shows that people purchasing solar electricity systems, with or without financing, cross all income brackets, but almost 67 percent earn less than USD 150,000 per household.

Almost 35 percent reported earning less than USD 100,000 a year whereas ten percent have HHI under USD 50,000, and 13 percent earn USD 200,000 or higher.
Between 59 percent and 78 percent of those going solar each year had HHI of less than USD 150,000, prior to 2010 through 2014.

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It is learnt that middle-class families and retirees show a trend of giving more preference to solar. However the data confirms that all income brackets are installing solar to save and make money.

Anti-solar forces in Arizona and other states are claiming solar policies, especially in net metering, which compensates solar owners for their production at retail that benefits the rich at the expense of the poor.

In states with progressive solar policies, like Massachusetts, solar is accessible to virtually anyone with decent credit. Even those without any credit rating can access solar today, through community solar gardens and virtual net metering.

Furthermore, the claim that net metering amounts to a subsidy of solar owners by non-solar owners doesn’t take into account the incredible value solar energy provides to individuals, communities, economy, environment and society.

New England Clean Energy’s anonymous, online survey of 460 customers was conducted between October 23th and 29th, 2014. Of those contacted, 244 completed the survey.

Sabeena Wahid

[email protected]