When it comes to the changing of seasons on Nantucket, it’s a bit of a Catch 22.
The temperature change means the closure of many of our favorite restaurants and shops, the loss of our beloved beach days, and the beginning of 4 pm sunsets - not exactly ideal.
However, fall and winter bring a welcomed respite from the hectic energy of summer in a resort town, and a call back to simpler times where the local community treasures time spent with each other over trivia at Charlie Noble and Open Mic Night at Lemon Press more than an 80 degree day at Nobadeer.
In fact, what usually establishes one as a Nantucket year-rounder more than anything else is the very optimism that gets you through a long, northeastern winter without any shopping mall or sports stadium to drive too - at least not without a ferry trip first.
However it appears that this winter is going to require more than some mustered enthusiasm to get us through the inevitable negativities.
National Grid has announced that given the ever-increasing price of natural gas, electricity rates this winter are set to increase - maybe even double.
In fact, all data included, it looks like the average National Grid customer will face at least a 64% increase year-over-year beginning this November.
Not exactly the holly jolly start to the season you were expecting? Fortunately, all hope is not yet lost, as these rate hikes are not the only factor increasing of late.
For Nantucket, the local, state, and national governments have all made huge announcements regarding tax incentives and payback programs for those looking to go solar.
The town of Nantucket, for example, will pay their residents $6,000 just for applying solar to their properties.
The state of Massachusetts has a variety of solar incentive programs including the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit, a property tax exemption program, and a solar loan program.
At the federal level, the solar tax credit recently announced by the Biden administration is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe and can be claimed on federal income taxes for 30% of the cost of a solar system you paid for. For example, if your solar system were to cost $30,000, the federal government will give you a $9,000 credit ton your income tax.
With all these factors combined and at your disposal, there has never been a better time to go solar. Contact ACK Smart today to learn more about applying solar to your property and the savings you can expect.
So about those winter blues? No need to worry - the sun is on our side!
