ACTON CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVES
ACTON CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVES
Initiatives include:
(1) a FREE Clean Energy Coaching program: support with trained Acton volunteers on all clean energy upgrades (see below)
(2) for those with heat pump quotes in hand, FREE consultations with Abode Energy Management experts on clean heating and cooling.
Additional initiatives include:Â
ACTON’S CLEAN ENERGY COACHING PROGRAM
MEET THE COACHES
These are Acton’s Abode–trained, volunteer Clean Energy Coaches. You can learn more about them by clicking on the BIO buttons below.
Jim Clark
David Kleinschmidt
Dennis Loria
David Martin
RONALD PEZAR
David Shoemaker
Jim Snyder-Grant
READY TO GET STARTED?
ADVANCED CONSULTATION
WHY CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
Environmental & Climate Benefits
Clean energy technologies improve local air quality and generate far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuel systems — a critical aspect in tackling climate change.
Economic Advantages
State and federal rebates help make the switch from fossil fuels to clean energy alternatives more affordable, so residents and businesses can take advantage of lower operating costs and reduced payback periods over the life of the system.
Health & Wellness
By reducing carbon monoxide, particulates, and other toxins in our homes and buildings, and greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, electrified alternatives improve the health and well-being of families and communities.
Comfort
Whether it’s air conditioning made possible by the addition of a heat pump, or the quieter and smoother drive in an electric vehicle, shifting to clean energy doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENTS / AUDITS
Homes are complex systems consisting of physical features and mechanical equipment. To help think about your home holistically a home energy assessment is a necessity when planning for any heating / cooling upgrades. We encourage you to schedule a no-cost home energy assessment (audit) through All In Energy, which works with Mass Save®.
Mass Save home energy assessments are also required to be eligible for Mass Save rebates. Your assessment specialist will evaluate your home’s insulation levels and provide you with recommendations for incentivized upgrades. These upgrades can have a substantial impact on the selection and performance of your heating and cooling system, reducing your carbon footprint and energy bills. Learn more about assessments or speak with your coach about this important step.
CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are a clean technology you can use to both heat and cool your home. There are a number of economic, environmental, and health benefits associated with installing air source heat pumps in your home.
GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMPS
Whereas air source heat pumps use the air as their heat reservoir, ground source heat pumps (GSHP) use the ground as their heat reservoir. Whether a ground source heat pump is right for you depends in large part on the site conditions of your home.
Solar Panels
A solar (photovoltaic or PV) system creates carbon-free electricity. Solar arrays can be installed on rooftops or in ground-mount infrastructure. The average residential PV installation is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2.5 tons/year.
Solar Thermal System
Solar thermal, also known as solar hot water, collects solar energy using roof-mounted panels or tubes, but rather than converting that energy into electricity as with solar PV systems, solar thermal systems store the energy in water, heating it. That heated water is then fed into the home.
Battery Storage
Power is stored in an inconspicuous box attached to the wall and doesn’t require separate fuel, need mechanical upkeep, or produce on-site emissions. Charge your battery with solar electricity and then use the battery during times when the solar panels aren’t producing energy.
Electric Vehicles & Chargers
EVs are less expensive to operate and maintain than fuel cars (say goodbye to oil changes), and are fun to drive! You can conveniently charge your car at home. Driving an EV is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your emission of greenhouse gases.
Induction Stoves
Induction stoves can cook faster, more safely, and with more accurate control and easier cleanup — all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving indoor air quality. They do not, involve an open flame, nor is the “burner” surface hot unless a pan is on it.
ACTON POWER CHOICE
By participating in the Acton Power Choice electricity aggregation program, you will receive more renewable energy in your electricity supply than the state-required minimum, reduce your personal carbon footprint, and help to reduce Acton’s carbon footprint as well.
Incentives for Clean Energy Upgrades
MA HEAT PUMP REBATES VIA MassSAVE
up to $10,000 for air source heat pump systems, and $15,000 for ground source
federal tax credits
30% off costs for solar, battery systems, and ground source heat pumps; up to $2,000 annually for air source heat pumps; incentives for solar installations; up to $1,200–$2,000 annually on energy efficiency upgrades; and even $150 off home energy audits
MASS SAVE REBATES
on insulation (75–100% of cost); and on energy-efficient windows, appliances, etc.
ZERO-INTEREST HEAT LOANS
via Mass Save for a variety of energy-related improvements
For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of incentives you can visit MassCEC
RONALD PEZAR
Ronald is a strong proponent of renewable energy and efficient resourcing. He has implemented these aspects in his own personal residence, and is thus an excellent resource, with over a decade of experience managing the systems. Beyond advocating for renewable energy, he enjoys spending time with his family. He is an ardent soccer player, and also swims and runs obstacle races.
Gopal Anantanatarajan
Jim Clark
David Kleinschmidt
Dennis Loria
David Martin
David Shoemaker