Help save the Solar Tax Credit

We know that solar is important to you. Right now, Congress is considering a budget bill that would eliminate the existing Solar Tax Credit that has enabled just about every one of our customers to afford to design and install solar in their home, at their farm, for their small business and their commercial enterprises. 

Today we ask that you take a moment to ACT to keep this solar tax credit in place. Your voice can help those who want to go solar, add to their solar generation system or invest in some form of renewable energy. Please tell your elected federal representative how the Solar Tax Credit has helped YOU or your business, and urge them to keep this tax credit in place for the future.

Solar is now one of the largest contributors of new power to America’s energy supply. We know it works, and it benefits everyone — from individual homeowners to big manufacturers. The Solar Tax Credit is one of the main tools our company uses to make solar an accessible option for just about anyone. Please help us keep that tool in place.

Attached are sample letters you can customize for your federal representative. Or feel free to write one of your own. Any voice in support of the Solar Tax Credit helps! Thank you for your business in the past, and for your support for future sustainability.


Regards,

Your mtvSolar Team

Residential Solar Credit templateDownload
Commercial Solar Tax Credit templateDownload
Elected federal reps May 2025 (1)Download

Energy demands are rising, making solar even smarter

Two recent reports about the American energy grid and trends in usage are placing renewables front and center as solutions for future power needs.

The U.S. Department of Energy on December 20 released a new report showing how data centers are and will use big chunks of electricity supplies. As AI is woven through every sector of the technology industry, and is at work in our individual daily lives, the power needed to run computers is growing exponentially.

“The report estimates that data center load growth has tripled over the past decade and is projected to double or triple by 2028. U.S. electricity demand is projected to account for data center expansion and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, domestic manufacturing growth, and electrification of different industries.”

“The report finds that data centers consumed about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity in 2023 and are expected to consume approximately 6.7 to 12% of total U.S. electricity by 2028. The report indicates that total data center electricity usage climbed from 58 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023 and estimates an increase between 325 to 580 TWh by 2028,” the Department of Energy said.

How does solar fit into this enormous demand for power? In many ways, solar generating systems for homes and small businesses act as an insulating factor against heavier and heavier demands on the grid. Off-grid solar obviously escapes any and all pressures on the public electrical infrastructure. The solar power you make stays on your property, powering your home and maybe even charging your own battery system. Grid-tied solar still affords lots of energy independence, making a home or business less reliant on the supply (and prices) of the local power utility.

As individuals in our region are finding out, electrical upgrades are being made to the grid to supply more and more data centers. This work sometimes causes outages. In other areas, peak demand charges make electricity more expensive during times of day when the highest number of customers are drawing power.

That’s why renewable energy and innovative power sources are being harnessed to meet rapidly-growing power needs.

Meanwhile, end-of-the-year data reports put out by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) points to renewable energy sources (i.e., biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, wind) moving into a bigger role in energy supplies. Renewable energy is now over 30% of total U.S. utility-scale (i.e., >1-MW) power generation capacity and could reach 37% by the end of 2027.

“Solar accounted for 79.3% of all new utility-scale generation placed into service in the first ten months of 2024. In October alone, solar comprised 91.8% of all new capacity added,” said analysts looking at the data reports.

Small-scale solar reportedly accounts for 27.9% of all solar generation and contributed 2% of U.S. electricity supply in the first 10 months of 2024.

What does this all mean for power users and solar futures?

mtvSolar’s Casey Feezle, Director of Business Development, has been involved in energy discussions around data centers and hyperscale power users, watching how they will impact the needs and options of everyday businesses and residents. He says there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding supply models, but solar energy truly is the smart choice now.

“In light of these uncertainties,” Casey says, “solar energy provides stability and control.”

Here’s how, he says:
1️⃣ Protects Against Rising Rates: Solar stabilizes your energy costs as utilities adapt to growing energy demands.
2️⃣ Leverages Current Incentives: Existing net metering and tax credits make solar financially advantageous—lock in benefits now.
3️⃣ Reduces Grid Dependence: Onsite generation shields you from potential cost increases tied to grid upgrades.

Anyone watching energy trends with worries about electric rates or grid stability would be smart to consider solar and what it can deliver, no matter what the future holds.


Choose well for solar success

Like many things in life, the longest part of the journey into solar energy can be just making the decision to do it. There can be pressure to jump into a solar panel and battery system on someone else’s timeframe — to take advantage of certain tax credits or fit into a company’s schedule. But the best outcome for your particular solar energy project is one that meets YOUR timeframe, budget and needs. Resist any pressure otherwise.

Choosing well is really key to long-term success. Most solar PV panels last longer than 30 years, so you and your family will savor the payout for a well-designed system that’s well-installed over the course of decades.

Unfortunately, there are more and more companies out there promising fast and free solar or unbelievable prices. Avoid any kind of high pressure, oversimplified “deals” with promises of zero cost. If there’s zero cost, there’s likely very little benefit to you. Also avoid providing your personal information on any platform online that’s not linked to a reputable company.

“Online forms that are not associated with an official business and request your name, address, or other personal data to ‘see if you qualify’ or make offers like ‘no more energy bills’ are another warning sign, as these forms can sometimes serve to generate leads for other businesses without your knowledge or consent,” warns the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Technologies Office.

Smart solar shopping tips included in this guide from the U.S. Department of Energy recommend talking to friends and neighbors who have had solar installed to see what company they used and if they’re satisfied with the results and service.

There are particular certifications a solar customer can check for a potential installer. Are their installation crews specifically trained on the products they sell, install and service?  The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is the top professional training and certification organization for renewable energy technologies. Does the company employ staff who are NABCEP certified? At mtvSolar, we know the value that brings.

Adding solar panels to a home roof, a garage, a barn, your business or a part of your property is an investment. For some, a panel and battery system comes in around the price of a pretty good vehicle. And just like shopping for a car, our customers want to know specifics about different features, performance potential, maintenance and lifespan. At mtvSolar, we have some of the smartest customers out there. They have questions just like you do. A good solar company will have smart, well-trained consultants that want to have those in-depth conversations about performance, financing and more before signing a contract.

Because we care about the future of solar energy and the environment, established solar installers like mtvSolar want solar energy to work well for people — even for people who aren’t our direct customers. The best solar is solar that works…solar panels that generate the expected numbers of kilowatts consistently over the life of a solar PV panel, and components that let the panels deliver power to the end user safely and seamlessly. That’s good for the customer, for their neighborhood, for the electric grid and beyond.

You might be new to solar, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But for the best results, we recommend working with a solar company that’s not new to the technology. You’ll reap the rewards of their experience.

Energy storage will be key to future power stability

Extreme temperatures across the globe are putting extra strain on power grids, and energy analysts say storage could help balance struggling electric supply systems as the grid is modernized for today’s energy supplies and demand.

Very high heat in summer poses multiple challenges for energy grids. Air conditioning in individual homes, businesses and industrial facilities create a large and sudden draw on public power supplies, adding to normal daily demands. High temperatures also affect the power distribution system’s physical features. Power lines can sag in extreme heat, causing them to malfunction or pose a fire risk in dry landscapes. That same heat (or, in different seasons, extreme cold) can interrupt the delivery of fuel to power plants that generate electricity.

Blackouts and grid failures are now common risks, added to outages caused by natural disasters like hurricane, floods and wildfires. Modern households and businesses are heavily dependent on electricity for everything from cell phone charging to internet-based services to food storage, not to mention heating and cooling. A lot rides on a stable electrical supply, and energy experts say one key to stability is energy storage.

“As temperatures increase, grids will need to be more resilient, including storage to handle demand surges and supply disruptions,” energy experts report in a recent look at global power outages.

Storing grid energy, solar or wind energy in battery systems allows individuals and grids to ride out the surges in power demand more smoothly. Batteries can stockpile energy when demand is low — on a cool night when appliance use is idle — for use later, when demand for power is high, like during the hottest part of the hottest summer day. This is possible for individual homes, and works extremely well paired with solar panels. Many of our mtvSolar customers have enough panels to offset all of their daily electrical usage and charge up battery systems like the Tesla PowerWall for use during outages or brownouts. Other customers use battery systems alone, charging them from the grid to sustain their homes or businesses when power goes out.

Want to know more about batteries and how they can work with your energy system? Check out our “All about batteries” page. Get in touch with our team for individualized guidance backed by 15 years of experience.

Had solar for years & considering an upgrade? It’s probably not necessary

Solar technology has evolved and advanced since mtvSolar got into the renewable energy business in 2009. There are new components emerging all the time — inverters, optimizers, panels, batteries, mounting hardware and more. Does that mean the solar generating system that’s been on your roof, faithfully sending power to your home, is outdated? Most likely it’s not.

While panel efficiency has improved some over the years, a solar PV panel that’s been collecting rays on your roof for 10 years is probably doing its job just fine, and will continue to for another 15 or more years.

In a recent informational article, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office tells solar system owners to expect a long life for their panels: “While the average system’s power output diminishes slightly with time, most systems maintain at least 80% of their initial power output for at least 25 years.”

Solar panels are built to last, out in all sorts of weather. And they’ll keep working, especially if your system has a good monitoring component that alerts you to any problems and your solar installer stands behind their work, offering service for any snags.

As the Department of Energy notes, solar energy owners may find that their energy needs have changed over time, and they’d benefit from adding panels to a roof or ground-mounted array. As electric rates rise, homeowners often contact us to build out their solar systems, having seen their energy savings add up over years.

The other option for an established solar generation system is to add battery storage, which allows panel owners to manage their own usage more closely and reduce their reliance on the electric grid for more reliability and flexibility. In some locales, electric customers pay a premium for power they draw during “peak” times. A battery system working with solar panels provide the option for a homeowner to use their own stored solar power during that expensive “peak” time, then recharge or switch back to grid power during cheaper energy periods.

If having the newest, sleekest solar panels on your home is still a goal, several factors should be considered:

–The cost of labor to remove and replace the panels

–Replacement costs for components that will work together with any existing units

–Reduction in net metering revenue, if state laws have changed since your initial solar installation. Many locales have cut how much they pay solar owners for their excess energy in recent years. Replacement systems may trigger those new lower rates.

mtvSolar is happy to help customers make wise choices about possible upgrades and additions to their renewable energy system. We can assist in weighing your energy goals and budget, and finding ways to make the most of your energy savings for decades to come!

Just a sidenote: Because we love to share the solar, mtvSolar continues to donate used or excess solar PV panels to our community non-profit partners, boosting their ability to cut electricity costs and use their funds instead to support their service missions. If our customers upgrade their system and have working panels, we save them for this purpose.

Have questions about upgrading or boosting your renewable energy system? Get in touch and see what mtvSolar can do for you.

Storm-proof your summer with solar & battery power

Intense summer storms that bring heavy rain and high winds can be just as disruptive to the power grid as snowy winter blasts. And hot-weather power outages pose their own challenges — how do we keep cool without electricity? How do we preserve our food supply without power for our refrigerators and freezers? How do we keep water flowing from a residential well into a home without electricity for a pump?

In most areas, power outages during a summer storm can be brief. But the growing intensity and frequency of seasonal weather has energy experts making it clear that the U.S. power grid is under stress, making longer outages more likely and frequent. Their answer — build a more resilient source of power, including renewables.

“A resilient power system reduces the likelihood of long-duration outages over large service areas, limits the scope and impact of outages when they do occur, and rapidly restores power after an outage,” the U.S. Department of Energy says in a look at energy resilience. “Clean energy can help prevent electric grid disturbances and enable fast recovery after a disturbance. Using renewable energy resources—solar, water, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy—and enhanced power electronics gives us more ways to keep the power on or bring it back after an outage.”

But how does that help a homeowner now? The model is clear — having a source of renewable energy protects your power supply, bridges short power cuts and makes it possible to weather long power outages while supplying basic needs.

mtvSolar customers with solar panels and battery backup systems often don’t even know the power is out in their neighborhood because their lights stay on, refrigerators stay cold and cooling systems keep running during short outages. Their electrical monitoring will alert them, but otherwise life goes on as usual. For longer outages, the cycle of solar charging for battery systems is easily managed by customer controls that let them choose how to spend their solar-generated power. Customers have shared their stories of protecting valuable resources by having solar and batteries during a long electrical disruption.

Want to build your own power resilience for the summers and winters ahead? mtvSolar has the experience to design a system that is proven to work as you need it, for your particular power needs. Get in touch — we’re ready to walk you through your options and set up a site visit to get started.

Solar & battery systems that can grow with you

Making the decision to invest in a solar PV system is a big one, and homeowners rely on the expertise of a consultant, salesperson and installer to guide many of their choices. One of the biggest is how much electricity the system will generate and deliver for the customer’s needs. But what if those needs change over time? Most solar panels and components have a lifespan of 25-30 years, and a lot can change for a customer during those years.

A family can grow, appliances change, new rooms or buildings might be added to a property, and more! Any of those events may add to energy demands. Outside forces like electricity rates and trends in electric vehicles can also lead some solar and battery owners to want to add to their energy systems years after an initial installation.

Because mtvSolar has been in the energy business for over 15 years, we understand our customers’ needs today AND tomorrow. We have successfully expanded many of our customers’ solar PV panel and battery backup systems, connecting original equipment to newer components, or upgrading key parts of their system to accept new panels or batteries as technology evolves. Many of our solar PV systems are designed with these potential expansions in mind, making it easier for your system to grow with you and your needs.

Choosing an experienced and professional solar installer like mtvSolar means your panel and battery system will continue to function as it needs to, and can evolve over time to meet your electricity demands.

One of our customers in Morgantown, W.Va. shared their experience:

“In November 2021, mtvSolar completed a beautiful 13.12 kW rooftop solar array for us. The installation went as planned and on budget. We added a Level 2 charger in March 2022 as we had purchased an EV. Then that Memorial Day, a holiday, mtvSolar informed us that our invertor had stopped working. Three weeks later, mtvSolar had installed a new invertor under warranty and we were up and running. That’s prompt service!! In November 2023, we had Mike Studholme design a 3.36 kW expansion to supply the
additional power needed for the EV we had purchased in 2022. mtvSolar attended to all the details. Our expansion was completed in February 2024. It matches the original solar array and is producing the estimated power we needed to supply our EV.”

As you consider going solar, look for a solar installer that can meet your energy needs today AND tomorrow, with service to keep your new system operational and expertise to expand into the future.

Solar in the news: American-made renewables take center stage

Energy independence isn’t just for homeowners who want to own their own power sources. It’s a national movement, fueled by the desire to rebuild America’s energy supply-chain and bolster the country’s power infrastructure. Modern demands for electricity are growing, and the grid can’t always keep up with traditional sources of power. Advocates for domestic renewable energy have been on the forefront of the issue for decades, and the day for renewables appears to have arrived.

Homeowners and business owners can now leverage tax incentives that are in place to put American-made renewable energy components front and center. In areas of the country that are transitioning away from traditional fossil-fuel energy economies, those incentives are even bigger.

Photo courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The U.S. Department of Energy is harnessing federal funds to encourage installers and customers to buy solar and other power parts that are Made in America. Not only that, there’s a strong push to build out America’s renewable energy section in all its facets — from manufacturing to new technology innovation and workforce training.

The federal Solar Energies Technology Office has crafted several solar-focused American Made Challenges that put cash on the line for new and effective technologies, ways of measuring renewable energy effectiveness and tools to integrate solar, wind and hydroelectric power with the existing power grid.

These efforts to ignite new thinking about renewable energy methods and solidify the market for American-made components will be shaping the energy sector for decades to come. Solar and energy storage technologies will keep getting better as more and more young minds focus their energy on our energy.

mtvSolar has been using American-made solar components since its founding and continues to partner with U.S. companies that make high-quality solar products with proven performance. Many of our customers specifically request American-made components and we are well-versed in the best choices to meet their energy needs and stay on budget.

A natural partnership: Staying local for clean energy

Berkeley Springs propane company Blue Flame has grown rapidly in the last 15 years, expanding their service area and investing in a new storefront and showroom along Valley Road. High demand for clean-burning propane for construction and residential use has driven Blue Flame to add storage capacity, widen their customer base and become the leading propane provider in the tri-county area. 

The roots of the family-owned company are in Berkeley Springs and reach back into the 1970s. Initially owned by the Bohrer family, the company passed into the hands of the Haldeman family in 1994. Blue Flame is a key part of the local economy as an employer, service provider and community-minded company. 

Blue Flame in Berkeley Springs equipped with 70 solar panels. Heather Haldeman, center, is the company’s Business Manager. She is pictured with Blue Flame operations team Shaun and Terri, and rescue dog Max.

Heather Haldeman, Business Manager at Blue Flame, said when she started thinking about adding solar panels to the company offices, it only seemed natural to choose another Berkeley Springs business – mtvSolar – to be the propane company’s solar installer.

“We’re both in the energy business. I’d much rather work with a local company and have that nearby connection. If you have an issue, they’re right up the road and they’re very responsive,” Heather said of mtvSolar.

Being part of a move toward clean energy, Blue Flame decided on a next step to multiply their impact – adding solar panels to the roof of the company offices. 

“We really looked at it – there’s a changing world and clean energy is on people’s minds,” said Heather. “It is a natural partnership to partner solar with propane.”

Working with Senior PV Consultant Jabari Baker, Heather decided to maximize the roof space and have 70 solar panels installed. The plan was to essentially “zero out” Blue Flame’s annual electrical consumption with solar energy. Once the solar panel system was activated and the panels started generating power, electric bills for the Valley Road office dropped to the basic commercial billing level.

“We save about $4,000 per year,” said Heather.

Taking advantage of Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding for small rural businesses helped offset the costs of the solar installation significantly. Blue Flame received a 30% REAP grant when planning the project in 2022. The funding level for REAP has since risen to 50% for eligible companies. 

“With the REAP grant where it is now makes it even more feasible. If your business is highly electric-intensive, the more sense it makes,” said Heather.

Working with mtvSolar and Jabari Baker smoothed the process for Blue Flame to apply for and get the REAP funding, Heather said.

“They did a great job managing that process. It’s an extensive process,” she said.

Heather praised mtvSolar’s customer service, Baker and the company’s way of doing business.

“Jabari is great. I’d like to hire a couple of Jabaris,” Heather joked. “What I like about him is he’s calm throughout the process. If I had a question, he was willing to answer it without hurrying me to get past it.”

For the most part, Heather forgets that Blue Flame’s electrical supply is coming from the 70 panels on the company roof. But customers and passers-by take note of the sleek panels and mention the solar array. 

“It’s very public and people notice it,” said Heather. For Blue Flame, the panels are now just part of their clean energy business.

Why a Qualified Solar Installer is key to your home’s Solar Power Success

The solar power industry is booming around the world, and the United States is no exception. As more and more homeowners look to solar energy to power their lives, the demand for qualified solar installers is skyrocketing.

But what exactly does it mean to be a qualified solar installer? And why is it so important to choose an installer with the right experience and qualifications?

In-depth training is essential for safety and efficiency in solar installations. Qualified installers have the knowledge and skills to properly install and maintain solar panels, ensuring that your system operates safely and efficiently for years to come.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing a qualified solar installer:

  • Safety: Solar installations involve working with electricity and heights. A qualified installer will have the training and experience to complete your installation safely and according to code.
  • Efficiency: A qualified installer will know how to properly size and design your solar system to meet your energy needs. They will also be familiar with the latest solar technologies and installation techniques, ensuring that your system is as efficient as possible.
  • Performance: A properly installed solar system can save you thousands of dollars on your electricity bills. A qualified installer will make sure that your system is installed correctly so that you can reap the full benefits of solar power.
  • Warranty: Most solar panels and equipment come with warranties. However, these warranties may be void if the system is not installed by a qualified professional.

When choosing a solar installer, be sure to ask about their qualifications and experience. 

Here at mtvSolar, we don’t just slap on solar panels. We’ve been installing solar and batteries since 2009, and we take immense pride in the quality and efficiency of our installations. 

We have certified installer status with the major solar and battery manufacturers whose components we install in your home and business, including SolarEdge, enPhase, Schneider and Tesla. That means our crews have gone through ongoing specialized training for those components particularly — how they fit together, work most efficiently and stay working for your top performance. This training makes us great at servicing a systems, too.

Our team is stacked with experts who have dedicated themselves to mastering the art and science of solar power. Many of us hold NABCEP and college certifications in relevant fields like electrical engineering or renewable energy.

But our commitment to excellence goes even further. We employ numerous NABCEP certified professionals. NABCEP stands for the North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals, a highly respected organization that sets rigorous standards for solar installers.  Earning this certification requires passing comprehensive exams and demonstrating a deep understanding of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It’s a mark of distinction that assures our customers they’re getting the best in the business.

This dedication to ongoing education and professional development isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring that every system we install is built to last, operates at peak performance, and delivers the maximum return on your investment.  We understand that your solar panels are a significant investment, and we take that responsibility seriously.

By choosing a qualified solar installer, you can ensure that your solar power system is installed safely, efficiently, and to meet your specific needs.