Living on Cape Cod, even just for part of the year, is expensive. We pay some of the highest utility rates in the country, and summer electric bills can get out of control fast.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce costs, installing rooftop solar panels is a smart idea. Solar is a safe, tax-free investment that lowers your electricity costs, adds long-term value to your property, and requires very little maintenance.
Here’s why adding solar to your vacation house is worth it on Cape Cod and the Islands.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels on Your Second Home
1. Save on Rising Electricity Costs
It’s expensive to keep a vacation house running, especially during the summer on Cape Cod. The air conditioning costs alone are enough to make solar panels worth it.
If you rent your vacation property out at all, the challenge grows. Renters aren’t usually thinking about conserving energy, and utility costs can quickly eat into your profits.
Even when the house sits empty, you’re still paying to run the refrigerator, freezer, and even the HVAC system to prevent humidity, mold, and, in the winter, frozen pipes.
Solar panels significantly reduce those costs. When you go solar with My Generation Energy, we’ll size your system based on your exact usage to offset as much of your bill as possible. Many of our customers cover 100% of their summer usage costs with solar panels and only pay the service charges in their electric bills.
2. Add Value to Your Property
Solar panels aren’t just about saving money in the short term. They’re also a long-term investment in your property.
Homes with solar regularly sell for more than comparable homes without it—4.1% more, on average
Whether you plan to sell your Cape Cod house in the future or pass it down to your kids, solar adds lasting value. It’s one of the few upgrades that pays off both while you own the home and when you decide to move on.
3. Hedge Against Inflation
Electricity rates are already outrageous on Cape Cod, and they continue to rise. If you’re frustrated with your utility bills now, just think about what you’re going to be paying in one, five, and ten years.
Installing solar panels now will protect you from those rising costs. As rates continue to climb, which they inevitably will, your electricity costs will stay low and stable.
4. Pay Almost Zero Maintenance Costs
One of the greatest benefits of solar panels is that they need almost no maintenance. Once you install them, you won’t have to worry about paying for constant tune-ups and upkeep.
The solar panels we install at My Generation Energy are durable, low-maintenance, and backed by a 25-year warranty. Plus, they come with monitoring that lets you check performance from your phone, whether you’re on the Cape or back home. You can easily check for issues and, if one pops up, we’ll help you get it fixed fast.
5. Do Your Part to Shield Cape Cod From Climate Change
For many vacation homeowners, going solar isn’t just about savings. It’s also about being a good steward of the land and environment that make Cape Cod such a special place.
Rising sea levels and changing weather patterns make this area especially vulnerable to climate change. By installing solar panels for your rental property or vacation house, you’re doing your part to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Solar Tax Incentives for Rental Properties
If you own a rental property on Cape Cod that’s registered as a business (such as an LLC), going solar can have significant tax benefits. You may be eligible for commercial solar incentives, including a 30% federal tax credit and accelerated depreciation.
Solar Tax Credit for Rental Properties
Depending on how your rental property is registered, you may be eligible for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC allows you to claim a credit worth 30% of your solar installation costs on your federal income taxes, significantly reducing your upfront investment.
But the tax credit is ending soon. To qualify, your project must begin construction by July 4, 2026 and finish within 4 years or be placed in service by December 31, 2027. These deadlines are approaching fast, but we can help you beat them. Reach out today to get started.
MACRS for Solar Panels on Rental Property
The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) allows businesses to claim annual tax deductions for a portion of their solar installation costs over a 5-year period. If your rental property is a registered business, your solar installation may qualify. Investment properties can also benefit from 100% accelerated depreciation in 2025 and 2026.
Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Always consult a tax professional about your specific situation.
Ready to See if Solar Is Right for Your Second Home?
Whether you vacation on Cape Cod or own a rental property here, installing solar panels on your second home is a smart investment that will save you money for decades.
At My Generation Energy, we’ve been installing solar panels on Cape Cod homes since 2008. We can estimate your savings and help you decide whether solar is worth it for your rental property or second home.
