Cape & Islands Energy Information

ACape & Islands Energy Information Clearinghouse
AA Community Resource Developed Through The Cape & Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative

Solar Energy

Solar energy may be converted into electricity or collected and used in the form of heat and light. Active solar options include solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, which generate electricity for diverse uses, and solar thermal technologies, which generate heat for water and space heating. Passive solar options involve the use of sustainable design and green building techniques, as well as architectural elements, that provide heat and light (to learn more about passive solar, click here).

The number of PV systems in the Cape & Islands region is growing rapidly, while conventional solar thermal technology represents perhaps the most cost-effective, off-the-shelf option for residents and businesses looking to take advantage of renewable energy resources. Most green homes and buildings in local communities rely on solar power to supply a significant percentage of their energy needs.

A variety of rebates, tax credits, and other incentives are available to help local residents, businesses, and organizations, as well as government entities, to harness the sun's energy. The resources identified below offer additional information:

You can learn about PV technology and available incentives by visiting the website of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

You can install a PV and/or a solar thermal system - visit the CIGoGreen Guide to find someone to help:

Several solar installers are based in this region. Also, two local nonprofit organizations - Cape & Islands Self-Reliance and the Vineyard Energy Project - coordinate installations of rooftop- and ground-mounted solar energy systems, facilitating access to site assessment, cost-performance analysis, installation, operations, and maintenance services as well as rebates, tax incentives, and other money-saving options.

You can apply green building and sustainable design practices in new construction and remodeling projects - visit the CIGoGreen Guide to find someone to help:

Several architects with varying degrees of green experience are providing services to local residents and businesses.

Visit CIGoGreen - the Cape & Islands Go Green Guide!
Green Pages
Sustainable Energy Calendar
Energy Action Plans
Forums

Content Guide
Homeowners
Students & Educators
Voters & Taxpayers
Businesses & Organizations
Municipal & Regional Officials
Entrepreneurs, Consultants & Developers

Current Fact

Dirty Roof

Conventional asphalt shingles are
the cheapest roofing material around but, as is usually the case, there is a cost: They are manufactured using petroleum by-products and, once they reach the end of their useful life, they must be landfilled as construction debris or “downcycled” as road materials or in other low-value uses. Credit: Houston Advanced Research Center

More Facts

Current Vision

Green Roof

Thatching represents an attractive and sustainable roofing solution. This thatched roof, gracing a barn in Yarmouthport, transforms an invasive wetland plant (Phragmites sp.) into a useful, biodegradable shelter.

More Visions

The Clearinghouse provides a central location for the collection, classification, and distribution of data, information, and tools addressing energy supply and use in the Cape & Islands region, both now and in the future.
	This website is being developed through the Cape & Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative (CIREC). Its framework was created under a community planning grant award from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC).
Project management and content development: Chris Powicki, Principal, Water Energy & Ecology Information Services Web design and development: Kathleen Tyger Wright Graphic design: Elizabeth Hooper Grant administration: Megan Amsler, Executive Director, Cape & Islands Self-Reliance Corp.