ACTON CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVES

The Town of Acton has partnered with Abode to help residents transition to clean energy solutions.

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:

ACTON’S CLEAN ENERGY COACHING PROGRAM

Acton’s FREE Clean Energy Coaching program offers ongoing consultations, with Abode-trained community volunteers, for residents and building owners to learn about, plan for, and initiate actions such as adoption of home/building weatherization, efficient electric heat pump technologies, solar, electric vehicles, and/or other energy adaptations for our clean energy future.

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

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Dan Fainstein

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Taro Gold

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Tom Gillispie

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Dave Hazen

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David Kleinschmidt

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Lian Li

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Dennis Loria

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Sarah Shamel

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David Martin

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David Shoemaker

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READY TO GET STARTED?

Ready to get started? Please fill out the form to be contacted by an Energy Coach.

REQUEST A COACH

ADVANCED CONSULTATION

The Town’s goal is to support your energy projects with clear, personalized guidance. If you’re considering upgrading your heating system—such as installing a heat pump—schedule a no-cost virtual Mass Save Decarbonization Consultation with a specialist at Abode Energy. Specialists will answer your questions, discuss the benefits and efficiency considerations specific to your home, help you compare contractor quotes, and recommend weatherization upgrades like air sealing and insulation.

Schedule

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

All of the systems below are energy-efficient, market-ready technologies that transform how we use energy. Acton’s clean energy programs can help with:

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE

Incentives for Clean Energy Upgrades

Both Massachusetts and the federal government have many incentives available to help people take action on clean energy improvements for homes, buildings, transportation, and energy generation and management. Examples include:

MA HEAT PUMP REBATES VIA MASS SAVE®

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

Mass Save® Residential Rebates and Incentives

Mass Save® HEAT Loan

Inflation Reduction Act FAQs

Tom Gillispie

Tom Gillispie was an Acton Resident for over 30 years and while currently living in Littleton has many ties to the wonderful Town of Acton.

He has an engineering background and is currently a Director of Software Engineering at ExaGrid – a provider of backup storage technology.

Tom’s motivation for becoming an Energy Coach is two fold: first, he very much enjoys meeting and helping people; second, he wants to help ensure a bright future for his 5 year old grandson.

Tom has researched heat pump options for their 1960’s ranch (and went through an energy audit for the property) and has selected and installed a hybrid water heater with much success. Over his career in high tech, he has had many opportunities to educate and discuss often complex technologies with both technical and non-technical folks, and enjoys the process of making complex subjects understandable and sometimes even fun.

Sarah Shamel

I’m an at-home mom with a degree in ecology, eager to do something concrete to combat climate change. My husband and I have tried to make each of our successive three homes more energy efficient and sustainable, and have had plenty of frustrations, successes, and learning along the way. I am a big believer that connecting with peers, gathering and sharing collective knowledge, can make the process of switching to renewable energy less confusing and more rewarding. Whether they’re motivated by cost, comfort, or climate, I hope to help my Acton neighbors meet their home energy goals.

Taro Gold

I became an Energy Coach because I’m passionate about sustainability and helping the world transition to clean energy.

Having taken steps to electrify my own home and cars, I want to help others in their electrification journey too!

For over six years, I’ve worked in the renewable energy space helping businesses participate in Community Solar programs nationwide.

My wife and I moved to Acton in 2021 with our two young kids and dog – enjoying everything the area has to offer!

Lian Li

I initially came to Acton Clean Energy Coach program when I looked for advice to navigate through rooftop solar decisions. My coach shared his own experience and pointed out valuable online resources through which I was able to research and had solar installed satisfactorily. I know personally that adding heat pumps, improving energy efficiency, adding solar etc. are not simple, I benefited from neighbor helping neighbors, I will love to share my experience and knowledge helping others to find practical ways to keep the planet clean.

Dave Hazen

I am passionate about clean energy with a practical engineer’s approach to the process. I think I can help people get started on making the transition to clean energy in their homes.

I have had one system of solar panels on my home since 2016 and just added a second system to cover more of my current and future electricity needs. I have two heat pumps on my house that I have installed (one about 5 years ago and one in 2023). They provide heating and air conditioning to most of my house and are backed up with the older oil system for low temperature operations. I also recently replaced a propane stove top with and induction stove top.

Dan Fainstein

I’ve lived in Acton since 2021, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned from my (still in progress) home electrification journey with my neighbors. So far, this journey has included insulation/air sealing improvements and installation of solar panels, air source ducted heat pumps, and an induction stove. I look forward to helping guide others as they consider their options for a more comfortable and more efficient home.

Jim Clark

Our house is 25 years old and we are trying to be mindful of our carbon footprint as we replace roofs, furnaces etc. We recently installed additional insulation, solar panels (on our new roof) and an air source heat pump taking advantage of Mass Save resources and rebates. I would like to help others know about resources, rebates and longer term considerations as they make choices for their homes that could reduce climate impact.

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.

David Kleinschmidt

From solar panels, heat pumps, and energy efficiency ideas, I am here to help my Acton neighbors. I have worked on several solar panel projects, recently had heat pumps installed in my home and I am looking forward to my next car being all electric. My background is in mechanical engineering and I have worked on large corporate sustainability initiatives.

Dennis Loria

Dennis has been a resident of Acton for almost 30 years and a member of the Acton Green Advisory Board for 10 years. Dennis’s 40+ year professional career has been focused on developing utility-scale, clean energy projects. He has a strong personal interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency to help improve our environment and to help save money.

David Martin

David Martin believes that electrification is key to avoiding the dire effects of climate change. He’s also someone who likes to understand technical details. He learned about electrifying houses by spending a couple years of researching, planning, and managing two projects – his house in Acton Massachusetts, and his parent’s house in rural Connecticut. Since the two projects were very different, the research and experience provided him with a broad understanding of the practical issues. He is familiar with air-to-water hydronics systems and other heat pumps, including the operational settings of whole-house systems. David is available for presentations to groups, and has authored two guides to electrification, called the Electric Home Cheat Sheet and the Electric Car Cheat Sheet.

David Shoemaker

I have lived in an 1847 house in the Acton Center Historical District since 1997, and fairly recently worked on improving the energy efficiency of our house by sealing and insulating it, adding solar panels, installing a ground-source heat-pump central heating and cooling system, and moving to an electric car. I’d like to help (among others) old house owners to ‘electrify’ and make their homes more efficient, using my personal experience and any useful skills from my ‘day job’ as a physicist at MIT.

Jim Snyder-Grant

I’ve electrified my home as part of my commitment to fight climate change, and helping others do the same is part of that same commitment. I’ve been learning so much while training to be an energy coach, and I’d like to share that knowledge with others.