Solar Rebates and Tax Credits

Over the past nine years, Clean Energy Design has been focusing on the design and installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems in Southern New England and has previously worked to implement the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Solar-To-Market Initiative, and more currently the Small Renewables Initiative and Commonwealth Solar Program.  Clean Energy Design is well versed with state and federal programs and tax incentives and has submitted and completed dozens of applications for institutional, commercial and residential applications under the MTC Small Renewables Initiative, PV Cluster Program, and Large On-Site Renewables Program.

Solar Rebates and Incentives

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) contains a list of incentive and rebate programs that encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy in each state.

The Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program is a state wide solar rebate program for Massachusetts.   Clean Energy Design will assist you in the application process and requirements for this program as well as other incentive programs.

MA State Rebate Program includes the following programs

State Rebate Program

Massachusetts Incentives for Photovoltaic Systems

Commonwealth Solar II, offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), provides rebates for the installation of grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems at residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and public facilities.  For most Massachusetts customers, Commercial projects are eligible for rebates for PV projects less than or equal to 10 kilowatts (kW) in capacity and residential rebates will be based on the first 5 kW only. Funding is released in “blocks” every quarter.  

The rebate you are eligible for will depend on:
  • Your income
  • Your home value
  • If the components are manufactured in Massachusetts
  • The maximum rebate is $8,500.
  • Your system size is not limited, but you are only eligible for a rebate up to 5 kW.

As of March 2011 incentives are as follows;

  • $.75/kWh  regardless of your income or home value. (Base Incentive)
  • An additional $.85/kWh if your household income is less than or equal to 120% of median income OR if your home value is “moderate” ($300,000 – $400,00 depending on your county).
  • An additional $.10/kWh if your solar panels or inverter are produced in Massachusetts.

Solar Tax Credit

You can get a 15% state tax credit up to a maximum of $1000.

You are eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit for the total cost of the system

Property Tax Exemption

Massachusetts provides 100% property tax exemption for a duration of 20 years on photovoltaic energy systems used to generate electricity for a residence.

Sales Tax Exemption

Massachusetts offers 100% sales tax exemption for any equipment related to a solar electricity generation to a residence.

Massachusetts Incentives For Solar Hot Water Systems

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) will provide rebates for the installation of residential solar hot water systems through the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Pilot Program.  Only residents that live in territories that contribute to the MassCEC Renewable Energy Trust Fund are eligible for the rebate. For residential and multi-family residential rebaters.  See http://www.masscec.com/solarhotwater for more specific information.

As of Februuary 2011 incentives are as follows;

$25*SRCC rating in kbtu/panel/day (Category C, Mildly Cloudy Day)
Additional $200/system for systems with parts manufactured in Massachusetts

Maximum incentive is $3,500 per building or 25% of total installed costs.

 

For Utility Rebate Programs see: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)