Massachusetts Solar Incentives

Current solar incentives have helped our state become a national leader in promoting and facilitating renewable energy and energy efficiency!  These include; net metering,  Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) incentive program, Renewable Energy Certificate program (RECS), along with other generous state energy efficiency programs in addition to federal incentives.

We will  help you understand which incentives you qualify for and how you can take advantage of them!

For over 25 years, Clean Energy Design has been an industry leader in the design and installation of commercial and residential photovoltaic and solar thermal systems in southern New England, particularly Massachusetts.  Massachusetts Solar Energy Incentives are some of the most progressive in the country!  We are very proud that Massachusetts leads the way in allocating resources to ensure the adoption of clean, renewable energy sources and that we have been able to play a role in that progress. We’ve happily participated in helping to expand the Massachusetts solar energy incentive programs and initiatives over the years.

Our experience includes dozens of successful applications for institutions, residences and businesses under the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Program (below), Commonwealth Wind Program, and now expired Commonwealth Solar II Program, MTC Small Renewables Initiative, PV Cluster Program, and Large On-Site Renewables Program, SREC programs.

SMART Incentive Program

Currently implemented is the SMART Program which is a long-term sustainable solar incentive program sponsored by Eversource, National Grid and Unitil. SMART will encourage the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology by supporting 1,600 MW of new solar generating capacity. It is a declining block program in which the incentive levels will decline by prescribed amounts over up to eight blocks per Electric Distribution Company (EDC) territory.

There are set-aside amounts for small projects (≤ 25 kW AC) in each block to enable projects of all sizes to participate. SMART also has Adders available that increase the amount of the incentive if features such as Energy Storage, Community Solar, or various location-based installations are proposed.

Although it is a performance-based incentive, the SMART program is structured quite differently than the previous SREC program. Your utility will monitor and track the production of your solar system monthly through a SMART meter that is installed on the outside of your home or business. Payments will be issued monthly or credited to your account based on the kWh of solar power produced and independent of electricity usage. In most cases this income is taxable and it is required to submit a W-9 to your utility when applying for this program.

Under the final tariff design there are different rates for projects of different scales up to 5 MW per site. Incentives will be provided for 10 or 20 years, with varied values depending on ownership, system size and location. The tariff consists of 8 blocks, with tariff values decreasing 4-5% in each subsequent block. For systems 25 kW and less the term is 10 years and for systems over 25 kW the term is 20 years. This program is winding down currently and the incentives are very low.

For more information on the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program please visit MA Smart Solar

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS)

The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires retail electricity suppliers (both regulated distribution utilities and competitive suppliers) obtain a percentage of the electricity they serve to their customers from qualifying renewable energy facilities.

Connected Solutions Incentive Program

For energy storage systems this is a demand response program that will allow the utility access to your stored power during peak demand times. The utility will compensate you at varying rates depending on your energy storage system capacity. For more info please see; MASS SAVE

Federal Tax Credits

2022-2032: Owners of new residential and commercial solar can deduct 30 percent of the cost of the system from their taxes.

We are not tax professionals and urge you to consult with your tax professional for the best advice.

In addition to the ITC,  businesses may take advantage of 5 year MACRS accelerated depreciation and bonus depreciation of 60% for 2024 and 40% for 2025.

Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

In the state of Massachusetts, there is a Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit that is applicable to solar and wind installations. Homeowners will receive a credit of 15% of the installed system cost, capped at $1,000. The state tax credit is only available for installed systems on an individual’s primary residence.