Local Incentives in Massachusetts

Solar rebates in Massachusetts.

• The Concord Municipal Light Plant Solar Rebate provides a one-time rebate of up to $3,125 for eligible residential and commercial installations.
• The Holyoke Gas & Electric Residential Energy Conservation Loan Program offers loans of up to $10,000 for solar systems and up to $20,000 for energy efficiency measures.
• Customers of the Hudson Light & Power Department who set up PV systems are eligible for a rebate of up to $7,500 (50% of the installed cost).
• The Reading Municipal Light Department's Residential Renewable Energy Rebate Program offers rebates for solar hot water systems and solar electric projects.

Concord Municipal Light Plant Solar Rebate

The CMLP Solar Rebate provides a one-time rebate of $625 per kW(DC) for installed solar PV generation capacity. The maximum rebate allowed per service address is $3,125.

Eligible installations include residential systems up to 167 kW(AC) and commercial systems of any size. There is no anticipated expiration date for this rebate.

Solar System Installation Procedures

Step 1. Exploring Alternatives and Executing Contracts

The CMLP suggests soliciting proposals from at least three solar installers for your new solar PV system.

Massachusetts residents who have previously installed solar are also an excellent source of information regarding the performance of solar installers.

Inform solar installers that you intend to register for the CMLP Solar PV Rebate when requesting proposals. Check their understanding of the CMLP Solar PV Rebate and interconnection requirements specified in the following step.

CMLP must be able to regulate the charging and discharging of batteries.

For large-scale sites, CMLP may demand paired storage. If the site's previous solar capacity was less than 50 kW(AC) and more solar is added, battery capacity must be coupled with any solar capacity exceeding 50 kW(AC) (AC).

B. Submit Application for Interconnection with Related Documents

CMLP Solar PV Rebate and interconnection documentation must be transmitted to CMLP by the installer. Required documents include the following:

• Application for Residential or Commercial Interconnection, with or without battery (or Battery-Only Supplement for buildings with a pre-existing solar array)
• CMLP Solar PV Rebate Request
• Solar PV Rebate Terms and Conditions for CMLP
• Acknowledgment of Residential or Commercial Net Metering Policy
• Wiring diagram (Note: CMLP requires production meter sockets for all solar projects)
• Specification documents for every piece of equipment (solar PV panels, inverters, and (if applicable) energy storage systems).
• Contract signed by the installer and property owner

Please note that an Installer must submit different permits to Concord's Building Department.

C. Installation Authorization from CMLP

The CMLP team examines the papers. The reviewer gives the property owner and solar installer a signed approval to install if all requirements are satisfied. After reviewing the engineering details, decisions are taken on an individual basis. The successful conclusion of this stage is indicated by an email from CMLP with the subject line "Approval to Install."

D. Installation of Equipment

1. The building has solar PV panels installed.

2. The Wiring Inspector from the Town Building Department examines the location to approve the permit.

3. After receiving the Building Department's permission email, CMLP's electrician installs the "send and receive" meter.

E. CMLP Operation Approval

1. A final project evaluation is conducted by CMLP Engineer (on-site visit not usually needed)

2. CMLP sends the property owner and installer the signed Approval to Operate document.

3. Successful completion of this stage is indicated by an email from CMLP with the subject "Approval to Operate" in it. The property owner can now start producing their own electricity.

F. Get Your CMLP Solar Photovoltaic Rebate

The Town of Concord mails a one-time payment for the CMLP Solar PV Rebate to the property owner. This comes 4 to 6 weeks after the communication with the approval to operate. Any rebate that is less than $750 is applied as a credit to your electricity account. The refund may be applied as a bill credit rather than as a check. Such a situation may arise if the customer who requested a check has frequently fallen behind on their payments in the previous two years. To aid their financial flow, the rebate may also be given to your solar installer.

Holyoke Gas & Electric Residential Energy Conservation Loan Program

The Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) Residential Energy Conservation Program offers loans to residential clients to assist in improving qualified homes' energy efficiency.

The 0% interest loan can be repaid over a maximum of five years and is added to the client's monthly HG&E bill.

Single-family houses are eligible for up to $10,000 in maximum loans. Two-unit properties are eligible for $15,000, and three to four-unit properties are eligible for $20,000 in maximum loans.

In addition to energy efficiency assistance, loans of up to $10,000 are also available for solar systems. Please be aware that there is a $100 one-time processing charge associated with the loan.

The home improvements covered by the program are as follows:

i. Heating and Cooling: Air source heat pumps and mini-splits, central air conditioners, gas furnaces and boilers, and thermostats.

ii. Domestic Water Heaters: Electric hot water heaters, gas hot water heaters, and solar hot water heaters.

iii. Weatherization: Insulation, air sealing, and blower door tests, duct sealing, and replacement windows and doors.

iv. Electrification: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and solar Photovoltaic (PV).

When applying for HG&E’s Residential Energy Conservation Program (RECP), all equipment must meet certain energy efficiency standards. Applicants can look up a detailed list of project-specific requirements on HG&E's website.

Holyoke Gas & Electric Residential Energy Conservation Program Terms and Conditions

Borrower Eligibility

1. Holyoke citizens who own non-owner occupied residential investment properties with four units or less are eligible for the HG&E Residential Energy Conservation Program (RECP), as are residential customers for owner-occupied properties with four units or less (excluding condos).

2. Applicants must obtain approval from HG&E on this application in order to be eligible. Tenants who are renting or leasing the house are not given assistance. It is advised that clients register for the RECP before beginning a project to ensure eligibility.

3. The applicant's accounts with HG&E must be in good order (six to twelve months of on-time payments required). Also, the property must be free of any municipal tax liens. Homeowners without a history of HG&E billing may send a letter of credit from their former utility company.

4. HG&E must provide gas or electric service to the applicant's property. The building in question is required to buy the necessary fuel from HG&E for the construction of heating, water heating, and cooling equipment.

Duration and Level of Assistance

1. For solar PV projects up to $2,000, the highest repayment period is 36 months. Projects between $2,000 and $20,000 have a maximum repayment period of 60 months, while for projects costing $10,000 or more, it is 120 months.

2. At a regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the HG&E Commission must accept all requests for assistance that cost more than $10,000.

3. The following is the maximum loan amount for a project:

• Properties with 1 unit: $10,000
• Properties with 2 units: $15,000
• Properties with 3-4 units: $20,000
• Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems: $10,000 per private building

Eligible equipment for properties with many units must provide service to every unit in order to qualify for the maximum amount of assistance.

4. Those who previously benefited from the Residential Energy Conservation Program (RECP) are qualified if they meet the requirements listed below:

• The assistance levels mentioned above shall apply if the previous RECP balance is fully paid off.

• The new assistance is only available at the levels mentioned above, less any outstanding balance from the prior RECP assistance.

• The maximum level of assistance provided to a single customer at any given moment shall not exceed the assistance limits specified above per property type.

4. The applicant's HG&E bill will include a separate line item for any additional assistance.

General Conditions

• There is no interest charged on assistance.
• To take part in the program, applicants must submit a $100 administrative fee. This fee and the initial Assistance Program repayment will both show on the same HG&E bill.
• The assistance repayment will be billed by HG&E on the current HG&E customer account. The HG&E prompt payment discount will not be applied.
• HG&E will only provide help for products that have been installed within 90 days of the agreement being signed. The entire project must be finished within a year of registration.
• The applicant must consent to the placement of a city lien on the real estate where the work is being done.
• New development of homes or buildings, including gut renovations, is not eligible for program benefits. (Note: PV, electric car charging station equipment, air source heat systems, and electric hot water heaters are exempt from exclusion).
• HG&E reserves the right to cap the total amount of help provided to customers in any given year.
• The applicant must offer proof of the installation of the equipment. A dated receipt or invoice, a post-installation form that specifies both the old and new equipment and confirmation from the installer that the new equipment satisfies the program's energy efficiency standards are examples of this kind of evidence. The installation estimate needs to be broken down by system or service if multiple services or systems are being installed simultaneously.
• Certain projects need to conduct energy audits. Call (888) 333-7525 to request a free residential energy assessment through MuniHELPS.
• Customers who provide proof that they will be the owners of a solar-PV system are the only ones who will receive assistance.
• In the instance of a natural gas moratorium, HG&E is unable to handle conversions from alternative fuel sources to natural gas. Before receiving assistance for gas-related projects, the customer is expected to complete any gas service work that HG&E determines is necessary.
• The conditions of this program are subject to change, suspension, or modification at any time by HG&E.
• Customers are required to implement the systems, tools, and services outlined in the quote submitted with the application. To obtain assistance, any modifications to the system design from the quote submittal must be approved by HG&E.

Hudson Light & Power Photovoltaic Incentive Program

Hudson Light provides incentives for customers with new solar installations who satisfy the technical criteria. This Massachusetts renewable energy rebate provides a rebate per watt of installed capacity up to 25KW for eligible customers.

Hudson Light acquires surplus generation from customers who have Distributed Generation (DG), such as solar, wind turbines, and so on, at a monthly Power Adjustment Charge-based tariff.

Hudson Light & Power Department (HLPD) customers who set up PV systems on their land are eligible for rebates. The project's eligibility for a rebate is determined by the angle/orientation of the panels, the absence of shading, and the customer's status.

The HLPD incentive scheme is available to residents, businesses, and industries. The scheme pays $1.20 for each installed dc. The scheme provides a maximum incentive rebate of 50% of the installed project cost up to $7,500. However, the undertaking is limited in scope and is operated on a "first come, first served" basis.

Eligible Participants

• Any grid-connected HLPD customer in good standing is qualified for the rebate. This is, however, subject to the HLPD Rate Schedules and earlier agreements.
• Regardless of whether it is a fresh installation or an addition to an existing PV installation, all rebates are subject to HLPD approval.
• Current PV systems are not eligible for a rebate. Replacements made one for one do not qualify for a rebate.
• Without giving notice, HLPD reserves the right to change or end this initiative. Verify the program's state and funding availability with HLPD.
• A rebate is not available for projects that have obtained a statement of qualification under the 225 CMR 14.00 Solar Carve-out or Solar Carve-out II programs.

Eligible Equipment

• Newness is a requirement for all electrical equipment supported by this program.
• Photovoltaic panels need to have a manufacturer's warranty of at least 20 years. They must also be in compliance with the most recent version of Underwriters Laboratory standard 1703 (UL1703).
• All grid-tied, sine-wave inverters must be verified as complying with the most recent editions of IEEE 1547 and UL1741.

Installation Requirements

1. The National Electrical Code, HLPD's Distributed Generation Installation requirements, and Massachusetts's building rules all apply to installations.
2. It is the participants' responsibility to show the site accurately.
3. Installers are required to coordinate all new metering applications, installations, and sites directly with the HLPD.
4. The azimuth range (the way the solar panels are facing) for fixed and manual-tilt installations should be between 90° and 270°.
5. Installations need to keep the quantity of shadows cast on the panels to a minimum. When compared to an installation with no shading at all, the installer must show that any shade on the panels does not lowers the yearly output of each solar array by more than 20%. This is necessary to qualify for the rebate.
6. A documented shading analysis report from the installer is needed for HLPD compliance. All of the suggested array's sections must be considered for shading analysis purposes.
7. In accordance with the "Locus Meter Guidelines," installations must include a Locus meter.
8. To be eligible for a refund, installations must be completed by qualified installers. All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician.
9. In accordance with local and state laws, all necessary permits and inspections must be acquired. Copies of these laws must be kept on file.
10. The installer is obligated to inform the owner about the system's maintenance and performance consideration. Such information include the snow cover and shading of the project area.
11. Present a location map to HLPD. The location of your PV installation and any neighboring features that might shade the system should be depicted on a site diagram.
12. An HLPD-approved AC safety disconnect switch must be placed between the inverter and the electrical panel.
13. All grid interconnection expenses paid by HLPD shall be borne by the owner of the PV system.

To be eligible to apply for this incentive, applicants must also meet a number of equipment and installation criteria. This is in addition to the ones listed above. The following are some additional documents required for a HLPD incentive:

• Photovoltaic Incentive Program Overview & Request Form
• HLP Interconnection Application and Certificate of Completion
• HLP Participants Agreement
• HLP Meter Requirements
• Technical Information
• Distributed Generation Policy

Reading Municipal Light Department Residential Renewable Energy Rebates

The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) offers incentives for homes and small businesses that use less energy.

Customers who install qualified solar energy systems that are connected to the grid on their property may be eligible for a rebate of $1,200 per kilowatt (kW). This Massachusetts renewable energy rebate can go up to 50% of the cost of the project before taxes, but not more than $24,000.

The RMLD provides programs for energy saving, conservation, and electrification that provide incentives and rebates to all Customer classes. The Programs are intended to broaden knowledge and accelerate adoption of practices, goods, and technologies that offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Assisting customers in using energy more effectively in their homes or businesses
• Reducing RMLD's electricity usage during expensive peak demand times
• Contributing to the environment by lowering carbon emissions
• Expanding electrification within RMLD's service area

Eligibility

The owner of a property in RMLD's service territory who meets all other eligibility requirements is qualified to participate in the program. Such persons must also provide documentation showing they paid for the qualifying product/installation and confirm ownership of the property.

Customer Standing

At both the time of application and the time the rebate is issued, the customer's account must be in good standing. This means there is no outstanding balance. A customer who has an outstanding balance must pay in full before submitting a rebate application.

Eligible Products/Equipment

• All products/equipment must be installed in facilities within the RMLD's service territory to be considered eligible.
• All products and machinery must be brand-new and fully operational. They must be procured from a commercial retailer or the contractor who will install them.
• Items that have been previously used, rebuilt, or refurbished are not qualified. In order to qualify for incentives, the proposed product/equipment must adhere to the standards outlined in the Program Requirements.

Other measures that are not mentioned may, however, be eligible for customer incentives. Certain rebate programs may also apply to demolition and renovations. For more information, please call the RMLD Integrated Resources Department.

• The rebate process cannot begin until the proper application form has been submitted and has been filled out in its entirety, honestly, and accurately.
• The application must be signed and dated by the client. They must include all supporting materials necessary to claim any applicable rebates or incentives. The Program Requirements, including the restrictions on RMLD's liability and damages, are accepted by the customer upon submission of a rebate application.

Standards for Governing Entities

1. Customers are accountable for making sure that solar installations comply with all municipal, state, and federal codes, ordinances, standards, and regulations.
2. Customers are solely responsible for obtaining the necessary permits (if applicable) and disposing of equipment properly.
3. All discarded equipment and products must be disposed of in conformity with local, state, and federal regulations.

Installation Verification

• Certain programs require pictures of installed equipment as part of the application submission.
• Prior to honoring any rebate, the RMLD reserves the right to verify on-site that the qualifying equipment was installed in accordance with program guidelines.

Taxes and Tax Liabilities

Taxes are not qualified for a rebate from the RMLD. They will not be taken into account when calculating the rebate. Due to the settlement of rebates, RMLD will not be held liable for any tax obligations that the client, property owner, or contractor may have.

Payment Timeline

It takes 60 to 180 days to process an application and give a qualified rebate.

Taunton Municipal Light Plant Residential PV Rebate Program

The Solar Rebate Program at the Taunton Municipal Light Plant (TMLP) provides financial incentives to residential customers who have installed a photovoltaic (solar) array on their property. The program offers an incentive of $1.50 per watt installed, up to 3 KW (DC), or a maximum rebate amount of $4,500. You should check item No. 10 below for criteria if applying for a $300 battery storage rebate for units 5KW+. This rebate applies to battery storage units authorized and installed after June 9, 2021.

Eligibility Requirements

• Solar panel must belong to the customer (Leasing is not allowed). Before getting the go-ahead to construct, a copy of the executed contract between the customer and the contractor is needed.

• The customer must have had an ongoing residential or nonprofit electric account for at least 6 months with the TMLP.

• The balance of a customer's current account must be $0.

• The individual listed on the deed of the property where the solar array will be installed must also be the customer of record with TMLP.

• Any number of proposed photovoltaic arrays is allowed (pending TMLP approval). The highest rebate amount is $4,500, or $1.50 per watt up to 3 KW (DC).

• Designs must receive TMLP approval before being installed.

• The projects must be executed by professional and licensed contractors and electricians

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• The TMLP Net Metering Agreement and an Interconnection Agreement must be signed by the customer.

• Designed 1-line illustration with the statement "AC Disconnect will be no more than 4' from the utility meter" is required.

• The Battery Backup Verification and Rebate Application and a 1-line diagram showing battery backup, a technical data sheet for the battery product, and a copy of the city/town wire inspector's approval of the referenced battery backup system are required. These documents are necessary if the customer also plans to install a battery backup system alongside their solar installation.

• Before getting the permission to operate and the rebate submission, the contractor must provide a duplicate of the customer invoice proving payment.

• The customer will be charged the same monthly service fee that is assessed to other TMLP customers in the same rate class, will not be charged for any kilowatt-hours taken from TMLP, and will receive a credit for the net excess kilowatt-hours generated as applied to the generation and Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) charges during the billing period.

TMLP Required Forms

The following forms will be required to apply for TMLP solar rebate:

• Net Metering Application
• Interconnection & Net Metering Agreement
• Solar Rebate Application Form
• Battery Backup Form & Verification
• Net Metering Interconnection Standards

How to Apply for the TMLP Solar Rebate

You must complete a solar rebate application and a net metering application in order to be considered for a solar rebate. Other documents you need to submit include an interconnection agreement, a 1-line diagram, and a copy of the customer-contractor agreement. These are delivered to TMLP, where they are evaluated by management before being approved. You will receive a letter or an email informing you of the status of your application.

Chicopee Electric Light Residential Solar Rebate Program

The Chicopee Electric Light Residential Solar Rebate Program is no longer available.

Residential customers who put solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their homes were eligible for rebates from Chicopee Electric Light (CEL). This Massachusetts renewable energy rebate ranged from $1.20 per watt to 50% of project expenses, or $12,000 per installation.

CEL's involvement in the Massachusetts Municipal Light Plant Solar Program came to an end on January 6, 2021.

However, Chicopee Electric Light provides a range of rebates for energy efficiency to its residential customers. CEL offers rebates for chargeable yard equipment as well as heat pump water heaters, freezers, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers. The registration form is available to customers on the program website. For additional details on the conditions and prerequisites of the program, they can also check the website.

Through the company's NextZero Residential Rebates, CEL customers can learn about low-cost methods to achieve maximum home energy efficiency:

• Home Efficiency Program
• Energy Star Appliance Rebates
• Residential Conservation Services

Home Efficiency Program

Chicopee Electric Light provides rebates for energy-efficient house improvements. These include pipeline sealings and insulations carried out under the NextZero Program. However, CEL advises customers to book an energy audit before their contractor starts the project. Interested customers may call 888-333-7525 for the energy audit. CEL encourages its customers to move forward with the installation of the energy-saving measures that best meet their needs. This information would be available in their NextZero Home Energy Report. ​

​General Rule for Cost-Effective Home Efficiency​

1. First, insulate and air-seal. Request a catalog of companies that offer air-sealing services from the auditor.
2. For the following, Chicopee Electric Light will pay you 50% of the installed cost, up to $500 per project (a maximum of $2,000 per customer, per year):

• Blower Door Test and Air Sealing
• Qualified Energy Star Rated Heating Systems
• Insulation
• Duct Sealing

1. Please be aware that projects that were self-installed are not qualified for a rebate.
2. Contact NextZero at 888-333-7525 to arrange a post-installation check after the measure(s) have been installed. The inspector will tour the site and finish the necessary inspection form. The examination must be completed before submitting an incentive application.
3. The program will continue to operate at CEL's discretion and without further notice until the allocated funds are gone.
4. Interested and eligible customers can apply for this program via mail or electronically through Chicopee Electric Light’s website.

Energy Star Appliance Rebates

Appliances with the Energy Star rating may be eligible for mail-in rebates ranging from $30 to $500 per appliance. CEL is able to pass on these savings by utilizing conservation funds set aside to encourage energy conservation among consumers.

• Air Purifier / Room Air Cleaner - $40
• Clothes Washer - $50
• Clothes Dryer (Electric) - $50
• Dehumidifier - $30
• Heat Pump Dryer (Electric) - $500
• Heat Pump Water Heater - $500
• Heat Pump Pool Heater - $250
• Pool Pump -Variable Speed - $100
• Refrigerator - $50
• Wi-Fi Thermostat/HVAC Control - 50% max $125
• Induction Range (replace gas/propane) - $500
• Induction Range (replace electric) - $100

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These rebate offers are not combinable with other rebates or offers, and there are some restrictions involved. For information on restrictions, please call (888) 333-7525.

Residential Energy Conservation

Chicopee Electric Light provides residential energy conservation services that can help consumers save money and energy. Customers of Chicopee Electric Light can call the toll-free hotline if they have any queries about energy efficiency at home. The company's personnel are extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of residential energy conservation. This information can be provided by CEL via mail or email. Additionally, they can assist or direct you to a variety of web-based resources that provide online information on numerous conservation measures. CEL can also direct you to online energy audits that you can conduct independently.

​You can also make follow-up free calls if you have additional queries. Besides, you can send the company an email at rebates@mmwec.org or visit the company’s NextZero website at https://nextzero.org/chicopee/ for more information.

Service for Residential Energy Audits

Home energy audits can provide more information to CEL customers who desire to implement energy-saving projects in their residence. The NextZero Residential Audit Service is provided to customers who qualify based on the age of their property, existing insulation levels, and other criteria. Customers who successfully complete a home energy audit are eligible for Home Efficiency rebates. Call 888-333-7525 to communicate with a member of our staff regarding home energy audits.