Massachusetts Incentives
US SolarWorks keeps up to date with all local and federal financial incentives available.
We analyze each project to find the best combination of incentives for that particular system.
Massachusetts Solar Rebate Programs
New solar installations in Massachusetts have the option to choose between the SMART program or Net Metering with Renewable Energy Credits.
A Federal Tax Credit is currently available for now solar projects. Homeowners can take advantage of a MA income tax credit in addition to the Federal Tax Credit.
US SolarWorks can help you find the optimal package of incentives for your project. Contact us today to find out more.
SMART Program
The Massachusetts DOER’s SMART program offers a tariff-based incentive paid directly to the system owner. This is a 20 year contract with the utility provider.
Payments are determined by the power produced by the system. Location based adders, and adders for systems paired with energy storage are available.
The Massachusetts SMART program is not limited by the size of your existing electric bill, so it can be used for standalone systems. You will not be eligible to receive REC credits while participating in the SMART program.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
When you install a solar system in Massachusetts, you can participate in the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) credits based on the amount of energy your system produces. RECs are clean energy credits that are equivalent to one megawatt hour of energy generated by renewables. Solar production is monitored and automatically reported to the REC Broker which consolidates this production into megawatt hour packages to be sold. The cash value of the RECs is mailed to you quarterly as a cash dividend for producing clean energy.
Net Metering in Massachusetts
Net metering allows you to earn credits for surplus power generation. Your meter will compare the electricity you generate to the amount you consume. Any excess electricity will flow out into the grid, and credit your utility account. You are only billed for the “net” amount of energy used.
This incentive helps balance the naturally occurring highs and lows of solar production with your energy use. Net metering means your extra solar output during daylight hours can help pay for the energy you use at night.
In Massachusetts, you are able to net meter up to 125% of the power you use on site, and transfer the surplus credits to another meter in the state.
Massachusetts Income Tax Credit for Homeowners
Homeowners in MA can receive an additional income tax credit when installing a residential system. The credit is equal to 15% of the total value of the system, up to a maximum of $1,000.
This tax credit can only be claimed once per person.
Federal Tax Credit
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act increased the federal ITC tax credit to 30% of full-price expenditures for solar arrays. This is calculated after all other rebates and incentives. The same legislation provided a 10% adder for projects using US made equipment.
Now is the perfect time to begin your solar energy project so your business can take advantage of this tax credit.
