Commonwealth Solar

The Patrick Administration and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Announce New Solar Electric Photovoltaic Initiative for the Commonwealth

Above: Solar installation at a Winthrop home; recipient of a Commonwealth Solar rebate

Below: Berkshire Hills Regional
Middle School; 56.3-kW PV array;
Gt. Barrington, MA

Overview

The Patrick administration places a priority on accelerating the number of solar electric photovoltaic projects (PV projects) within the Commonwealth. To that end, the Patrick administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) are pleased to introduce a bold new initiative, Commonwealth Solar. Commonwealth Solar provides rebates through a non-competitive application process for the installation of PV projects at residential, commercial, industrial, and public facilities. Non-residential projects are eligible for rebates for PV projects up to 500 kilowatts (kW) and residential projects are eligible for up to 5 kW. The applicant (and project site) must be a customer of a Massachusetts investor-owned electric utility.

How do I learn more about solar energy and apply for a rebate?

Please note: before you have a system installed, your rebate application needs to be approved. This involves working with a Massachusetts-licensed electrician. Your installer can help you with the application process. Follow the steps at right for an overview of the process, which includes information on estimating your rebate size and how to select an installer.

If you decide to move forward with a PV project, your installer will be responsible for providing you with a turnkey service and installation, including taking you through the Commonwealth Solar rebate process, securing required permits, and ensuring the installation of your PV project.

Total available funding

Starting in 2008, Commonwealth Solar has $68 million available for funding over the next four years to support PV installations in Massachusetts. The effort combines $40 million from the Renewable Energy Trust (Trust) and $28 million from the Alternative Compliance Payment funds that the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources has collected under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard program. The state estimates that Commonwealth Solar will result in 27 megawatts (MW) of PV projects over the next four years.

Customer service

Need further help navigating the website or Commonwealth Solar process? Please call (508) 439-5700 from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, or email cs@masstech.org.