Rebates and Incentives

Commercial customers can expect 45-80% of the system paid for by State and Federal rebates and tax incentives with payback periods designed to be 6 years.

The Commonwealth Solar Initiative provides commercial projects up to 500 KW with a graduated rebate schedule starting at $3.50/watt ($3500/KW).  The rebate schedule is structured such that combined with the 30% Federal Business Energy Tax Credit and accelerated depreciation deductions using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), payback periods of 6 years can be realized.

Most businesses will see 6-9 year paybacks.  This is based on the often cited 3% annual increase in electricity prices whereas the last two years have seen 9% annual increases  - so payback periods could be significantly less as increases in energy prices accelerate.

Please give us a call if you are considering a commercial solar electric system from 5 - 500 KWs. NorthEast Solar can support your accountant in determining income tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and other incentives available to your business.   A complete guide to Federal tax incentives for solar is produced by the Solar Energy Industries Association - the Guide To Federal Tax Incentives for Solar Energy. 

Agricultural:

Residential:

The timing couldn’t be better for you to consider installing a solar electric system for your home.

Residential customers in Massachusetts can get from 30-82% of the system paid for by a combination of State Rebates and State and Federal Tax credits!

Six Ways You Save:

1) Massachusetts State rebates – see the rebate chart below or go to Commonwealth Solar Initiative website.

2) State Income Tax Credit - (15% or $1000 of post rebate cost whichever is less)

3) Federal Income Tax Credit -  (30% or $2000 of post rebate, post state tax cost whichever is less)

4) Net Metering - Every KWH your solar system generates reduces your bill by the full retail rate whether sold back to the utility or used on-site.

5) Selling back your “renewable energy credits” or "RECS"

6) Also there is no sales tax on residential renewable energy equipment in MA and your system is exempt from local property taxes in MA.


For a complete Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency click here.


How to figure your Commonwealth Solar Rebate Level:

Start with the base and add the appropriate "adders".  They are cumulative except the Moderate Income Adder is either $1.00 or $2.00/Watt.

So if you qualify for all of them you would get $5.50/watt.

And here's some particulars about how to qualify for the adders:

That link again is http://scapartnering.com/masstech.php

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