The Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program

Keely Skyy

Program Type	Rebate
Technologies	Photovoltaics (solar energy)
Amount	Base incentive of $1 per watt plus added incentives based on household income and the value of your home, up to $10,500 for residential systems
Required Documentation	System installers are responsible for the application process, so be sure to find an experienced and reliable professional to help you through this often process
Official Web Site	http://www.masscec.com/index.cfm?pid=11159&&stCode=live&preview=yes&cdid=11241

Funding for The Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program comes from the Renewable Energy Trust, which is part of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). The organization currently has an annual budget of $4 million ($1 million for each quarter) to invest in corporate, residential, and non-profit photovoltaic systems. Each one-million-dollar portion is available for three months or until the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first, and then the cycle begins again the following quarter.

This rebate applies only to new projects, and you can’t begin installation of your solar energy system until your application has been approved. In order to qualify for this rebate, your planned residential photovoltaic (PV) systems cannot exceed 5kW in size. In addition to the potential $5,000 rebate (5,000 watts x $1 per watt rebate), you can also receive an additional $1 per watt, potentially doubling your rebate amount, if you qualify for one of the “adders” of moderate household income (not greater than 120 percent median income) or if you qualify as having a moderate home value. Note that you can apply for one or the other of these adders, but not both. If applying for moderate income status, you must provide proof of income (your most recent federal income tax return) and proof that the project site is the primary residence of the system owner (such as a copy of your driver’s license or voter registration). If applying for the moderate home value adder, you will need to provide a copy of your most recent property taxes in order to determine the value of your home.

Unlike similar programs in other states, recipients of the rebate are also eligible to receive additional funding, such as Solar Renewable Energy Credits through the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Solar Carve-Out Program, as well as other state and federal incentives.