HG&E customers are now eligible to participate in the Commonwealth Solar and Wind rebate programs. Managed by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) Renewable Energy Trust (RET), these programs provide substantial financial incentives for the installation of photovoltaic solar generation panels or small-scale wind turbines on residences or commercial buildings.

What do the Renewable Energy Trust programs offer to HG&E customers?

What is the process for participating in these incentive programs?

What is the Renewable Energy Charge?

What other financial incentives are available for installation of wind or solar generation projects?

What do the Renewable Energy Trust programs offer to HG&E customers?
The Commonwealth Solar program offers qualified residential and commercial customers installation rebates of $1.00-$4.40 per watt of installed photovoltaic generation panels up to 5,000 watts in size. Benefits are capped at $20,000 per installation.

The Commonwealth Wind program offers rebates of up to $4.00 per watt towards installation of a wind turbine that generates less than 10,000 watts of electricity. Benefits are capped at $40,000 per installation.

Under both programs, applications need to be approved by the MTC prior to installation to be eligible for rebates. Applications are received on a rolling, first come first served basis and are subject to the availability of monies in the RET fund. In addition, program guidelines require that all electrical work be completed by a licensed electrician. Rebates are not available for “do-it-yourself” project.

The RET program also provides HG&E with access to other financial incentives that can be used to construct and upgrade utility-scale renewable generation projects.

Given the large number of renewable energy facilities owned by HG&E (Department-owned renewable generation provides over 50% of the City's annual electric supply!), it is expected that all HG&E customers will receive substantial financial benefits through this particular aspect of the program.

What is the process for participating in the Commonwealth Solar and Wind incentive programs?
Step 1) Determine eligibility: Contact the MTC at one of the telephone numbers to the right.
Step 2) Educate yourself: Explore the web links in the box to the right. Learn more about these generation technologies and decide if wind or solar are right for you.
Step 3) Estimate your rebate: Visit one of the MTC websites listed to the right and download the rebate calculation spreadsheet.
Step 4) Find an installer: All installation work must be performed by an approved installation company. Do-it-yourself installations are not permitted. A list of approved installers can be found on the MTC websites.
Step 5) Apply for a rebate: Applications can be found on the MTC websites.
Step 6) Install and interconnect: Your installer will consult with HG&E to ensure that your equipment is safely connected to the electric grid
Step 7) Receive your rebate: Once all work has been inspected and approved the MTC will mail you a rebate check.
 

What is the Renewable Energy Charge?
To provide both HG&E and our customers with access to the incentive programs managed by the Renewable Energy Trust (RET) fund, HG&E customers must pay into this fund. To achieve this, a Renewable Energy charge of 1/20¢ per each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity consumed by residential, commercial, and industrial electric customers has been added to our bills. Customers of investor-owned utilities, like Western Mass Electric and National Grid, have been paying into the RET fund since the late 1990’s.

For the average residential customer who consumes 500 kWh of electricity each month, this charge will amount to a total increase of 25¢ to their monthly bill. Also please note that due to MTC regulations, the Renewable Energy Charge is not subject to our 10% prompt payment discount.
 

What other financial incentives are available for installation of wind or solar projects?
The State offers a variety of financial incentives to aid the installation of renewable energy projects. Please consult your accountant or tax advisor regarding your eligibility for these incentives.

Personal Tax Credit - Massachusetts allows a 15% credit (up to $1,000) against the State income tax for the net expenditure of a renewable energy system (including installation costs) that is installed on an individual’s primary residence.

Property Tax Exemption - Massachusetts law provides that solar-energy systems and wind-energy systems used as a primary or auxiliary power system for the purpose of heating or otherwise supplying the energy needs of taxable property are exempt from local property tax for a 20-year period.

Sales Tax Exemption - Massachusetts law exempts from the state’s sales tax equipment directly relating to any solar or windpowered system that supplies the energy needs of an individual’s principal residence.