Tax Credits & Incentives

If you’re considering making a switch to solar, two things to think about are the cost and the company you work with. When you work with Higgins Energy Alternatives on your solar project, you’re guaranteed a professional team with 40 years of solar knowledge handling your investment. As for the cost, with rebates stacked on top of tax incentives and credits, the state of Massachusetts has some of the best programs for solar homeowners. Be sure to check out some of the solar tax credits and incentives below.

As is with any major investment, it is wise to do your research beforehand on these programs and incentives, as there may be prerequisites and additional requirements. Source links have been provided for your convenience.

Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit

In the state of Massachusetts, homeowners who install a renewable energy source for their property, including solar panel systems, are allowed a solar energy credit of up to 15% or $1,000 off of the total purchase price of their system installation, based on your personal income tax.

Federal Solar Tax Exemptions

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal tax break that allows homeowners and residential businesses with solar panel systems to claim up to 26% of their total solar installation costs from their federal tax liability.

Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART)

The SMART program is a long-term sustainable solar incentive program to help Massachusetts become the most energy-efficient state in the country. If you meet and submit all the requirements, you can expect the Electric Distribution Company (EDC) to make payments and provide bill credits to you monthly!

Net Metering in Massachusetts

If during peak sunlight hours, your solar panel system produces an excess amount of energy, that energy is sent back to the energy grid. When this happens, you will receive a credit on your energy bill if you work with Unitil, Eversource or National Grid. This incentive is called net metering.

Massachusetts Storage Incentives

A standard grid-tied solar system is required to have a safety mechanism that will shut down the system in case of an emergency power outage. Therefore, it is wise to invest in a battery storage system for your new solar panels, in the case of a power outage, so that your solar system continues to work even when the power goes out.