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Sunwatt Solar

Incentives

     Rhode Island and Massachusetts both offer programs to help residents meet their renewable energy goals.  Because incentive rates change and eligibility requirements vary from state to state it's important to keep up with the latest developments.  At Sunwatt we pride ourselves on understanding which local, state and federal programs will apply to each project and project site.  Our goal is to provide you with the best return on your solar investment - the most efficient system at the best possible price.

Current solar PV incentives include:

  • Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit.
  • RI Renewable Energy Fund Grant (residential and commercial).
  • RI REG Tariff Program.
  • MA SMART Program.
  • USDA and Ag Grants (farmers and rural small businesses).

Federal Income Tax Credit

The ITC is currently a 30% dollar for dollar credit claimed against the tax liability of residential (Section 25D) and commercial and utility investors (Section 48).  The credit may be claimed by homeowners and businesses that purchase (not lease) solar PV systems outright and have them installed on their property.

Solar Incentives Rhode Island

.Available to National Grid customers                        (residential and commercial)

  • Net-Metering
  • Renewable Energy Fund Grant
  • Renewable Energy Growth Program
  • Grants for Farms and Small Business 

Net-Metering                                                                                  A net meter allows the meter to “spin backwards”. When power is produced, but not immediately needed for use, it is sent out to the grid and credited to your electric account. This creates a reserve which covers usage during evening hours and the shorter days of winter.

Renewable Energy Fund Grant                                                The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources/ Commerce RI sponsors a grant for home and business owners. Calculated by system size, residential and commercial customers could receive funding that offsets up to 25% of project cost. Eligible sites must have a TSRF (Total Solar Resource Fraction – equation comprised of roof tilt, azimuth, orientation and shading) of 80%.

Renewable Energy Growth Program                          National Grid offers a production-based incentive for customers paying a fixed rate per kilowatt produced. Rather than serving the on-site electric loads, all power generated by a solar array is sent directly out to the grid. Account holders receive a monthly payment from the utility. REG Program users are NOT eligible for the REF Grant. 

For RI Farmers

Farm Energy Grant Program                                                      The RI DEM offers this grant to eligible farmers to help ‘green’ their businesses and take advantage of the cost and energy savings from using renewable energy. REG Program users are NOT eligible for the Farm Energy Grant.

For Farmers and Rural Small Business

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)                  The REAP Grant is available to farmers and rural small business owners for renewable energy systems. Recipients may be eligible for funds covering up to 25% of overall project costs. This grant may be used in conjunction with the RI REF Grant and the Farm Energy Grant and is also available to REGrowth Program recipients.

RIMap

Solar Incentives Massachusetts

MAMap

Available to National Grid, Eversource and Unitil customers (residential and commercial)

  • Net-Metering
  • MA Personal Income Tax Credit
  • SMART Program
  • Grants for Farms and Small Businesses

Net-Metering                                                                                    A net-meter allows the meter to “spin backwards”.  When power is produced but not immediately needed for use it is sent out to the grid and credited to your electric account. This creates a reserve which covers usage during evening hours and the shorter days of winter.

MA Personal Income Tax Credit                                                  A credit of $1000 or 15% of qualifying project costs, whichever is less

 SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program) A production-based incentive paid directly to system owners by participating electric utilities in Massachusetts. SMART is the latest program offered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to encourage the development of solar PV.  SMART gives residents an opportunity to utilize clean, green energy and save money on their electric bill. Typical residential systems are 'qualified' for 10 years and receive payments (via check or direct deposit) each month.

 For MA Farmers

Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER)                      ENER offers two grant programs: the Traditional Ag-Energy Grant and the new Ag-Energy Special Projects Grant. Both are available to help promote greater sustainability, improve energy efficiency and encourage the adoption of alternative energy by Massachusetts farms.

For Farmers and Rural Small Business

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)               The REAP Grant is available to farmers and rural small business owners to help with the purchase of a renewable energy system. Recipients may be eligible for funds covering up to 25% of overall project costs. This grant may be used in conjunction with the Farm Energy Grant and eligible SMART participants.