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Commonwealth Solar Program is Open

January 29, 2008 | 4 Comments

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Boston, Massachusetts [RenewableEnergyAccess.com] Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles has announced that Commonwealth Solar, the state's new program of rebates to encourage the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) power is now accepting applications from businesses and homeowners looking to reduce the cost of putting solar panels on their roofs.

"Solar energy is a key component of the clean energy economy we are developing here in Massachusetts, and a rebate is the most efficient, cost-effective way we can make solar power more affordable. Now is the time for businesses and homeowners to find out what Commonwealth Solar has to offer."

--Ian Bowles, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Announced in December, the program, which makes use of existing renewable energy funds, is expected to result in the installation of more than 27 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity over the next four years. Commonwealth Solar is part of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's pledge to increase installed solar power from 5 MW today to 250 MW by 2017. This was made in April in connection with Evergreen Solar Inc.'s commitment to locate its first full-scale U.S. manufacturing facility in Massachusetts.

"Commonwealth Solar is open for business, and that's good news for the economy and the environment," Bowles said. "Solar energy is a key component of the clean energy economy we are developing here in Massachusetts, and a rebate is the most efficient, cost-effective way we can make solar power more affordable. Now is the time for businesses and homeowners to find out what Commonwealth Solar has to offer."

Information on how to get a Commonwealth Solar rebate can be found at www.commonwealthsolar.org.

Solar Energy

4 Reader Comments

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1 of 4

wes-scott-78842

January 29, 2008

Awesome, good job mass, How many more states does that leave?

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2 of 4

tim-lyden-47108

January 30, 2008

Looks good from afar, but Solar PV is 3x more $$$ than a Solar Heating System for the ave, home.  The ave, electric bill = $100/mon, a PV system = $65000. - $20000. Rebate = $45000.  $45000 to save $100/mon?  Its like rolling a rock uphill. How long to payback?The ave, Heating bill = $300/ Mon.  Ave, Solar Heating system cost = $25000. $25000 to save $300/ Mon, now that MAKES MUCH MORE SENCE.Help 2 to 3x the homes go Solar! Save those homes 2 to 3x the amount of Money!  Reduce fossil fuels & CO2 by 2 to 3x!Big oil, coal & electric aren’t threatened by a few token $$$$ PV systems. CWS/MTC look like there working hard rolling paper rocks uphill.  Why wont they do what makes sense, Solar Heat! Not Special Interest BureaucratsTim

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3 of 4

joseph-arsenault-74666

January 30, 2008

 I'm a licensed plumber in central mass. This is great for PV, but what incentives are available for homeowners interested in thermal solar for domestic water with some heating contributions. I've been under the assumption that these systems are historicaly more practical with regards to the "payback peroid",  when done correctly

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Anonymous

July 2, 2010

I always love to ask: "how long until your current system pays you back?"
usually the answer is utter silence.. Change is inevitable - you have to change something to make a difference.. Start now, this is the first day of the rest of your fossil fuel life.

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