Renewable Energy Solutions for Greener Communities
The Renewable Energy Trust has an array of programs that address energy use at public facilities, as well as a program that helps communities* explore the possibility of installing wind turbines on public land.
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| North Coast Seafoods received a Trust award for their 125-kilowatt solar array. |
Commonwealth Solar
The Commonwealth Solar rebate program has reached its initial milestone and is currently undergoing a transition to a new phase of the program.
New! Commonwealth Hydropower Initiative
The Commonwealth Hydropower Initiative provides grant funding for the upgrade of existing hydropower facilities to increase their energy output, and the development of new “conduit”-type facilities. Facilities must meet, or be working to meet, the requirements for qualification for the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard.
New! Commonwealth Wind
The Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program provides rebate, grant, and loan funding for the installation of wind projects in Massachusetts. Funding is available for residential, commercial, industrial, and public facilities that are customers of investor-owned electric distribution utilities or Municipal Light Plant Departments that pay into the Renewable Energy Trust. There are three initiatives within this program: 1) Micro Wind, 2) Community-Scale Wind, and 3) Commercial Wind.
Clean Energy Choice®
From 10/01/04 thru 6/30/09, when residents of eligible communities signed up to support clean energy through their electric utility bill, their town or city earned matching grants that can be used towards solar panels or other renewable energy-related projects. No additional grants will be awarded to match customer premium payments after June 30, 2009. However, towns will have until November 30, 2009, to access the balance of all Clean Energy Choice funds that they have accrued through the June 30, 2009 program end date.
Green Schools Initiative (GSI) is an initiative formerly offered by MRET, in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority, to assist new schools with green design and the installation of renewable energy systems. The GSI is nearing the end of a very successful 8-year run. Please note that grants under the Green Schools Initiative are no longer available.
**Eligible communities must be served by investor-owned utilities or be towns served by municipal light plants that have elected to join the Renewable Energy Trust.