Solar-to-Market Initiative

This intitative is now closed. Those interested in rebates for solar photovoltaics systems are encouraged to preview the Small Renewables Intitative.

The primary objectives of the Solar to Market Initiative (SMI) included: solar electric installations (also known as Photovoltaic or PV) in Massachusetts, and promotion of the the solar electric industry in Massachusetts.

Solar Electric Installations: SMI encouraged the installation of solar electric systems in Massachusetts by providing grants to companies and organizations that market and install solar electric systems. Prior to SMI, there were about 165 solar photovoltaic installations in Massachusetts totaling nearly 470 kW of capacity. As a result of the SMI installations, nearly 900 kW of new PV capacity was added via 280 new solar photovoltaic installations in 90 cities and towns across Massachusetts. SMI provided hundreds of installations throughout the Commonwealth to create educational and training opportunities for PV installers and for building code officials. This program also increased public awareness about renewable energy in general and solar photovoltaic systems in particular.


Business Development of the Solar Electric Industry: SMI promoted the business development of the solar electric industry in Massachusetts. Business development includes integrating solar electric into the building and trades industries here in Massachusetts, and helping local solar electric companies compete effectively in the global marketplace.

To support local solar electric business development, MTC continues working to improve the resources for training and certification of solar electric system designers, installers, utility personnel, and building inspectors in Massachusetts and the region.

To assist all aspects of the Massachusetts solar electric industry, MTC provided financial support for establishing the Solar Energy Business Association of New England (SEBANE). SEBANE supports the development of solar electric-powered energy systems through regulatory policy advocacy, public awareness, and legal efforts to enable solar resources to compete fairly in the power market. SEBANE provides solar electric businesses with a cohesive voice in breaking down the barriers, including high capital costs and regulatory constraints that have hindered the full realization of solar technology's potential in this region.

A Primer on Solar Electricity

Photovoltaic (PV) systems use solar energy to generate electricity. PV systems work very well in Massachusetts , and are especially valuable on summer days when electricity demand is greatest. For more information about solar energy and PV technology, see the Energy Information section of our website or visit for the U.S. Department of Energy's Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network.

While PV systems are relatively expensive, they are one of the few commercially-available renewable energy technologies available to individual consumers. In many developing countries, PV is the most economical source of electricity where no electric supply grid exists.