Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program

Micro Wind

Micro Wind

OVERVIEW

Photo: Against the Grain Cabinetmakers 2.5-kW wind turbine; Oak Bluffs, MA

The Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program – Micro Wind initiative provides rebates for the installation of micro wind projects that are up to 99 kilowatts and located at residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public facilities. The applicant and project site must either be a customer of a Massachusetts investor-owned electric distribution utility or be a customer of a Municipal Light Plant Department that pays into the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. Applications are received on a rolling, first come first served basis.

Through the Micro Wind initiative, the Trust has funded over one hundred awards to micro wind projects, of which more than forty are now installed and operating. The Trust’s goal is to provide incentives for the installation of the best projects in the best locations. Micro wind systems will be supported through a hybrid rebate structure (capped at $4.00/watt):

• Payment 1: will be made upon system installation, and based on the rated capacity of the system at 11 m/s (based on manufacturers' supplied power curve).
• Payment 2: the Trust will make a payment based on the number of kilowatt-hours produced by the system in its first year of operation. Customers will have the option to report production data for the second year of operation, and if production is greater than in year one, the Trust will provide a rebate for the difference.

**Please note that the above rebate structure is applicable to all incoming micro-wind applications. Projects are not eligible to receive funding based on prior rebate matrices.**

How to apply for a rebate: It's easy! 

Step 1: Find out if you are eligible
Step 2: Decide if Wind is right for you
Step 3: How much is your rebate?
Step 4: Find an Installer who will take you through our program
Step 5: Apply for a rebate
Step 6: Install and interconnect
Step 7: Receive rebate

HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT WIND AND APPLY FOR A REBATE?
There are a number of steps (see in the right column) associated with applying for a Micro-Wind rebate. If you decide to move forward with a micro wind project, your installer or vendor is responsible for providing you with turnkey service and installation, including taking you through the Micro Wind rebate process, securing required permits, and ensuring the installation of your renewable system.

APPLICATION MATERIALS AND OTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT:
Prior to calling the Trust for more information, prospective applicants are encouraged to speak to one or more installers about their potential project.