Step 3. How do I estimate my rebate and project savings?
To Estimate your Rebate you will need to know how much electricity you use?
- Check your electricity bill for the electricity usage kWh.
- Estimate this over the course of one year.
- Some PV Facts:
- Optimal solar PV systems in Massachusetts will give you about 1200 kWh per year per kW installed.
- This means if you install a 4 kW system (4,000 watts) this will provide you about 4800 kWh per year. Estimate what size (kW) system you will need based on your annual usage (kWh).
3. Now click on “Residential Rebate Estimator” to calculate your rebate
Residential Rebates – For Residential Projects Only
Rebates for residential customers are capped at the lesser of:
- 100% of total installed costs, or
- A rebate based on a maximum size of 5 kW (dc) even if the system is larger, or
- A maximum rebate amount of $20,000.
The current rebate levels are:
Residential Rebates ($ per watt (dc @ STC)) |
Base Incentive |
$ 1.00 |
Massachusetts Company Components Adder |
$ 0.15 |
Moderate Home Value Adder |
$ 1.50 |
Moderate Income Adder ≤ 120% of MA median income |
$ 1.00 |
Some things to do before contacting an installer (from http://www.cityofboston.gov/climate/solar.asp):
- Assemble the previous year's electricity bills
- If you are in a historical district, check in with the Boston Landmarks Commission at 617-635-3850 to learn more about additional aesthetic guidelines for your solar installation.
- If you have easy access to your roof, take a few notes on it.
- How big is it?
- What is it made of?
- When was it last replaced?
- Is it flat or pitched? If it is pitched, in which direction does it face (e.g. due south, southwest, etc.)?
- Is there anything on the roof, or is the roof cluttered with mechanical equipment, chimneys, roof decks, etc. that take up real estate or could potentially shade solar systems?
- Check out your southern exposure. Is there anything to your south (e.g. trees, etc.) that would shade your system?
- Have you had an energy audit in the last 6 years? The rebate application requires it, so having the appropriate paperwork handy will help streamline the application process
Other Available Incentives – Please consult the Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency www.dsireusa.org to find information on other incentive programs