Purchase Renewable-Generated Electricity

If you are an NSTAR customer, you have the option of purchasing half or all you electricity from wind power through NSTAR Green or a competitive supplier.

Install Renewables for Your Business

The Mass Clean Energy Center now runs the renewable incentives programs including Commonwealth Solar and Commonwealth Wind, which were formerly hosted by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Through these programs you can receive up to $5,500 for a photovoltaic system or $40,000 for a micro-wind installation and more for systems larger than 100kW.

An experienced contractor can help you navigate the grant application and installation process. SEBANE and NESEA both offer directories of qualified solar installers, and NESEA’s “green pages” also include contractors for wind, geothermal and more.

Also, while there are currently no state grant programs for solar thermal equipment (hot water and space heating), it is an option that should not be overlooked. These systems can be an economical foray into renewable energy, and are generally eligible for the same property tax exemption of system-added value as most other renewable energy installations. Other generally applicable incentives include special depreciation under the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery, and a 30% corporate tax credit or alternatively a 30% grant for qualified properties.

Invest in Renewables for Others

You can invest in bringing more renewable energy to New England by making a contribution at New England Wind Fund, or New Generation Energy. Both organizations help local groups with the cost of renewable energy installations.

Paying for a Renewable Energy Installation

In April of 2010 CEA sponsored an event dedicated to informing the public about financing solar energy installations, and the presentations of several organizations in the field are available.

Find out more about federal, state, and utility incentives such as the grant program above through Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition and their Commercial Lighting Tax Deduction, or DSIRE. Our business financing page lists other programs and services which you may also be able to take advantage of.

Still perplexed?

If you have further questions, contact the Energy Advisor.

Visit the EPA’s EPP.

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative provides a subsidy of up to $4 per watt of installed capacity for small-scale wind installation. Through the MTC’s Commonwealth Solar program, you may receive up to $3 per watt for the installation of photovoltaic systems. In addition to the state excise tax exemption on renewable energy equipment for the duration of the depreciation period, the added property value of the installation is exempt from local property tax for 20 years. Finally, NSTAR is also required to purchase any excess power generated on-site at the prevailing rate through net-metering.

See also Camberville Greenmap’s list of local environmental organizations.

“Hi, what is a PFC for?”