How Does the Solarize Boston (Solarize Mass) Program Work?
The global climate emergency has led governments worldwide to incentivize electricity generation from renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
In the United States, solar rebates and tax credits are often available to homeowners at the federal, state, and even the local level.
In many locations, communities can enjoy the cost-saving benefits of solar power without installing standalone photovoltaic (PV) systems.
If you live in Boston or elsewhere in Massachusetts, Solarize Mass may be an option.
Read on to find out more…
(Source: MassCEC)
How Does the Massachusetts Solar Program Work?
Launched in 2011, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) administered and funded the Solarize Mass and Solarize Plus programs from 2012 to 2020.
Almost 3,800 small-scale solar electric systems were contracted in 85 communities across Mass, with a nameplate generation capacity of over 25,000 kilowatts (25.6mW).
Solarize Mass was primarily aimed at incentivizing homeowners to install rooftop solar panel systems.
By aggregating demand and negotiating favorable pricing with installers, Solar Mass made it easier for homeowners to go solar by streamlining the process and lowering costs.
As of 2020, MassCEC no longer funds Solar Mass, but new programs that promote community solar have taken its place.
For example, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Designation & Grant Program helps municipalities “access grants for clean, affordable and resilient energy projects, unlocking] economic development benefits for the city or town and the Commonwealth.”
Almost 300 communities in MA have received designation and funding of nearly $54M under the program as of November 2024.
What Is Solar For All in Massachusetts?
On April 22, 2024 — Earth Day — the federal government announced the recipients of $7 billion in grants under the Solar for All initiative.
The program's stated goal is “to deliver solar to more than 900,000 low-income and disadvantaged households nationwide… saving low-income Americans $350 million annually and advancing environmental justice.”
Massachusetts was “awarded $156 million to expand access to solar energy in low-income and historically disadvantaged communities (LIDACs).”
Details of how the funds will be distributed are expected to be announced before the end of June 2025, but here’s what we know so far.
Who Can Participate?
Specific Solar For All (SFA) eligibility requirements for Mass residents are expected to be announced in the Summer of 2025, but some details have emerged.
According to the EPA’s nationwide roundup of SFA recipients:
“Massachusetts’ SFA Program will be available to all low-income and disadvantaged communities across Massachusetts with the goal of maximizing participation and impact in historically underserved communities.
Much of the program’s budget will go directly towards the funding of solar photovoltaic projects to achieve the maximum reduction of greenhouse gas emissions possible.
The initiatives include a residential zero-interest loan initiative, a residential lease initiative, a public affordable housing procurement initiative, a private affordable housing financing initiative, and a low-income community shared solar initiative.
Additionally, the program will include funding allocations for technical assistance, education and outreach, quality assurance, and workforce training.
As Massachusetts has a strong existing solar photovoltaic industry, the initiatives offered under the SFA Program are designed to leverage federal funding and existing Massachusetts programs, such as the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target program and Mass Save.”
Like many other SFA programs around the US, funding will be available for homeowners, community solar projects, technical assistance, and workforce training.
The Massachusetts SFA Coalition promises to “offer both solar loan and solar lease programs for residential customers, and will hire a Decision Support provider to help residents choose which option is right for them.”
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of buying a residential solar power system vs. leasing one.
Residential Solar Power Systems: Buy vs. Lease?
| DIRECT OWNERSHIP | THIRD-PARTY OWNERSHIP |
|---|---|---|
Description | You own the system | A third-party company owns and operates the solar electric system, offering you benefits with little or no upfront costs. You could opt for a solar lease or a power purchase agreement (PPA) |
Are There Any Upfront Costs to the Homeowner? | Yes. May pay with cash or use a home equity loan, or other loan | Low or no upfront cost |
Ways to Finance? | Loans: home equity loans, personal loans, and solar-specific financing products When reviewing loan options, consider factors like: – Interest rates – Fees, including dealer fees and closing costs – Early repayment options – Consequences for missed payments – Whether interest paid is tax deductible – Whether the lender takes a security interest in your home or in the solar installation | Solar Lease: You pay a fixed monthly fee to the solar company that installs and operates the system. You receive generated electricity at no extra cost, often with a guaranteed amount of electricity provided per year. Solar PPA: You buy the electricity your system generates at an agreed kilowatt-per-hour price from the solar company that owns and operates the system. This price is usually lower than standard utility rates. Both leases and PPAs can provide immediate savings with minimal upfront costs. When considering a lease or PPA, carefully review the contract to understand details like contract length, incentives, option to buy, electricity pricing, contract end terms, and implications if you move. Both leases and PPAs can provide immediate savings with minimal upfront costs. When considering a lease or PPA, carefully review the contract to understand details like contract length, incentives, option to buy, electricity pricing, contract end terms, and implications if you move. |
Homeowner's Ongoing Financing Costs | Loan payments if applicable | Lease: Monthly lease payment PPA: Fixed or escalating rate for purchasing generated power |
Who Takes Advantage of State and Federal Tax Benefits? | Homeowner | Installer or third-party owner |
Who Receives Ongoing Production-Based Initiatives (SRECS or SMART)? | Homeowner | Third-party owner |
Impact of Solar Electric System on Property Value | Can contribute to the appraised property value | Cannot be part of appraised value of property (according to Fannie Mae guidance) |
Who Is Responsible for any Maintenance or Insurance? | Homeowner (Installer may provide optional production guarantees) | Installer or third-party owner |
Homeowner's Use of the System | Lifetime of system (20–30 years) | PPA or lease term (15–25 years) |
(Source: MassCEC)
The bottom line is that leasing a home solar power system can save you money on electricity bills, but purchasing a system offers a better return on investment over the mid-to-long term.
When you factor in programs like the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you can significantly reduce your purchase and installation costs.
What Is the Solarize Boston Program?
Since 2007, the City of Boston has had multiple programs to incentivize homeowner and community solar projects in the region, including Renew Boston and Solarize Boston.
The most recent initiative, Solarize Eastie, is “designed to address the challenges faced by low-income residents, immigrants, and renters in transitioning to distributed electricity generation and storage in East Boston.
GreenRoots and the City of Boston are leveraging funding to make solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage a possibility for those who thought this technology was out of their reach. All East Boston residents can participate in this program.”
Solarize Eastie is a community solar program designed to increase access to the benefits of renewable energy and green neighborhoods in East Boston.
Final Thoughts
Massachusetts and the city of Boston have long incentivized the adoption of residential and community solar power with programs like Solarize Mass and Solarize Boston.
Details of the new Solar For All program are due to be announced before the end of August 2025.
Participating in all available federal, state, and local incentives is one of the best ways to shorten your solar payback period and maximize solar return on investment.
For example, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is a whole-home solar generator system that’s eligible for a 30% tax credit on total purchase and installation costs.
EcoFlow offers a wide variety of home backup battery and solar power solutions for just about any application.
Many of our products are eligible for government incentives like the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
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