2011 is shaping up to be best yesr ever to go solar! Why? - The 30% cash grant in lieu of the investment tax credit, which was scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, was extended as part of the tax bill. But only until the end of 2011.

> Businesses will receive a 30% cash grant off the total value of the solar system investment within 60 days of system commissioning- regardless of the tax liability of the business.

> Congress is now allowing a 100% depreciation bonus for renewable energy properties that are put into operation in 2011. Last year it was a 5 year MACRS depreciation schedule.

> Massachusetts has promoted a SREC (solar renewable energy credit) program which allows for the generation of "green stamps" to be sold on the open market. The SREC program will be a 10 year program managed and monitored by the state. The 10 year value of SRECs is regulated to be between $300 and $600/MWh. In 2010, MA SRECs sold for $500/MWh, and the compliance amount for 2011 increased to 69,000 MWh from 34,000 in 2010.

> The Department of Energy Resources and the Department of Public Utilities have written into law an additional extension of the amount of renewable energy that can be passed back onto the grid. It was previously limited to 1% of the total load.

How Solar Works

Solar electricity is generated by a group of solar modules called an array that's installed on your roof or in your yard. When sunlight falls on the solar modules, a DC electrical current is created instantly. The DC electricity is fed into an inverter that changes it to standard AC electricity - the same kind your home already uses.

Boston Solar Permitting Guide

The Solar Boston Permitting Guide was developed as a resource for residents, businesses and solar installers to help navigate the solar project development process. Click on the links on the right to view specific chapters of the guide.

> Is solar right for you?

> The Solar Boston Map

> Incentives

> Solar Energy Tech Background

> Finding a Solar Installer

> The Permitting & Interconnection Process

This Boston map allows you to see active renewable energy installations within the city, and to calculate the solar potential of building rooftops. The map was created by the Boston Redevelopment Authority in cooperation with the Solar Boston program. City of Boston Interactive Solar Map

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Corporate Depreciation - Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) + Bonus Depreciation (2008-2012)

Corporate Exemption - Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)

Corporate Tax Credit - Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Federal Grant Program - Tribal Energy Program Grant - U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants - USDA High Energy Cost Grant Program - USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants

Federal Loan Program - Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) - Energy-Efficient Mortgages - Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) - U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program - USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees

Industry Recruitment/Support - Qualifying Advanced Energy Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit

Performance-Based Incentive - Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI)

Personal Exemption - Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)

Personal Tax Credit - Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

1. 5-Step Guide to Financing Rooftop Solar

Most businesses acknowledge the inherent benefits of using the sun to generate clean energy while, at the same time, saving on utility bills. However, there remains great uncertainty on how best to finance. more>

Solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) - are agreements between a provider and a customer to purchase on-going solar power at long-term rates. Solar PPA providers install and maintain solar facilities on customer rooftops or properties. Customers pay only for the power generated by the facility—not solar equipment or installation — greatly reducing the risk and complications of implementing a solar electricity solution. Want to learn more?

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) - If your commercial building generates solar energy you are able to sell the SRECs produced by your solar array. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently approved a SREC market to begin in January 2010. A SREC is a trade-able commodity which is equivalent to 1,000 kWh of electricity, which can be sold to a utility company as a unit of energy. Utilities are lining up to buy these “clean energy” units since the penalty leveled on them for not purchasing them could be as high as $600 per unit. To guarantee your investment the state will implement the MA Solar Credit Clearinghouse which is a fixed-price auction in the last quarter of each year with a fixed price of $300 per SREC and as much as $600 depending on market conditions.

SRECTrade currently operates monthly auctions for SRECs in states where there are SREC markets. The information on this page is general information describing how SREC programs work. For information about your specific state program see the following links:

Delaware - Massachusetts - Maryland - New Hampshire - New Jersey

District of Columbia

In January 2008, the Patrick Administration and the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust introduced a new initiative, Commonwealth Solar, to accelerate the number of solar electric photovoltaic projects within the Commonwealth and spur growth of Massachusetts solar. The Program provides support for grid-tied renewable-energy projects up to 500 kW in capacity. The applicant and project site must be a customer of a MA investor-owned electric distribution utility. Current rebate levels are>