2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Athol, MA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Athol.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Athol solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Athol?
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system
Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit
Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption
Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Income Tax Deduction (Personal)
Cape Light Compact- Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $125
Electric Clothes Dryers: $50
Clothes Washer: $350
Dehumidifiers: $30
Room Air Purifiers: $40
Room Air Conditioner: $40
Heating & Cooling
Oil Heating System: Up to $800
Propane Heating Equipment: Up to $2,300
Oil Water Heater: Up to $400
Propane Water Heater: Up to $800
Heat Pump Water Heater: Up to $600
Central AC/Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Mini-Split Heat Pump: Up to $250/ton
Programmable Thermostats: Up to $25
WiFi Thermostat: Up to $100
Solar Domestic Hot Water heater: $500 - $1,500
Home Electronics
Advanced Power Strips: Varies
Home Insulation
Limited Time Enhanced Incentive: 75%
Year-Round Tenant Incentive: 100%
Enhanced Residential Program: 100%
Lighting
LEDs: Varies
Home Energy Assessment: Free
Mass Save - HEAT Loan Program
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
Mass Solar Loan Program
Residential and Small-Scale Ground-Source Heat Pump Rebate Program
Retrofit Existing GSHP Rebate: varies with installation costs
Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program
Pellet Stove: $1,000 - $1,750
Catalytic Woodstove: $750 - $1,250
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $500-$1,250
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $1,500 - $1,750
Low-Income Residential:
Pellet Stove: $2,500 - $3,250
Catalytic Woodstove: $2,250 - $2,750
Non-Catalytic Woodstove: $2,000-$2,750
Fully Automated Wood Stove: $2,750 - $3,250
Local Option - Energy Revolving Loan Fund
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-II)
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Solar incentives can include upfront discounts, cash back or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of Massachusetts and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Athol utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may make back a percentage of the value.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Generally, solar systems that produce over a threshold (normally small) amount of electricity can qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically provided by your state government. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or another buyer, and generally the money you make is normally considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, how much income tax you owe the federal government. These are different from tax deductions.
- Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the added value of your solar system when you're calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives many people are likely familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specified percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to the total cost of installing solar panels, including the panels themselves as well as equipment, accessories and labor. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Contact your local Athol solar panel installation expert to get more information.
The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners can now receive a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects that began after January 1, 2022, and will be finished by the end of 2032. The percentage will then decrease on a yearly basis until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Athol solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it will apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. Like with federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits and more. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. They might be provided by the Massachusetts government, or by your county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Athol
The variety of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the adoption of solar energy nationwide over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the federal government, the Massachusetts government or from your local utility company. Your local Athol solar panel installation company can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.
EcoWatch's Athol, MA Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Athol solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those given by the state of Massachusetts, might have other requirements.
If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Talking to the company that installed your system, or any local Athol solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
You can power your home with multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy. Make sure you go over your ideas with your local Athol solar installation expert. They can help you as you plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you may or may not qualify for.
What if I add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.