2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Canton, MA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Canton.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Canton?
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/
The term "solar incentives" includes a wide range of financial incentives designed to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are handled by the state of Massachusetts or by your utility company, county or municipality. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar panels are up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Canton 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 places, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. These differ from tax deductions.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for money that normally counts as part of your taxable income. In most cases, you must meet a certain (small) threshold of energy production before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or other performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are normally handled by your state government.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your county or state, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially partial refunds that are applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost — for panels, labor, accessories and equipment — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Your local Canton solar panel installation expert can offer more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after 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 of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. This percentage will then decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, reach out to your local Canton solar installation expert.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often also state solar incentives in addition to those provided by the federal government. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. These incentives might be handled by the Massachusetts government, or by your county or municipality. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Canton
Solar incentives may be offered by the Massachusetts government, the federal government or your local utility company. The large number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. When you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Canton solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Canton, MA Solar Incentives FAQs
What if I add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences will fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.
What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?
Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. You can also reduce your home's CO2 emissions by 200 pounds annually, or around 4,000 pounds over 20 years.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I qualify for incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money possible.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of solar and wind power. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Canton solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.
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.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.