New Solar Rebate Program Available To RMLD Customers

A release from the Reading Municipal Light Department:

READING, MA – Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to offer customers a new limited time rebate for the installation of solar systems that are 25 kilowatts (kW) or less in size. This rebate program is significantly more lucrative than RMLD’s existing residential solar rebate and is intended to increase solar capacity in RMLD’s service area.

The amount of the rebate will be based on the size of the system installed, and equates to $1.20 per watt. Rebates are not to exceed 50% of the total installed costs of the system and are capped at a maximum of $30,000. Qualifying conditions such as access to direct sunlight should be considered and are specified in the program’s technical requirements.

Examples:
 A 5 kW system may be eligible for a rebate of up to $6,000
 A 10 kW system may be eligible for a rebate of up to $12,000
 A 25 kW system (maximum size allowed under this program) may be eligible for a rebate of up to $30,000

The average size of a residential solar system in the US is between 5 and 7.5 kW. Small commercial system sizes vary based on energy usage and available space. The DOER has allocated $250,000 in funding for solar projects in RMLD’s service area, and RMLD has matched this commitment with funds from its existing Energy Conservation budget. The MLP Solar Rebate Program is effective through June 30, 2020 or until funding allocated for RMLD customers runs out, whichever comes first. Customers who installed systems with an operation date of November 27, 2018 or later may apply for the rebate.

All rebate applications for solar systems that are 25 kW DC or less will be processed solely under this MLP Solar Rebate Program while it is in effect. Large commercial customers who install solar systems greater than 25 kW may apply for a rebate under RMLD’s existing Commercial Renewable Energy Rebate Program; these applications will continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Customers participating in the MLP Solar Rebate Program will also have financing options available through the Mass Solar Loan program, with low-interest, fixed rates and support for income qualified residents.

Energy New England (ENE) is administering the program on behalf of DOER and RMLD. Additional information and complete program requirements may be found here.