Among the energy programs conducted in 2009 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program has been one of the most successful.
Initiated in 2007 by the state's Department of Energy Resources (DOER), it was intended to encourage the use of solar-generated power while promoting job creation, business development, and energy conservation. According to DOER, during the past two years 23.5 megawatts (MW) of solar power have been issued awards, with more than 1,200 homeowners, businesses, and municipalities taking part. DOER has also stated that applications continually outnumbered available funding; while the number of solar installation contractors and subcontractors expanded from approximately 50 to nearly 200.
New programs scheduled to start in 2010, which will utilize a combination of state and federal funds, will include: Commonwealth Solar II and Commonwealth Solar Stimulus. These programs are intended to further expand rebate programs for commercial and residential projects and help finance the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Anticipated goals include: the provision of rebates fro PV systems that are 5 kilowatts or less serving both commercial and residential systems; and stimulation of the solar credit market. *
Susan Bernstein, attorney at law, Needham, Mass.