Renew Boston Solar

For a limited time the City of Boston is providing solar rebates.  To learn if you qualify, fill out the Free Solar Evaluation form on the right.

What is the Renew Boston Solar Program?

The Renew Boston Solar Energy Efficiency Pilot is designed to significantly increase the number of residential solar electric and solar hot water systems in the City of Boston. The program provides matching rebates to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Commonwealth Solar II rebate and Commonwelth Solar Hot Water rebate to encourage Boston homeowners to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

How can I participate?

1. Contact SunBug for a free solar evaluation using the form on this page, or call 617 500 3938 with your name, address, and a good time to reach you. We will set up a site evaluation for your home.  SunBug respects your privacy and will not rent, sell, or give you information to any third party without your consent.

2. We will design your system and present you with a detailed proposal, including anticipated investment return.

3. You sign up during the enrollment period to receive a matched solar rebate.

When is the program open?

The program's enrollment period runs July 2011 through July 2012, though funding is on a first come, first served basis.

Who is eligible?

Residents within the City of Boston that install a solar electric system of less than 15 kilowatts or a Solar Hot Water system

What size system is right for me?

Every SunBug system is designed for the specifics of the customer's needs so every array is individually sized, but a standard size system described below.

Sample solar electric system

SunBug designs a 5kW (5000 watt) photovoltaic system for a Boston resident at the average price of $5.50 per watt. The system provides 80% - 100% of the home's electrical need.

The gross cost is $27,500
Less Commonwealth Solar II state rebate - $2,000
Less Renew Boston City Rebate - $1,125
Less 30% federal tax credit - $7,375
Less 15% state tax credit (capped at $1,000) - $1,000
Total net anticipated cost after incentives: $16,000

With more than 40% of the investment covered by incentives, and factoring in the state's additional SREC on-going solar production revenue, the system has an investment return of 20% with payback between years 4 and 7. The solar panels have 25 year warranties.

Who is SunBug Solar?

SunBug Solar is a Massachusetts owned and operated solar energy design and installation company. We are first and foremost a practical solar provider. Our goal is widespread solar adoption, which is why we have partnered with the city on this solar rebate program.

SunBug is certified by NABCEP, the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, for photovoltaic installation and service. We are members of the New England Clean Energy Council and the Environmental Business Council of New England, and are accredited by the Boston Area Better Business Bureau.

What is Renew Boston?

In 2009, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced the development of the Renew Boston program to serve all types of residents and business across the city.  Renew Boston is an innovative network of energy efficiency and alternative energy service provision catalyzed by City government that partners with NSTAR and National Grid and coordinates job training programs, for-profit and non-profit partners to help Boston residents, businesses, and institutions save energy and money, and to create jobs. In the past, Boston utility ratepayers have contributed significantly to state-level energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, but have frequently not been served by these initiatives. Renew Boston aims to ensure that Boston residents and businesses access their fair share of state-sponsored renewable energy and energy efficiency funds by catalyzing increased program activities within the City. The Renew Boston Solar – Energy Efficiency Pilot is a City-sponsored program that leverages state-level renewable energy rebate programs that have, to date, had minimal impact on Boston’s residential solar market.

This information draws on data published by federal, state and local agencies. SunBug Solar makes no guarantees for the value of any solar incentives based on this information.