The Federal Solar Tax Credit Is Gone — Here’s What Massachusetts Homeowners Can Claim Instead in 2026

by Nick Valorie | Jun 4, 2026 | Solar Installation

The federal 30% residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. No renewal, no extension. Homeowners purchasing a solar system with cash or a loan get zero federal credit for installations completed in 2026.

But Massachusetts homeowners are in better shape than most. The state’s solar incentive stack was already substantial before the federal credit existed – and everything except Section 25D is still fully active. Most systems still pay back in 7–9 years.

Here’s exactly what you can still claim.

Massachusetts Solar Incentives Still Active in 2026

Six programs survived the federal credit expiry – and they stack on top of each other on the same installation:

SMART 3.0 pays you $0.03/kWh for every kilowatt-hour your system produces for 20 years. Add a battery and the storage adder raises that to $0.07/kWh – worth roughly $756/year and $15,120 over the full term for a typical 9 kW system.

Massachusetts solar tax credit gives you 15% of your net system cost back on your state return, capped at $1,000. Filed on Schedule EC. Carries forward up to 3 years if unused.

Net metering credits your utility bill at the full retail rate — $0.29–$0.32/kWh — for every kilowatt-hour your panels send to the grid. This is the biggest financial driver of solar in Massachusetts, generating $3,200–$3,800 in annual bill savings for a 10 kW system.

Sales tax exemption removes the 6.25% state sales tax from your solar equipment purchase. On a $33,000 system that’s $2,063 saved immediately at point of sale – no paperwork needed.

Property tax exemption protects the $15,000–$25,000 in added home value from solar against property tax increases for 20 years. Automatic – no application required.

ConnectedSolutions pays battery owners approximately $275/kW/year for allowing Eversource or National Grid to draw from their battery during summer peak hours. A typical Powerwall earns $1,000–$1,200/year locked in for 5 years.

Is Solar Still Worth It in Massachusetts Without the Federal Tax Credit?

For most homeowners, yes. Massachusetts electricity rates average $0.29–$0.32/kWh — nearly double the national average. Every kilowatt-hour your panels produce is worth significantly more here than in a low-rate state, which is why the remaining incentive stack still delivers strong returns.

A typical 10 kW system with a battery generates roughly $111,000–$116,000 in total incentive value over 25 years against a system cost of $33,000–$38,000. Net savings: $75,000–$83,000.

The federal credit is gone. The financial case in Massachusetts is not.

Get Your Free Estimate from a Local Massachusetts Solar Installer

East Coast Renewable Energy handles every SMART application, net metering enrollment, and incentive filing for every customer across Massachusetts.

How Solar Incentives Help Massachusetts Homeowners Control Energy Costs

by Nick Valorie | May 27, 2026 | Solar Installation

There’s a certain kind of frustration a lot of Massachusetts homeowners know well.

You open the electric bill at the kitchen counter, usually with coffee going cold nearby, and somehow the total is higher again. Even during months where it didn’t feel like you used more power.

We hear that conversation a lot at East Coast Renewable Energy. Not dramatic conversations. Just tired ones.

People are looking for a little more control.

Solar Incentives Are About More Than Rebates

A lot of people hear the phrase “solar incentives” and immediately think about complicated tax paperwork or confusing programs.

But honestly, most homeowners we talk to care about something simpler.

They want to stop feeling trapped by rising utility costs.

In Massachusetts, state solar incentives can help make that possible while also lowering or even replacing a traditional electric bill depending on the system.

And for many families, that stability matters just as much as the savings.

Owning Your Solar Means Owning Your Power

One thing we explain often is the difference between owning solar and staying tied completely to utility increases.

When you own your solar system, you benefit from available state incentives, but you also gain something people don’t always think about right away – consistency.

Your power is yours.

You’re not watching every rate increase wondering what next winter will cost.

That peace of mind becomes a real thing over time. Especially here in Massachusetts, where energy costs never seem to stay still for very long.

Some Homeowners Choose PPA or “Free Solar.”

Not everyone wants to purchase a solar system outright, and that’s okay too.

We talk with plenty of homeowners who choose a PPA option because the lower upfront commitment feels more comfortable for their family right now.

With a PPA, homeowners can still lower their electric costs through solar while having more predictable pricing over time.

The solar rate typically increases at a fixed amount each year, which can feel a lot easier to plan around compared to unpredictable utility spikes.

For some households, that predictability alone brings real relief.

Around Massachusetts, People Just Want Stability

That’s probably the biggest thing we’ve noticed lately.

People aren’t always calling us because they’re excited about solar technology itself.

They’re calling because monthly expenses feel harder to predict than they used to.

Groceries are up. Heating costs are up. Electric bills keep shifting.

Solar incentives help make the transition more affordable, but for many Massachusetts homeowners, the bigger benefit is knowing they have more control over where their energy comes from and what they’re paying for it.

And honestly, that feeling matters.

Thinking About Solar? Let’s Talk

If you’ve been wondering whether solar makes sense for your home, we’re always happy to have a real conversation about it.

At East Coast Renewable Energy, we’ll walk you through the available Massachusetts solar incentives, explain ownership and PPA options in plain language, and help you understand what could actually work for your household and energy costs.

No pressure. Just honest guidance from a local team that understands what rising utility bills feel like here too.

Top Benefits of Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems

by Nick Valorie | May 20, 2026 | Solar Installation

Cooling towers play a critical role in commercial and industrial facilities, but many systems lose efficiency over time because of suspended solids, scale buildup, and biological contaminants. Investing in Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems helps improve performance, reduce operating costs, and extend equipment life.

At East Coast Renewable Energy, we provide advanced cooling tower solutions designed to improve system efficiency without disrupting your operation.

Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems Improve Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages of Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems is improved thermal transfer efficiency. Dirt, debris, and scale buildup force chillers to work harder, increasing energy consumption across the entire system.

By removing suspended solids from the water, filtration systems help:

• Improve heat exchange performance
• Reduce chiller workload
• Lower overall energy usage
• Maintain more consistent cooling performance

Our patented particle precipitation technology can help facilities reduce chiller energy consumption by 12–15% while continuously removing contaminants from the system.

If you’re evaluating ways to improve operational efficiency, learning more about Cooling Tower Water Filtration solutions can help you understand how these systems work in real-world applications.

Lower Maintenance Costs with Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems

Without proper filtration, cooling towers accumulate sediment, scale, and biofilm that can damage equipment over time. Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems help prevent buildup before it becomes a costly problem.

Key maintenance benefits include:

• Reduced scaling on chiller tubes
• Less system fouling and corrosion
• Fewer shutdowns for cleaning
• Extended equipment lifespan

Unlike traditional filtration systems that rely on replaceable media, our particle precipitation technology continuously removes solids without ongoing filter replacement or major maintenance requirements.

Water Savings from Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems

Water usage is a major operating expense for many facilities. Efficient Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems help reduce water waste by improving overall system cleanliness and performance.

Benefits include:

• Lower makeup water consumption
• Reduced blowdown requirements
• Improved water quality management
• Better sustainability performance

Many facilities see water consumption reductions of 15–20% after installation, helping lower operating costs while supporting environmental goals.

Why Facilities Choose East Coast Renewable Energy

At East Coast Renewable Energy, we help commercial and industrial facilities improve cooling tower efficiency with advanced particle precipitation systems. Our solutions operate alongside existing cooling infrastructure with zero downtime and minimal disruption.

From engineering assessment to installation, we focus on delivering measurable energy and water savings tailored to your facility’s needs.

Upgrade Your Cooling Tower Performance

Cooling towers operate more efficiently when water quality is properly managed. Investing in Cooling Tower Water Filtration Systems can reduce energy costs, lower maintenance expenses, and improve long-term system reliability.

Contact East Coast Renewable Energy today to learn how advanced cooling tower water filtration solutions can improve your facility’s performance and operating efficiency.

Federal Tax Credits for Residential Solar Installation in MA

by Nick Valorie | May 14, 2026 | Solar Installation

Switching to solar is more affordable than many homeowners think, especially with federal incentives available. If you’re considering Residential Solar Installation in MA, understanding how tax credits work can help you reduce upfront costs and improve your return on investment.

At East Coast Renewable Energy, we guide homeowners through every step – from system design to helping you understand available financial benefits.

How Federal Tax Credits Support Residential Solar Installation in MA

The federal government offers a tax incentive known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of their solar installation costs from their federal taxes.

For Residential Solar Installation in MA, this means:

• A significant reduction in overall installation cost
• Credit applied to your federal tax liability
• Eligibility for systems installed on primary or secondary homes
• Coverage for panels, inverters, and installation costs

This incentive makes solar more accessible and helps homeowners see faster financial returns.

If you’re planning your system, exploring Residential Solar Installation Services in MA can help you understand what’s included in a complete installation.

What Expenses Qualify Under Residential Solar Installation in MA

When applying the federal tax credit to Residential Solar Installation in MA, several components are typically eligible.

These include:

• Solar panels and mounting equipment
• Inverters and electrical components
• Installation labor and permitting costs
• Battery storage (if installed with solar)

Understanding what qualifies ensures you maximize your savings. Working with an experienced installer helps ensure your system meets all requirements.

Maximizing Savings Beyond Residential Solar Installation

While the federal tax credit provides major savings, homeowners in Massachusetts may also benefit from additional programs like net metering and state incentives.

Combining these benefits can lead to:

• Lower upfront installation costs
• Increased long-term energy savings
• Faster return on investment
• Reduced monthly electricity bills

Many homeowners also explore solar panel maintenance in MA to keep their systems operating efficiently and protect their investment over time.

Why Work with East Coast Renewable Energy

Choosing the right installer is key to maximizing the benefits of Residential Solar Installation in MA. At East Coast Renewable Energy, we design systems that align with your energy usage while helping you take full advantage of available incentives.

Our team ensures your installation is efficient, compliant, and built for long-term performance.

Start Your Residential Solar Installation in MA Today

Federal tax credits make now an excellent time to invest in solar. By reducing upfront costs and increasing long-term savings, solar becomes a practical and rewarding solution for Massachusetts homeowners.

Contact East Coast Renewable Energy today to learn more about Residential Solar Installation in MA and how you can take advantage of available tax incentives.