Commercial Solar Rebate Program

Eligible Customer Class(es): NON-RESIDENTIAL

Description: To reduce net carbon emissions and fulfill compliance obligations, the RMLD offers rebates to qualifying non-residential customers who install grid-connected solar systems at their facility that is 20 kilowatts (kW) or greater in size. The RMLD will work with each customer to offer support throughout the progression of projects.

Incentive Amount:

  • $600 per kilowatt 

Maximum Incentive: Not to exceed 50% of total installed (labor and materials) costs excluding tax up to $60,000.

Rebate Limitations: Rebate Limitations: Rebates are limited to a total of $60,000 per customer. System can be installed in phases; each phase will be eligible for a rebate, up to an aggregate limit of $60,000. Total funds available for this program are limited to annual budget allocation.

Eligible Products/Equipment:

  • Photovoltaic
    • All equipment must be UL listed
    • Equipment must come with a 20-year or greater manufacturer’s warranty.
    • **An automatic switch that disconnects from the grid in the event of a power failure. An AC safety disconnect switch must be installed at a location approved by the RMLD between the inverter and the electrical panel. The RMLD must have access to the disconnect switch at all times. The RMLD may temporarily disconnect the system to facilitate planned or emergency work.

Other Requirements:

  • RMLD pre-approval of solar system one-line diagram is required.
  • Installation must be done by a licensed electrician. 
  • An RMLD Utility Authorization Number (UAN) is required. 
  • A Town Wiring Inspection is required post-installation (A Town Electrical Permit is a prerequisite to the wiring inspection). 
  • RMLD inspection is required post-installation.
  • A locus production meter is required and the customer must sign up for a ten-year solar data plan.
  • By participating in the program, the owner agrees to provide 100% of its Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to RMLD for the lifetime of the system.

Process Steps:

  • Contact RMLD’s Integrated Resources Group at 781-942-6598 or energyrmld@rmld.com to discuss the scope of the project and for any questions you may have.
  • Customers planning to install Renewable Energy with an output rating greater than 150 kWac are responsible for the cost of a system impact study done by an RMLD service provider.
  • The RMLD highly recommends that customers have an Energy Assessment and make cost effective energy efficiency upgrades such as lighting, appliances, and electronics prior to the installation of a solar system.
  • A professional site assessment/shade study must be completed prior to submitting your application. Solar panels must be <30% shaded. If not mounted on a flat roof, panel azimuth must be between 80 and 280 degrees.
  • Choose a solar installer/contractor:
    • Installers must coordinate directly with the RMLD for all Customer-Owned Generation Applications, installation, locations, and interconnection agreements.
    • The installer must be able to provide information about operation and performance considerations relating to shading, snow cover and maintenance of the system.
    • All systems must be fully owned (purchased/financed) by the customer of record, 3rd party ownership and/or energy re-sale is not permitted within the RMLD territory.
  • Submit Request for Rebate Confirmation and Supporting Documentation by visiting the RMLD’s Online Customer Rebate Portal.
  • Customer is responsible for ensuring an accurate representation of the site. Customer must demonstrate that the system will not be subject to significant amounts of shade from buildings, trees, electricity poles, towers, chimneys, etc. by using a shading analysis tool and site photos. The RMLD reserves the right to reject any application if shading is greater that 30%. Be sure to receive a signed Approval to Install for the proposed project from the RMLD prior to starting the installation.
  • The installer/contractor must obtain a Utility Authorization Number (UAN) by contacting the RMLD Customer Service at (781) 942-6598 before submitting the application.
    • The installation must be completed within 12 months from the project approval by the RMLD.
  • Upon completion of system installation, obtain necessary approvals from local building and wire inspectors to operate the system and fulfill RMLD’s Interconnection requirements.
    • The RMLD will perform a routine follow-up inspection of the facility to see that all construction went as planned.
  • Submit material and installation invoices to the RMLD.

How to Apply: Submit application and supporting documentation via RMLD’s Online Customer Rebate Portal.

Required Supporting Documentation:

Application Deadline: Application and supporting documentation must be received within 180 days of final RMLD inspection.

Payment Method: Rebate will be issued as a check to the electrical account owner.

Noteworthy changes from previous version of program:

3.1.24 -- Rebate amount changed to $600 per kilowatt from $1,200 per kilowatt.

12.19.23 -- Changed to reflect upcoming change to rebate amount beginning March 2024

10.19.23 – Changed wording to reflect that rebates are limited to $120,000 per customer instead of account/meter.

3.1.23 – Minor wording changes to be consistent with the residential program.

10.18.22 – Changed the name to Solar Rebate Program; added additional information about panel azimuth and shade requirements.

02.25.22 – Increased incentive amount to $1,200 per kW and increased maximum incentive to $120,000. Clarified rebate limitations.

05.11.21 – Updated application deadline language from “submitted” to “received.”

Effective Date: January 20, 2021