Solar Panels

Solar Rebate

(last update: 11/14/23)

CMLP Solar PV Rebate: Offers a one-time rebate of $625 per kW(DC) of installed solar PV generation capacity, capped at $3,125 per service address.  Residential installations up to 167 kW(AC) and commercial installations of any size are eligible.  There is no expiration date anticipated for this rebate.

Steps to Installing Solar

A. Explore Options & Sign a Contract:

  1. IMPORTANT NOTE: If your property already has or you are considering installing a sub-meter (such as for an EV (electric vehicle), winter electric heating rate, etc.) please read this page and its sub-pages to familiarize yourself with the options and trade-offs when combining sub-meters with solar panels.
  2. We recommend that you solicit proposals from at least three solar installers for your new solar PV system.  You’ll find information to help you with this step at our Lease/Buy/Choose an Installer webpage.  People who’ve already installed solar are also a good source of information about installer performance.  Check online reviews, talk with people you know, or ask CMLP’s Energy Specialist Pamela Cady (pcady@concordma.gov or (978) 318-3149) to put you in touch with Concord homeowners or businesses who’ve installed solar and volunteered to coach others.
  3. When soliciting proposals from solar installers, tell them you are interested in applying for the CMLP Solar PV Rebate.  Confirm that they’re familiar with the CMLP Solar PV Rebate and interconnection requirements outlined in step B below.
  4. For large scale systems, CMLP may require paired storage:
    1. If prior solar capacity at the site is under 50 kW(AC) and more solar is added, battery capacity must be paired with any solar capacity in excess of 50 kW(AC). The battery capacity must be capable of storing 4 hours of electricity produced by any solar capacity in excess of 50 kW(AC), at its peak solar electricity production potential.
    2. If prior solar capacity at the site is over 50 kW (AC), battery capacity must be paired with any new solar capacity added. The battery capacity must be capable of storing 4 hours of electricity produced by your new solar capacity, at its peak solar electricity production potential (AC).
    3. In both instances, CMLP must be able to control the times of battery charging and discharging.

B. Installer Emails Interconnection Application with Related Documents to CMLP:

  1. Residential or Commercial Interconnection Application, with or without battery
    (or Battery-Only Supplement for buildings with a pre-existing solar array)
  2. Wiring diagram
    1. CMLP requires production meter sockets for all solar projects
    2. 3-Line versions (rather than 1-Lines) are preferred in all cases and are required for projects that include batteries
  3. Specification sheets for all equipment
    (i.e. solar PV panels, inverters, and (if applicable) energy storage systems)
  4. CMLP Solar PV Rebate Application
  5. CMLP Solar PV Rebate Terms and Conditions
  6. Residential or Commercial Net Metering Policy Acknowledgement
  7. Signed contract between installer and property owner

    (Note: Installer must contact Concord’s Building Department to file separate permits before work begins.  Electricians can visit the office in person or upload their documents (liability insurance certificate & license) and pay online via Permit Eyes.

C. Approval to Install from CMLP:

CMLP staff reviews paperwork and, if all requirements are met, sends signed APPROVAL to INSTALL document to property owner and solar installer.  (Note: Current CMLP electrical distribution system limitations may preclude the installation of solar arrays over 25 kW without an accompanying energy storage system.  Decisions are made on a case by case basis after engineering review.)  An email from CMLP with "Approval to Install" in the subject line marks successful completion of this step.

D. Install Equipment:

  1. Solar PV panels (and battery, if applicable) installed on property
  2. Installer or electrician (not homeowner) contacts Building Department for Electrical Inspector to visit site
    Call (978) 318-3235 from 7-9am with permit number and desired inspection date and time.  Messages left after 9am are returned the next morning.  Inspections can usually be completed within a week of the request.  CMLP is notified by the Building Department the day after permit approval.
  3. CMLP's Electrician, triggered by Building Department's approval email, installs "send and receive" meter
    (a brief power outage is required; new meter installed next to solar meter; property owner does not need to be on site)

E. Approval to Operate from CMLP:

  1. CMLP Engineer conducts final project review
    Solar-only projects usually don't need an on-site visit
    Battery installations require in-person Witness Test, followed by Witness Test Letter signed by CMLP and installer
  2. CMLP emails signed APPROVAL to OPERATE document to property owner & installer
    An email from CMLP with "Approval to Operate" in the subject line marks successful completion of this step.
  3. Property owner begins generating their own power!

F. Receive Your CMLP Solar PV Rebate:

Property owner receives one-time check by mail from Town of Concord for CMLP Solar PV Rebate (if rebate check requested rather than on-bill credit).  This arrives 4 – 6 weeks after Approval to Operate email.  Any rebate of $750 or less is issued as a credit on your electric bill.  If a customer requesting a check has been in arrears frequently in the past two years, CMLP may apply all or part of the rebate as a bill credit rather than as a check.  The rebate can also be directed to your solar installer to help you with cash flow.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Concord Municipal Light Plant
PO Box 1029
1175 Elm Street
Concord, MA 01742

ATTN: Pamela Cady                               
pcady@concordma.gov
(978) 318-3149