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Get a Free QuoteThe Massachusetts Clean Energy Center does not write you a rebate check — but its programs have driven down solar costs, trained thousands of installers, and put solar on roofs that would not have it otherwise. Here is what MassCEC does, what it offers, and how it differs from Mass Save.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-public state agency created in 2009 under the Green Jobs Act. Unlike Mass Save, which is run by utilities and focuses on energy efficiency rebates, MassCEC focuses on market transformation — making clean energy technologies more accessible, affordable, and widespread across Massachusetts.
MassCEC is funded primarily by a small surcharge on electric bills (approximately $0.0005/kWh, about $3-4/year for a typical household) and proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction. It manages approximately $30-40 million in annual program spending.
Creates programs that reduce barriers to clean energy adoption — group buying, consumer education, subscriber protection
Funds training programs at community colleges and vocational schools — solar, heat pump, energy audit, battery skills
EmPower program provides no-cost clean energy for income-eligible households — solar, heat pumps, batteries
Group-buying program that selects a vetted installer for an entire community, achieving 10-20% discounts through volume pricing. Towns apply to participate; selected communities run 4-6 month campaigns. Over 8,000 installations since 2011.
Check masscec.com/solarize for current rounds. If your town is not listed, you can encourage your town energy committee to apply for the next cycle.
No-cost or heavily subsidized solar, heat pump, and battery installations for income-eligible households. Works with approved contractors and coordinates with Mass Save income-eligible programs for whole-home upgrades.
Contact MassCEC directly or ask your Mass Save contractor about EmPower eligibility. Income verification required. Processing times vary by demand.
MassCEC supports the development and subscriber protection of community shared solar projects across Massachusetts. These projects allow residents to subscribe to a portion of a larger solar array and receive bill credits without installing panels on their property.
Visit masscec.com/community-solar or search Massachusetts community solar providers. Verify the program is MassCEC-supported for subscriber protection.
Grants to community colleges, vocational schools, and nonprofits that train the next generation of clean energy workers. Covers solar installation, heat pump technology, energy auditing, building science, and battery storage.
Search masscec.com/workforce for current training programs. Community colleges like MassBay, Greenfield, and Quinsigamond offer MassCEC-funded programs.
MassCEC supports the heat pump market through installer training, consumer education, and market data. This program complements Mass Save heat pump rebates by ensuring enough qualified contractors exist to meet demand.
Visit masscec.com/heating-cooling for guides and vetted installer directories. Mass Save handles direct rebates — MassCEC provides the educational and market support layer.
MassCEC provides grants, incubator space, and business development support for clean energy startups and established companies. The Catalyst program supports early-stage companies; the InnovateMass program funds breakthrough technologies.
Visit masscec.com/innovation for current grant opportunities. Competitive application process with periodic solicitation rounds.
Many Massachusetts homeowners confuse MassCEC and Mass Save. They are separate organizations with different missions, funding, and programs. Here is a clear comparison.
| Category | MassCEC | Mass Save |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Type | Quasi-public state agency (independent) | Utility-run collaborative (Eversource, National Grid, Unitil) |
| Primary Mission | Clean energy market development and deployment | Energy efficiency and demand reduction |
| Funding Source | Electric bill surcharge (~$0.0005/kWh) + RGGI auction proceeds | System Benefit Charge on utility bills + energy efficiency funds |
| Solar Programs | Solarize Mass (group buying), EmPower (income-eligible), community solar | No direct solar programs (refers to SMART program) |
| Heat Pump Rebates | Market support and installer training (no direct rebates) | $10,000+ per home for ducted/ductless heat pumps |
| Insulation / Weatherization | Not a primary focus (coordinates with Mass Save) | 75-100% of insulation costs covered; 0% HEAT Loan |
| Workforce Development | Major focus — $5M+ annually in training grants | Contractor certification requirements (not training programs) |
| Income-Eligible Programs | EmPower — no-cost solar, heat pumps, batteries | Income-eligible: 100% insulation, enhanced heat pump rebates |
| How to Access | masscec.com — apply for specific programs | masssave.com — schedule a Home Energy Assessment |
MassCEC and Mass Save are not competitors — they are complementary programs. The typical Massachusetts homeowner should start with a Mass Save Home Energy Assessment (free) for insulation and heat pump rebates, then check MassCEC Solarize for group-buying solar discounts or SMART program enrollment for production payments. If you are income-eligible, MassCEC EmPower and Mass Save income-eligibleprograms can stack to cover nearly the entire cost of solar + heat pump + weatherization.
Homeowner interested in solar
Recommended: Solarize Mass
Check if your town has a Solarize round. If not, request a NuWatt quote — our pricing is already competitive with Solarize rates.
Income-eligible household (under 80% AMI)
Recommended: MassCEC EmPower + Mass Save Income-Eligible
Apply for EmPower for no-cost solar and heat pump installation. Stack with Mass Save for insulation and weatherization. You may qualify for a fully-funded whole-home electrification.
Renter or condo owner (no roof access)
Recommended: Community Solar
Subscribe to a MassCEC-supported community solar project. Save 5-15% on your electric bill with no installation required.
Career changer interested in clean energy
Recommended: Clean Energy Workforce Development
Search MassCEC workforce programs for free or subsidized solar, heat pump, or energy audit training at community colleges.
Small business or municipality
Recommended: Solarize + Commercial Solar Support
MassCEC has run Solarize rounds for businesses and municipalities. Section 48/48E ITC (30-70%) is still available for commercial projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026.
MassCEC established under the Green Jobs Act
Consolidated clean energy programs under one agency
First Solarize Mass rounds launched
4 pilot communities, 200+ installations in first year
Solarize Mass reaches 100 communities
Over 3,000 residential installations through group buying
SMART program created (separate from MassCEC)
MassCEC helped design the program; DPU administers it
EmPower program launches
No-cost solar for income-eligible households, replacing Solar Access
Clean Heating & Cooling initiative expanded
Heat pump market support, installer training, consumer guides
Community solar subscriber protections adopted
MassCEC-developed standards protect community solar subscribers
Federal ITC expires for residential (25D)
MassCEC programs become more important as federal support ends
EmPower expansion + workforce surge
Increased funding for income-eligible programs and installer training to meet demand
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-public state agency established in 2009 under the Green Jobs Act. It accelerates clean energy adoption through market development programs, workforce training, community solar initiatives, and direct incentives. MassCEC is funded by a surcharge on electric bills (approximately $0.0005/kWh) and manages approximately $30-40 million in annual program spending.
MassCEC focuses on market transformation — making clean energy more accessible through programs like Solarize Mass, workforce development, and community solar. Mass Save is an energy efficiency program run by utilities (Eversource, National Grid, Unitil) that provides direct rebates for insulation, heat pumps, and other efficiency upgrades. MassCEC builds markets; Mass Save pays rebates. They sometimes collaborate but serve different functions.
Solarize Mass continues to run periodic rounds in select communities. The program groups homeowners in a town to negotiate bulk solar pricing, typically achieving 10-20% discounts over individual quotes. Check masscec.com for current Solarize rounds — availability depends on which towns have been selected for the current cycle. The program has facilitated over 8,000 residential installations since 2011.
MassCEC does not offer direct per-watt rebates like some states. Instead, it runs programs that reduce costs indirectly: Solarize Mass provides group-buying discounts, EmPower offers income-eligible installations, and workforce programs increase the supply of qualified installers (which keeps prices competitive). For direct financial incentives, look at the SMART program ($0.03/kWh), net metering, and utility programs.
EmPower (formerly Solar Access) is MassCEC's income-eligible clean energy program. It provides no-cost or reduced-cost solar installations, heat pumps, and energy storage for low-to-moderate income households. Eligibility is typically at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). EmPower works with approved installers and coordinates with Mass Save income-eligible programs for comprehensive home energy upgrades.
MassCEC administers several community solar programs that help renters, condo owners, and homeowners with unsuitable roofs access solar energy. The organization supports community shared solar development, subscriber protection, and low-income community solar access. Community solar subscribers typically save 5-15% on their electric bills without installing any equipment on their property.
Yes. MassCEC runs the Clean Energy Workforce Development program, providing grants to training organizations, community colleges, and vocational schools that train clean energy workers. The program has trained over 20,000 workers since inception. This includes solar installation, heat pump technology, energy auditing, and battery storage skills.
Whether you come through Solarize Mass or contact us directly, NuWatt offers competitive pricing, expert installation, and full monitoring setup. No Solarize round in your town? No problem — our pricing is already group-buying competitive.