Clean, Solar Energy for Massachusetts
Do you want to go solar in Massachusetts? See how Community Solar makes it easy to support renewable energy with $0 down and no rooftop installation.
The Benefits of Massachusetts Community Solar
Clean energy for Massachusetts
No rooftop installation
$0 down, no upfront costs
Easy sign-up
Go Solar. No Roof Required. Here's How:
In Massachusetts, you can now support clean, solar energy without a rooftop solar system, and earn solar credits. Here’s how Clearway Community Solar Works.
Download an Educational Deck
Learn all there is to know about Clearway’s Massachusetts Community Solar program by downloading this educational deck!
Why Choose Community Solar?
- Clean, Sustainable Energy for Massachusetts
- Dedication to Renewable Power
- No Rooftop Installation
- No Ongoing Maintenance
- $0 Down, No Up-Front Costs
- Transparent Pricing Structure
- Easy Sign Up
- Supports Local Jobs
Energy Cost Management
Whether your motivation is to protect the environment for current and future generations or to better manage electricity costs, you could have both when you choose Clearway Community Solar. You’ll support clean energy in your community and could accumulate long-term energy savings with solar credits. Each month, Clearway Community Solar will apply solar credits to your utility bill based on the solar output from your subscribed portion of our local solar farm. Learn how solar credits can mean savings for your home. Program varies by region.
Solar Companies in Massachusetts
Solar power is growing rapidly in the United States and around the world. In Massachusetts, there are a variety of solar companies that offer rooftop solar and community solar options. Take a look at how Clearway Community Solar compares to top solar companies in Massachusetts.
Our Massachusetts Solar Farms
In Massachusetts, we’ve built some of the nation’s largest Community Solar farms. Fun fact: Our Spencer, Massachusetts farm currently represents the largest Community Solar farm in the United States, spanning across 200 acres of the historic St. Joseph’s Abbey. St. Joseph’s Abbey is a community of Trappist monks, encouraged to be self-supportive by selling goods to the public, including a brewery project, Spencer Trappist Ale, and Trappist Preserves, a variety of jams and preserves! Take a look at this Community Solar farm and more.
Who is Eligible?
If you are in our Massachusetts footprint and pass our qualifications, you are eligible to enroll. We currently serve communities in Greater Boston, Spencer, Pepperell, Freetown and more. The process is simple, and our solar specialists will guide you every step of the way.
Boston, MA Solar Energy
Finding affordable and convenient solar options can be difficult in the Greater Boston area. Now, Boston residents have a better option for solar energy with community solar farms.
SMART Program
Massachusetts has a new incentive program called Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART). Check out how the program expands solar access to residents and encourages more solar development.
History of Deregulation
Energy deregulation in Massachusetts began in the late ’90s. It was a simple way to encourage healthy competition between utilities and drive down electricity prices in the state. Take a look at how Community Solar grew as a result of deregulation.
Retail Energy Challenges
Energy deregulation came to MA in 1998 and created a more fair market system. However, there were also challenges with retail energy. Learn more about retail electricity and local utilities.
Renewable Energy Standards in Massachusetts
Learn about the standards put in place for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by the Clean Energy Standards (CES) and how community solar can help the Commonwealth reach its clean energy goals.
Community Solar Contract Terms
As a subscriber to Clearway Community Solar farms, which are a part of the Massachusetts SMART program initiative, you will receive solar bill credits that help offset the cost of your home’s electricity use. Learn more key facts about community solar contracts, net metering, and more.
Ready to Join Our Massachusetts Solar Community?
Sunny skies are ahead. Let us tell you more. Speak to a dedicated solar specialist to get more information about our roofless solar option in Massachusetts. Have a recent utility bill handy and receive a free quote.
FAQs
- Where are the Clearway Community Solar farms located?
Currently, Clearway Community Solar farms are located in Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York. Some farms are active, and some are in development. Clearway is continuing to expand our footprint in current markets and exploring new ones.
- How many Community Solar farms does Clearway Community Solar have?
Clearway is the largest Community Solar provider in the United States. Clearway Community Solar’s portfolio includes over 55 active solar farms currently producing solar power, with over 50 solar farms in development across service regions. To date, our active solar farms have produced over 800 million kWh of solar power.*
*Clearway Community Solar farm power generation as of April 2021.
- How much solar energy will be generated by the solar farm and a customer’s allocation?
The solar energy generated by the solar farms vary with the seasons and the degree of sunlight. More solar energy is generated during sunnier times of the year, however, the solar farms will continue to effectively generate renewable power during the winter season. With the potential for less sunlight in winter seasons, there may be lower solar production than other seasons. Clearway’s program is designed for the ebb and flow of solar production, along with fluctuations in a customer’s energy consumption, and the rate and pricing structures featured within the Clearway Customer Agreement factor in these variables to help ensure customer savings benefits.*
*Clearway subscription offers vary between regions and savings benefits may vary.
- Who builds the Community Solar farms?
Clearway Community Solar works with third-party developers and local construction teams and contractors to build the solar farms. An estimated 65-150+ local jobs are created during the construction phase of a Community Solar farm. Our professional, dedicated teams are highly trained, industry experts. We use industrial grade panels that are fully tested prior to installation. Our teams additionally handle all inspections and interconnection to the power grid in collaboration with local utilities.
- Who maintains the Community Solar farms?
Clearway Community Solar is responsible for year-round maintenance of the solar farms.
- Does Clearway charge a maintenance fee?
No, there is no maintenance fee in the Clearway Community Solar Customer Agreement for any region.
- What kind of solar panels are used on Clearway Solar Farms?
Clearway Community Solar uses industrial-grade solar panels that are thoroughly tested for performance and weather endurance. Although there is normal, expected degradation over the years, the panels are engineered to last over 20 years before needing replacement.
- How are the Community Solar farms built?
First, Clearway Community Solar teams carefully select appropriate sites and land to build solar farms, ensuring adequate amounts of sunlight and meeting all permitting requirements and regulations. Next, the construction phase begins, which can take up to six months. Once construction is complete, Clearway Community Solar works with the utility to connect the farm to the power grid — this phase is called interconnection. Finally, the farm is inspected by the utility and, once deemed operational, it is activated and begins generating power. The solar farms fill up quickly and customers are encouraged to complete their enrollment to ensure placement on the earliest available project. Customers are not billed by Clearway until a solar farm is actively producing power and solar bill credits are generated.
- Can customers visit the Community Solar farms?
No, at this time Clearway does not allow visitors to the solar farms as many are located on private property. Clearway will share information about each solar farm, including the town in which it is located and number of panels, as well as farm photos and videos.
