How to Stack Massachusetts Energy Rebates
Don't leave money on the table. Learn which rebates combine—and how to claim them all—for maximum savings on your energy upgrade.
Key insight: Most Massachusetts homeowners can combine 2-4 incentive programs on a single project, potentially saving $5,000 to $20,000+.
Utility Rebates
Mass Save rebates from Eversource, National Grid, etc. Applied at purchase or via rebate check.
Federal Tax Credits
25C (efficiency) and 25D (solar) credits. Claimed on your tax return, reduces what you owe.
Performance Incentives
SMART (solar), Connected Solutions (battery). Ongoing payments based on energy produced/stored.
Real Stacking Examples
See how different incentives combine for common Massachusetts projects. These are typical scenarios—your actual savings may vary based on equipment, contractor, and eligibility.
Heat Pump Installation
Heat Pump (Income-Qualified)
Solar + Battery Storage
Insulation + Air Sealing
Windows + Heat Pump Water Heater
What Stacks With What
Quick reference for which Massachusetts incentives can be combined.
Mass Save + Federal Tax Credits
You can always claim both. Apply Mass Save rebate first, then calculate federal tax credit on your remaining out-of-pocket cost.
Multiple Mass Save Rebates
You can claim rebates for different project types (e.g., heat pump + insulation + thermostat) in the same year.
SMART Solar + Federal Solar Credit
SMART incentive payments do not reduce your federal tax credit basis. You get both in full.
Connected Solutions + SMART
Battery storage can earn Connected Solutions payments AND contribute to your SMART solar system.
Income-Qualified + Federal Credits
Even if you get 100% Mass Save coverage, you may still claim federal credits on any portion you paid.
Multiple Utility Rebates
You cannot claim the same rebate from both your electric and gas utility. Choose the higher one.
25C + 25D Tax Credits
25C (energy efficiency) and 25D (solar) are separate credits with separate annual limits.
How to Claim Stacked Rebates (Step by Step)
- 1
Schedule a Home Energy Assessment
Start with a free Mass Save energy audit. This unlocks the highest rebate tiers and helps identify all eligible upgrades. Book at MassSave.com.
- 2
Get Quotes & Verify Rebate Eligibility
Get multiple contractor quotes. Confirm equipment models are rebate-eligible (check AHRI certification for heat pumps, ENERGY STAR for other equipment).
- 3
Apply for Mass Save Rebate
Submit your rebate application through Mass Save within 90 days of purchase. Some contractors apply on your behalf. Keep all receipts and documentation.
- 4
Calculate Your Federal Tax Credit
After receiving your Mass Save rebate, calculate the federal tax credit on your remaining out-of-pocket cost. The 25C credit is 30% of costs, up to $2,000/year for heat pumps.
- 5
Claim Federal Credit on Tax Return
File IRS Form 5695 with your tax return. The credit directly reduces your tax owed. If you don't owe enough tax, you may carry forward unused credits to future years.
- 6
Enroll in Performance Programs (if applicable)
For solar: enroll in SMART through your installer. For battery storage: sign up for Connected Solutions through your utility. These provide ongoing payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stack federal tax credits with Mass Save rebates?
Yes! You can always combine Mass Save utility rebates with federal tax credits. Apply for Mass Save first, then claim the federal tax credit on your remaining costs when you file taxes.
Is there a limit to how many rebates I can claim?
There's no limit to the number of different rebate programs you can use. However, each program has its own per-household limits (e.g., 2 smart thermostats, lifetime limits on heat pump rebates).
What order should I apply for rebates?
Apply for Mass Save rebates first (they're applied at purchase or shortly after). Then claim federal tax credits when you file your annual tax return. This ensures you calculate the federal credit correctly on your actual out-of-pocket cost.
Do I need to apply for all rebates at once?
No. Each program has its own application process and timeline. Mass Save rebates are typically applied for within 90 days of purchase. Federal tax credits are claimed on your annual tax return.
Can I get rebates if I already started my project?
For Mass Save: Usually yes, if you apply within 90 days of purchase/installation. For some programs, you may need pre-approval. Federal tax credits can be claimed anytime before the filing deadline for that tax year.
What happens if rebates exceed my project cost?
Rebates are typically capped at your actual cost. You won't receive more than you spent. However, federal tax credits may have different rules—consult a tax professional.
Ready to Maximize Your Savings?
Start by finding which rebates are available for your specific utility and project type.
Information last verified: January 2026. Rebate amounts and eligibility may change. Always confirm with official sources before making decisions.