Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust
Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust
Moderate Income Adder Verification Process
Background on the Moderate Income Adder for Solar Projects
The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (MRET) provides rebates through the Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program to individuals interested in installing solar electric energy systems.
MRET has hired Spillane Consulting Associates Inc (SCA) to perform income verification for customers seeking to qualify for the Moderate Income Adder for solar projects. The following information pertains to the income verification process and SCA’s role.
For more information on the MRET Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program, please click here. http://www.commonwealthsolar.org
How can I determine if I am eligible for a Moderate Income Adder?
Eligibility is limited to a project on the applicant(s)’ primary residence and cannot exceed 5kW per household. Projects seeking a rebate based on a size larger than 5kW or a non-residential adder are not eligible.
Eligibility for the Moderate Income Adder is based on total income. Begin by locating a copy of your last Federal income tax return for you and any household members 18 years or older. If the total, combined income reported on line 22 of your Federal Form 1040 for all household members 18 years or older was under $95,420 you may be eligible for a Moderate Income Adder.
If your total income is greater than $95,420, you are not eligible.
If your household income is less than or equal to $95,420, you may be eligible based on the following:
Domestic Unit income (for households of 2 or more individuals) is the gross income (as defined by the IRS) received in the most recent calendar year for which an IRS filing is available by all household members 18 years old and over, including household members not related to the householder and other non-family household members.
| Domestic Unit Income Criteria | Rebate Adder |
Less than or equal to $95,420 (120% of median family income*) |
$1.25 per watt |
Individual income (for single person households) is the gross income (as defined by the IRS) received in the most recent calendar year for which an IRS filing is available by an individual.
Individual Income Criteria |
Rebate Adder |
Less than or equal to $75,810 (120% of median family income*) |
$1.25 per watt |
*Median family and median household income adjusted for inflation for 2008 and taken from US Census Bureau 2007 American Community Survey.
The above income levels apply to applications received in 2009 and may be subject to future change. To qualify, the Applicant must consent to make household income data available to an independent third party to verify eligibility.
This adder is a one time award per applicant and is limited to a project on the applicant’s primary residence and cannot exceed 5 kW per household.
Please note that other requirements must be met to determine if you are eligible for a Commonwealth Solar Rebate.
How is income defined for the Moderate Income Adder?
Individual income (for single person households) is defined as the gross income from all sources received during the most recent calendar year for which an IRS filing is available.
Domestic Unit income is defined as the gross income from all sources received during the most recent calendar year (for which an IRS filing is available) by all household members 18 years or older, including household members related to the household or other non-family household members.The gross income for full-time students aged 18-25 who are members of the household are exempt from this calculation.
If you filed your tax return by mail, information will be made available by the IRS approximately 6-8 weeks. If you e-filed, your tax return information will be available within 7-10 business days. Please do not submit your Moderate Income Adder forms until you are sure your tax return information is available.
If I think that I am eligible, how do I apply to see if I may qualify for the Moderate Income Adder?
Complete the Application for Income Qualification-Moderate Income Adder and an IRS Form 4506-T. Each household member must complete an IRS Form 4506-T. Joint filers may complete a joint Form 4506-T. Mail your completed application forms with original signature(s) to:
Spillane Consulting Associates, Inc (SCA)
Attention: Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program
501 John Mahar Highway, Suite 101
Braintree, MA 02184
Processing will not begin until both fully completed forms are received with an original signature.
How can I know that my information will be treated as confidential?
For more information about SCA’s security policy, please click here.
The only information that will be sent to you for submission to MRET is a letter stating whether or not you qualify for the Moderate Income Adder. Please click here for examples of those letters.
When and how will I know if I am eligible for the Moderate Income Adder?
Once a completed application is received and processed, a letter will be sent to you stating whether or not you are eligible under the income requirements for the Moderate Income Adder. This will take about 10 business days. You will still be responsible for meeting other requirements of the Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program.
Once I receive my income eligibility letter, what should I do next?
Contact your installer and let them know you are eligible for a Moderate Income Adder and work with them to submit the rebate application to MRET. Do not submit your application to MRET until you have received a letter from Spillane Consulting Associates.
If I have other questions about the Moderate Income Adder application process and related information who should I call or email?
Please call 781-356-2772 or email moderateincome@scapartnering.com with questions about the Moderate Income Adder application process. SCA should only be contacted with questions related to the income verification process. All other questions should be directed to MRET. For more information about the MRET, please click here http://www.commonwealthsolar.org.