---
title: Massachusetts SRECs 101
description: "Massachusetts previously operated two Solar Renewable Energy Certificate programs: SREC I and SREC II. Both of these programs are now closed and customers are eligible for the MA Class I market."
---
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# Massachusetts SRECs 101
## Massachusetts previously operated two Solar Renewable Energy Certificate programs: SREC I and SREC II. Both of these programs are now closed and customers are eligible for the MA Class I market.
### **What programs replaced Massachusetts SRECs?**
Solar systems interconnected **on or after November 27, 2018** may participate in the **Massachusetts Class I REC market**.
However:
- Systems enrolled in the **SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) Program** **cannot** also participate in the MA Class I REC market
- Solar systems located in **MA, NH, RI, VT, CT, and ME** may be eligible for the MA Class I REC market
For additional background, see the Massachusetts DOER’s SREC transition announcement.
### **What is Massachusetts’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)?**
Massachusetts’ RPS is divided into **Class I** and **Class II** resources.
- **Class I** includes renewable systems (such as solar PV and wind) that began generating after **1997**
- Includes a **solar carve-out (MA SREC I & MA SREC II)**
- **Class II** includes renewable and waste-energy systems operating **prior to January 1, 1998**
Massachusetts has a long-term emissions reduction goal of **85% below 1990 levels by 2050**, which is expected to require at least **27 GW of solar capacity**.
### **What is the Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP)?**
The **Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP)** is a penalty paid by compliance buyers that do not meet Massachusetts’ renewable requirements. Therefore, the ACP acts as a price ceiling.
For **2026**, ACP rates are:
- **$232** for SREC II
- **$40** for Class I RECs
### **How long can Massachusetts SRECs be generated and sold?**
- SREC I and SREC II systems may generate SRECs for **up to 10 years**
- After the 10-year term, systems may generate **Class I RECs**
- **SRECs up to three years old** may be sold in the Massachusetts market
### **What is the Massachusetts Clearinghouse Auction?**
Massachusetts is the **only SREC state with an annual Clearinghouse auction**.
- At the end of each compliance year (June), unsold SRECs are deposited into a **DOER auction account** on **NEPOOL**
- The Clearinghouse was created to **support pricing stability** and reduce market volatility
- **Sol Brokerage customers** may elect to have their SRECs deposited into the auction
### **What is required to register a Massachusetts system?**
All required documentation must be submitted to Sol Systems by the **Application Submission Deadline** listed below. Missing a deadline will delay eligibility to the **following quarter**.
#### **Application submission deadlines**
| Interconnection Date | Submission Deadline |
| --- | --- |
| Q1 (Jan–Mar) | May 15 |
| Q2 (Apr–Jun) | August 15 |
| Q3 (Jul–Sep) | November 15 |
| Q4 (Oct–Dec) | February 15 |
### **Registration requirements by program**
#### **MA Class I REC market (MA, NH, RI, VT, CT, ME)**
Customers must provide:
- A **signed Sol Systems contract**
- A **signed MA REC Purchase Agreement**
- Proof of an **Independent Verifier** (MA DOER–approved third-party reporter)
Sol Systems will register the system with **MA DOER and NEPOOL at no cost**.
### Existing SREC II systems
Customers must provide:
- A **signed Sol Systems contract**
- A **signed interconnection agreement**
- A **state registration number**
Sol Systems will complete the system transfer with **DOER, PTS, and NEPOOL** at no cost.
### **Special rules for certain SREC II systems**
- Systems interconnected between **January 8, 2018 and November 26, 2018** are subject to a **0.8 SREC factor**
- These systems earn **1 SREC for every 1,250 kWh** generated
After certification by **DOER** and the **Production Tracking System (PTS)**:
- Meter readings are reported **monthly**
- Systems **under 10 kW** may self-report
- Systems **over 10 kW** must use an **approved Data Acquisition System (DAS)**
### **When are Massachusetts SREC and REC payments made?**
SRECs and RECs are minted by **NEPOOL on a quarterly basis**, which determines payment timing.
#### **Minting and payment schedule**
| Generation Quarter | Submission Deadline | Minted by NEPOOL | Sol Systems Payment Month |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Q1 (Jan–Mar) | May 15 | July 15 | August |
| Q2 (Apr–Jun) | August 15 | Oct. 15 | November |
| Q3 (Jul–Sep) | November 15 | Jan. 15 | February |
| Q4 (Oct–Dec) | February 15 | April 15 | May |
**Example:**
If an SREC or REC is minted for Q1 generation, payment is issued during the **August** payment cycle.
### **How are payments issued?**
- **Direct deposit customers** receive **quarterly payments**
- **Check payment customers** receive **one annual check** during the **November payment cycle**
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