19 Jun SREC Programs in New Jersey and Massachusetts: What Solar Installers Need to Know (2025 Update)
Introduction
For solar installers and system owners in the Northeastern U.S., Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) offer strong financial incentives. In states like New Jersey and Massachusetts, SREC programs helped drive solar adoption — but major changes have occurred in recent years.
Here’s everything you need to know about how SREC incentives work in 2025, and how you can still help your clients benefit from them.
What Are SRECs?
SRECs are tradable credits earned for producing clean solar energy. For every 1,000 kWh (1 MWh) your system generates, you earn 1 SREC, which can be sold to utilities that need to meet Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS).
New Jersey: From SRECs to SuSI
❌ The SREC Program (Closed in 2020)
- SRECs earned for 15 years and sold on open market
- Prices ranged from $80 to $300+ depending on demand
✅ SuSI: The New Incentive Model
New Jersey now uses the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program:
- ADI Program: Fixed payments for small residential and commercial systems
- CSI Program: Competitive bids for large-scale solar projects
2025 ADI Rates (Estimates):
- Residential: ~$85/MWh
- Commercial: ~$90–110/MWh
Installers Note: Register systems promptly to lock in SuSI rates for 15 years.
Massachusetts: From SRECs to SMART
❌ SREC-I and SREC-II (Closed)
- SREC-I ran from 2010–2014
- SREC-II ran from 2014–2020
- Participants earned credits for 10 years
✅ SMART Program (Current)
The SMART program pays fixed incentives per kWh produced for 10–20 years.
Typical 2025 Rates:
- Residential: ~12–15 cents/kWh
- Bonuses available for:
- Energy storage
- Low-income systems
- Community solar
Installers Note: Battery add-ons can significantly boost incentive value.
⚖️ SREC vs. Successor Programs: At a Glance
| Feature | SREC (Old) | SuSI / SMART (Now) |
| Market-based pricing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Price volatility | ✅ High | ❌ Low |
| Duration | 10–15 years | 10–20 years |
| Simplicity | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Streamlined |
| Income predictability | ❌ Varies | ✅ Fixed payments |
Tips for Installers in 2025
- Educate clients about SuSI and SMART instead of SRECs
- Register all eligible systems early
- Add battery storage for enhanced incentives (especially in MA)
- Monitor annual rate adjustments and policy changes
✅ Conclusion
The original SREC programs in New Jersey and Massachusetts may be closed, but their successors — SuSI and SMART — continue to offer long-term, stable financial benefits for solar customers.
As an installer, knowing how these programs work helps you increase customer ROI and close more deals.
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