ConnectedSolutions, Clean Peak, and Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Battery storage has become one of the most exciting opportunities for Massachusetts homeowners. Between backup power, increased energy independence, and utility incentive programs, batteries can provide meaningful long-term value.

But as more battery proposals enter the marketplace, we’re also seeing more confusion around how incentive programs are presented.

One question we’ve encountered recently is whether homeowners can receive both ConnectedSolutions incentives and Clean Peak revenue from the same battery.

The short answer is:
Maybe, but it’s more complicated than simply adding two numbers together.

ConnectedSolutions and Clean Peak Are Different Programs

Massachusetts allows battery systems to participate in both ConnectedSolutions and the Clean Peak Energy Standard (CPS).

That often leads homeowners to assume they’ll receive two separate revenue streams from the same battery.

Participation, however, is different from payment.

Being enrolled in both programs does not automatically mean the homeowner receives the full financial value of both.

Where the Confusion Comes From

Current Mass Save ConnectedSolutions materials state that the Clean Peak Energy Credits (CPECs) generated during ConnectedSolutions dispatch events are assigned to the Mass Save Sponsors and their partners.

In practical terms, that means those environmental credits may no longer belong to the homeowner.

Some proposals correctly account for this.

Other proposals however, misrepresent the total possible value of Battery Storage incentives by combining the full ConnectedSolutions incentive with the full estimated Clean Peak certificate value without clearly documenting how both revenue streams would work together this way.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the proposal is incorrect, but it does mean additional questions should be asked.

Can You Participate in Both Programs?

Yes.

Current Massachusetts guidance allows a battery to participate in both ConnectedSolutions and the Clean Peak Energy Standard.

However, participation alone doesn’t determine who owns the Clean Peak Energy Credits or who ultimately receives payment for them.

Those answers depend on your individual:

• ConnectedSolutions agreement
• Battery Manufacturer
• Aggregator
• Utility
• Contractual ownership of the Clean Peak Energy Credits

Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask

If a proposal shows revenue from both ConnectedSolutions and Clean Peak, ask your installer:

“Who owns the Clean Peak Energy Credits generated by my battery while it’s enrolled in ConnectedSolutions?“

Then ask for clarification on:

• Which Clean Peak aggregator is being used?
• How are Clean Peak Energy Credits being created and sold?
• What certificate value is being assumed?
• Are any aggregator or metering fees included?
• Is the projected revenue guaranteed or estimated?
• Does the customer retain ownership of the credits?
• Is the Clean Peak revenue coming from separate dispatch events outside ConnectedSolutions?

A reputable installer should be able to explain these assumptions clearly.

Why This Matters

Battery incentives can significantly improve the economics of a storage system.

But good financial planning depends on understanding where those numbers come from, not just how large they appear on a proposal.

Every battery project is unique, and the details matter.

That’s why we encourage homeowners to look beyond projected annual payments and understand the assumptions behind them.

Our Approach

At PV Squared, we believe battery storage is a long-term investment.

Our goal isn’t to present the highest projected incentive value, it’s to provide clear, transparent information so homeowners can make informed decisions with confidence.

If you’re comparing battery proposals and have questions about ConnectedSolutions, Clean Peak, or any other incentive program, we’re happy to walk through them with you.

This approach matters, because thoughtful decisions today help create stronger energy investments for years to come.

FAQ:

Can you receive both ConnectedSolutions and Clean Peak incentives?

Massachusetts currently allows batteries to participate in both programs. However, participation does not necessarily mean homeowners receive the full financial value of both programs. Contract terms, ownership of Clean Peak Energy Credits, and aggregator arrangements all affect how incentives are distributed.

What are Clean Peak Energy Credits (CPECs)?

Clean Peak Energy Credits represent the value of delivering clean electricity during periods of high electricity demand. Depending on your program agreements, those credits may belong to the homeowner, an aggregator, or another program participant.

Can a solar company include both ConnectedSolutions and Clean Peak revenue in a proposal?

Potentially, but the proposal should clearly explain how those values are calculated, who owns the Clean Peak Energy Credits, and whether the projected revenues are based on separate, non-overlapping battery performance.

How do I know if my battery proposal is accurate?

Ask your installer to explain:

• who owns the Clean Peak Energy Credits
• which aggregator is involved
• what assumptions were used
• whether projected revenues are guaranteed or estimated