What Is HEAR?
HEAR stands for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. It's federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, and Massachusetts delivers it through Mass Save's income-eligible offers. For eligible households, that can mean up to 100% of a required panel upgrade is covered. Households just above the income limits may still qualify for enhanced incentives, and we check that during your review.
An old or full panel stops a lot of projects. For income-eligible households, the cost of the upgrade may be covered.
Signs Your Panel May Be the Problem
If you see any of these, ask for a panel check during your home energy assessment.
Fuses instead of breakers
No open slots left in the panel
An older home with limited electrical service
How It Works
A panel upgrade is covered when it's needed to support a new heat pump or other electrification, or for safety work before weatherization.
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1. Qualify.
Households on fuel assistance generally qualify for Mass Save's income-eligible offers. Others can verify income during the assessment.
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2. Get your assessment.
A no-cost Mass Save home energy assessment finds out if your panel needs work.
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3. We coordinate the crew.
First Light lines up the electrical work and the heat pump install so one doesn't wait on the other.
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4. Funding is built in.
HEAR funding is delivered through Mass Save, so there's no separate application. We handle the paperwork.
HEAR funding is federal and delivered through Mass Save's income-eligible offers. Availability, covered measures, and income requirements are set by program administrators and subject to funding, cost-effectiveness screening, and change. A panel upgrade is covered only when required for qualifying work. First Light does not guarantee specific benefits until verification is complete. Not all households will qualify. Last reviewed October 2026.