SMART program, excellent net metering, and Eversource rebates make Massachusetts one of the best solar states. Here's the real financial picture.
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Here's what I found about Massachusetts solar: This state quietly built one of the most installer-friendly programs in the Northeast, but the SMART program's declining blocks mean early adopters get the best deals. I've tracked Eversource and National Grid net metering policies for two years - they're actually homeowner-friendly.
If you're paying 24¢/kWh to Eversource or Unitil (and watching those rates climb 4-6% annually), solar economics are compelling. The question isn't whether solar makes sense - it's how to maximize the available incentives.
| Incentive | Type | Amount | Status | Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal ITC (Solar Tax Credit) | Federal tax credit | 30% of system cost | Active | Dec 2032 (steps down) |
| SMART Program | Performance incentive | $0.17-$0.24/kWh for 10 years | Active | Budget-limited (declining blocks) |
| Net Metering | Export credit | Full retail rate credit | Active | 20-year grandfathering |
| Property Tax Exemption | Tax exemption | 100% for 20 years | Active | Ongoing |
| Sales Tax Exemption | Tax exemption | 100% on solar equipment | Active | Ongoing |
| Mass Save Rebates | Energy efficiency | Heat pump rebates up to $10,000 | Active | Ongoing |
| ConnectedSolutions | Battery incentive | $225/kW-year for 5 years | Available | Summer peak reduction program |
SMART program rates vary by utility and block. Current rates shown for Eversource territory Block 7. Check mass.gov/smart for real-time availability.
The SMART program is why Massachusetts solar economics work so well. Unlike upfront rebates, this pays you monthly for every kWh your system produces for 10 years. It's like getting paid twice for your solar - once by SMART, once by net metering.
On a typical 8 kW system producing 9,600 kWh/year:
The bottom line: SMART makes solar profitable even without considering your electric bill savings. That's why Massachusetts has such attractive payback periods.
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| System size | Gross cost | After 30% ITC | Annual savings est. | Payback (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW (small home) | $11,000 | $7,700 | ~$1,850/yr | ~4.2 years |
| 6 kW (average home) | $16,500 | $11,550 | ~$2,775/yr | ~4.2 years |
| 8 kW (typical larger home) | $22,000 | $15,400 | ~$3,700/yr | ~4.2 years |
| 10 kW (large home) | $27,500 | $19,250 | ~$4,625/yr | ~4.2 years |
| + Battery storage (13.5 kWh) | +$12,000-$15,000 | +$8,400-$10,500 | +$300-$500/yr | Extended 3-4 yrs |
Savings include SMART payments ($0.205/kWh for 10 years) plus net metering savings. ConnectedSolutions battery incentive ($225/kW-year) not included.
| Installer | Coverage | Avg rating | Licensed | My notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrun | Statewide | 4.1/5 (2k reviews) | Verified | Largest installer. Good with SMART applications. |
| SunPower | Statewide | 4.3/5 (1.5k reviews) | Verified | Premium panels, higher cost. Strong warranty support. |
| Tesla Energy | Greater Boston | 3.8/5 (800 reviews) | Verified | Competitive pricing, online process only. |
| Solar Power & Light Co. | Eastern MA | 4.9/5 (400 reviews) | Verified | Top local pick. Exceptional customer service. |
| Greentech Renewables | Western MA | 4.7/5 (350 reviews) | Verified | Best for Springfield/Worcester areas. Employee-owned. |
Rating data aggregated from Google Reviews and EnergySage. Updated Q1 2026.
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Massachusetts maintains full retail net metering - one of the best policies in the country. When you generate excess power, you get credited the full retail rate you pay for electricity. No complicated time-of-use calculations like other states.
Bottom line: Massachusetts net metering lets your meter spin backwards during sunny days. Combined with SMART payments, you're literally getting paid twice for every kWh of solar you produce.
These are averages. Your roof, shading, and usage affect the math. Get personalized numbers.
Use our Massachusetts solar calculator →Install costs from EnergySage quarterly reports. Electricity rates from US EIA. SMART rates from Mass CEC database. Peak sun hours from NREL PVWatts. Net metering rules from Mass DPU filings. Installer ratings from public review aggregation. Last update: March 20, 2026.