Federal ITC 30% (tax credit)
State tax credit: Yes ($1,000)
Net metering (by utility)
There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Massachusetts legislators have made the state one of the best places in the country to install home solar panels. Because of all the great solar incentives here, you can expect a solar payback in as little as 6 years. That rate of return significantly outpaces other investments relative to the low level of risk associated with the sun rising every morning.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Massachusetts homeowners
See what Massachusetts solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Massachusetts solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Massachusetts
If you install your photovoltaic system before 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% at the end of 2032.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus. Massachusetts has recently reaffirmed its commitment to net metering for residential solar systems, so you can rest easier knowing the state has your back.
For Massachusetts residents under Class I residential net metering rules for solar, any extra energy your panels produce is credited to your bill and carried over indefinitely.
Net metering in Massachusetts is a huge boon for you as a solar owner, and a strong policy we’d like to see enacted across the rest of the country.
Massachusetts used to have a nice, simple statewide rebate program called "The Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program". Sadly, the program has now closed, because it was so effective that funding ran out. Luckily, some local municipal utilities have stepped in to take the place. Unfortunately, these small companies serve only a fraction of the state's population.
Massachusetts has devised an ingenious progressive solar incentive system which favors low-income, small scale, and community solar energy projects. It’s called the SMART program. At the program’s core is a formula which includes a base compensation rate which decreases as your system gets larger.
For every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar energy you produce with your solar panel system as long as it’s 25 kW or less (that’s about an 80 panel installation, way more than enough electricity for a very large household’s needs), you get paid a 230% multiple of the base compensation rate. Special compensation rate adders are available for community shared solar projects, low-income properties, and/or both!
The SMART Program requires the 3 main Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs)—Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil—to make incentive payments directly to homeowners who install solar systems within their territory. The incentive is calculated based on a "block" system, where each block represents about 200 MW of solar energy generation capacity.
Each time a block is filled (i.e. 200 MW of solar are installed), the incentive amount decreases slightly. So people who install systems in the earlier blocks get higher incentive payments than those who wait to install later.
At the current level (2021), people who install solar on their homes are eligible for a net incentive payment of about $.08/kWh for 10 years. Considering the average Massachusetts home solar system generates around 7,900 kWh per year, that's over $630 in incentive payments per year.
Low income households enrolled in the program can expect an additional incentive of between 3 to 5 cents per kWh. That increases average SMART incentive payments to near $950 every year.
The definition of low income for the program is decided by each individual utility, but in general those with a maximum income 80% below the state’s median income will likely meet such requirements, though this is not guaranteed.
Learn more: Read our post about the SMART Solar Program here.
Massachusetts offers a 15% tax credit off the net costs of your solar system, but only up to a maximum of $1,000 (net costs, meaning cost minus the federal 30% tax credit).
Basically, for most systems, count on $1,000 off next year's state income tax bill, on top of the big savings from the Feds.
When the Massachusetts property tax man or woman cometh to assess your new solar home, they can’t assess you another dime for 20 years -- despite the fact that you’ll be adding roughly 20 times your annual electricity bill savings to your property value. In an example 5kW solar system, that adds up to about $19,890 (20 times your annual electricity savings of $995).
In addition to the property tax exemption, you don’t pay sales tax on your system either, so the installed price is the installed price.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 8.5kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
82 solar companies in Massachusetts provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.86 155 Reviews
Jaap, over 1 month
I shopped around a bit looking for a company to help me understand solar panel installations, and then execute it. In the end I chose MassRenewables because I felt they were very professional in their presentation. It turns out that was the right choice. After signing the initial agreement, they stayed in touch about their timeline and they were very flexible when I had to postpone the installation for a few months. Once the installation got underway, they should up on time and worked very hard. Throughout the process they kept me informed about what they were doing and what was going to happen next. In the end, I now have a great working set of solarpanels on my roof. It was zero hassle, and great overall experience with a very positive result!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,000 ($4.00 per watt)
Jaap, over 1 month
I shopped around a bit looking for a company to help me understand solar panel installations, and then execute it. In the end I chose MassRenewables because I felt they were very professional in their presentation. It turns out that was the right choice. After signing the initial agreement, they stayed in touch about their timeline and they were very flexible when I had to postpone the installation for a few months. Once the installation got underway, they should up on time and worked very hard. Throughout the process they kept me informed about what they were doing and what was going to happen next. In the end, I now have a great working set of solarpanels on my roof. It was zero hassle, and great overall experience with a very positive result!
4.84 407 Reviews
Neil and family, 5 days ago
Since our first contact with All Energy about 5 years ago, we have experienced the highest level of service. The regional sales manager David D'Onofrio has been promptly available for all queries since installation. He redefines the terms ethical and honest. He has never exhibited any quality other than a can do approach to questions that are not his bailiwick and unhesitatingly spends time and effort to act as an advocate for clients, even several years after installation. The installation itself, I might add, was smooth and most professional. Recently a malfunctioning inverter arose and he forwarded my message to the tech manager Chris Meyerhoff, also a quickly accessible and responsive professional. A visit by the outstanding tech Mike ensued. I apologize for not having his last name. Mike steadfastly set about assessing a rather convoluted set of issues with calmness and a relentless, undeterred goal of a completed job, despite many unforeseen obstacles. He has a wealth of understated knowledge and skill that he brought to bear. All Energy is a high quality, caring outfit, staffed by decent, hardworking, skilled and most ethical people. I often run into acquaintances who have not had the same level of service from solar installation outfits and consider us to have been profoundly fortunate. Thank you all.
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Neil and family, 5 days ago
Since our first contact with All Energy about 5 years ago, we have experienced the highest level of service. The regional sales manager David D'Onofrio has been promptly available for all queries since installation. He redefines the terms ethical and honest. He has never exhibited any quality other than a can do approach to questions that are not his bailiwick and unhesitatingly spends time and effort to act as an advocate for clients, even several years after installation. The installation itself, I might add, was smooth and most professional. Recently a malfunctioning inverter arose and he forwarded my message to the tech manager Chris Meyerhoff, also a quickly accessible and responsive professional. A visit by the outstanding tech Mike ensued. I apologize for not having his last name. Mike steadfastly set about assessing a rather convoluted set of issues with calmness and a relentless, undeterred goal of a completed job, despite many unforeseen obstacles. He has a wealth of understated knowledge and skill that he brought to bear. All Energy is a high quality, caring outfit, staffed by decent, hardworking, skilled and most ethical people. I often run into acquaintances who have not had the same level of service from solar installation outfits and consider us to have been profoundly fortunate. Thank you all.
4.82 215 Reviews
MickM, over 1 month
I had a good feeling about this company from the very first contact. They were very open and honest about expectations and took the time to explain everything and answer my long list of questions and concerns. As an employee-owned company and a certified B Corp (look it up), I felt I was dealing with local people from my surrounding communities, and not some distant money driven corporation with pushy sales. After the initial visit, I received a full proposal within a day or two and was given the time to process, get additional quotes and do more research, without being hassled for a decision. In the end, the decision was between two proposals and despite ReVision being marginally more expensive and having a longer lead time for installation, I knew they were the right guys for my project. In addition, they had my panel of choice (REC) that the other vendor wasn't able to supply. I was also very fortunate that the initial lead-time was cut by several months meaning that I would be up and running for the peak summer months. The installation crew were a great bunch of guys and were on site for a total of three days. I talked to them often and was given regular updates and when they wrapped up, they told me what I could expect next. The only minor hiccup we had was that I was told that the paperwork for the change to a net meter (by the utility) would be submitted by the next day (after installation) and that the utility would have 10 working days to switch the meter. It actually took a whole week before the utility received the application and I did not receive a response from ReVision when I requested clarification on the submission. Perhaps some miscommunication? Luckily, the following week, I contacted the utility directly, who expedited the meter switchover and PTO, and everything was up and running within the 10 day period. The be fair, had ReVision not set the bar so high from the beginning, I would have normally expected such minor delays in the process from any vendor. All in all, I have been very happy with the whole process and outcome. Watching that meter "spin" backwards so much more than it does forwards gives a warm fuzzy feeling, and let's me know that I'm saving up credit for the winter. My calculations from the first few weeks of operation (sunny and cloudy days) helped validate the system sizing and the meeting of our goal to eliminate our bill completely. I'm confident that we'll even make a little revenue over the year as a whole. Definitely the right choice!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,050 ($4.01 per watt)
MickM, over 1 month
I had a good feeling about this company from the very first contact. They were very open and honest about expectations and took the time to explain everything and answer my long list of questions and concerns. As an employee-owned company and a certified B Corp (look it up), I felt I was dealing with local people from my surrounding communities, and not some distant money driven corporation with pushy sales. After the initial visit, I received a full proposal within a day or two and was given the time to process, get additional quotes and do more research, without being hassled for a decision. In the end, the decision was between two proposals and despite ReVision being marginally more expensive and having a longer lead time for installation, I knew they were the right guys for my project. In addition, they had my panel of choice (REC) that the other vendor wasn't able to supply. I was also very fortunate that the initial lead-time was cut by several months meaning that I would be up and running for the peak summer months. The installation crew were a great bunch of guys and were on site for a total of three days. I talked to them often and was given regular updates and when they wrapped up, they told me what I could expect next. The only minor hiccup we had was that I was told that the paperwork for the change to a net meter (by the utility) would be submitted by the next day (after installation) and that the utility would have 10 working days to switch the meter. It actually took a whole week before the utility received the application and I did not receive a response from ReVision when I requested clarification on the submission. Perhaps some miscommunication? Luckily, the following week, I contacted the utility directly, who expedited the meter switchover and PTO, and everything was up and running within the 10 day period. The be fair, had ReVision not set the bar so high from the beginning, I would have normally expected such minor delays in the process from any vendor. All in all, I have been very happy with the whole process and outcome. Watching that meter "spin" backwards so much more than it does forwards gives a warm fuzzy feeling, and let's me know that I'm saving up credit for the winter. My calculations from the first few weeks of operation (sunny and cloudy days) helped validate the system sizing and the meeting of our goal to eliminate our bill completely. I'm confident that we'll even make a little revenue over the year as a whole. Definitely the right choice!
4.80 37 Reviews
CraZySteve - NH, 3 weeks ago
From initial Sales visitation to Completion of project, Rob and his team where great! Rob was the sales consultant I worked with. Alex and his team did a very professional install on my roof. During the install, I am glad I was home to discuss the electrical hookup portion and equipment placement on the side of the house etc. Sunergy offers top rated Tier 1 Solar Panels and highly recommends individual inverters. Rob also put the highest capacity system that would fit on my roof. I've been using the System since early June and I haven't paid a dime to EverSCAM, also due to the system size, I am building up credits for use during the winter if needed. Give Sunergy a call at a minimum and get a quote! You will probably choose them!
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CraZySteve - NH, 3 weeks ago
From initial Sales visitation to Completion of project, Rob and his team where great! Rob was the sales consultant I worked with. Alex and his team did a very professional install on my roof. During the install, I am glad I was home to discuss the electrical hookup portion and equipment placement on the side of the house etc. Sunergy offers top rated Tier 1 Solar Panels and highly recommends individual inverters. Rob also put the highest capacity system that would fit on my roof. I've been using the System since early June and I haven't paid a dime to EverSCAM, also due to the system size, I am building up credits for use during the winter if needed. Give Sunergy a call at a minimum and get a quote! You will probably choose them!
4.79 45 Reviews
South facing , over 1 month
We put in our solar panels 2 years ago and have been thrilled! Starting the process was easy - Artie gave us real answers, times and numbers without pressuring us. We looked at 2 other companies and felt like we were being sold something without clear numbers. The installation process was easy and we have loved getting zero balance electric bills almost all year!! It was a great decision and NEC Solar made it easy to implement!
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South facing , over 1 month
We put in our solar panels 2 years ago and have been thrilled! Starting the process was easy - Artie gave us real answers, times and numbers without pressuring us. We looked at 2 other companies and felt like we were being sold something without clear numbers. The installation process was easy and we have loved getting zero balance electric bills almost all year!! It was a great decision and NEC Solar made it easy to implement!
4.77 77 Reviews
stephendesalvo, over 1 month
Paolo Ricci did a terrific job managing the relationship team fro initial discussion to install to follow up. Technical and install process went according to plan. Everything was transparent with detailed explanations and questions answered as needed.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$18,600 ($3.72 per watt)
stephendesalvo, over 1 month
Paolo Ricci did a terrific job managing the relationship team fro initial discussion to install to follow up. Technical and install process went according to plan. Everything was transparent with detailed explanations and questions answered as needed.
4.73 292 Reviews
Chris B, 2 weeks ago
Had all my questions answered by Todd, and smoothly moved into the phases of installing and becoming operational. The wait between inspections and "turn-on" was longer than I had hoped, but NECE had warned me of the possible delay due to local inspections and Electric Co. delays. Finally turned on and very happy with the project. Thank you Todd and NECE for providing me with a great system for my home.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Chris B, 2 weeks ago
Had all my questions answered by Todd, and smoothly moved into the phases of installing and becoming operational. The wait between inspections and "turn-on" was longer than I had hoped, but NECE had warned me of the possible delay due to local inspections and Electric Co. delays. Finally turned on and very happy with the project. Thank you Todd and NECE for providing me with a great system for my home.
4.72 279 Reviews
Raymond Poitras, 3 weeks ago
If you've been interested in solar,I'm sure you have lots of questions.....I know I did. I picked boston solar because they are local and were great in answering all my questions. When I talked to Rick M. of boston solar he walked me thru the process from why solar....the cost.....the rebates....and the process from instalations to starting my system. If you though solar was to expensive like I did, you will find after talking with them, they are more affordable then you think.....I was surprised ! Going green is the way to go!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,100 ($3.82 per watt)
Raymond Poitras, 3 weeks ago
If you've been interested in solar,I'm sure you have lots of questions.....I know I did. I picked boston solar because they are local and were great in answering all my questions. When I talked to Rick M. of boston solar he walked me thru the process from why solar....the cost.....the rebates....and the process from instalations to starting my system. If you though solar was to expensive like I did, you will find after talking with them, they are more affordable then you think.....I was surprised ! Going green is the way to go!
4.67 22 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Great overall experience! Mike and Sarah walked us through every step of the way. Mike made sure that we stayed informed and made us feel like we were a friend of the family. Also, Install team was awesome. During each stage of our experience, it was clear that Bay State Solar Solutions places a high emphasis of customer satisfaction and they certainly exceeded our expectations.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,800 ($4.16 per watt)
Anonymous, over 1 month
Great overall experience! Mike and Sarah walked us through every step of the way. Mike made sure that we stayed informed and made us feel like we were a friend of the family. Also, Install team was awesome. During each stage of our experience, it was clear that Bay State Solar Solutions places a high emphasis of customer satisfaction and they certainly exceeded our expectations.
4.64 43 Reviews
JB, over 1 month
Out of every installer I talked to, Brightstar offered the best cost per kW, per kWH, and per panel. I shopped around at 7 installers. Brightstar was the only one without high pressure sales tactics. They didn't call me on the phone constantly or try to bully me into installing their preferred products. Jon gave me recommendations, but ultimately let me choose what kinds of panels and inverters I wanted. The other companies have a lot of gimmicks and flashy guarantees to distract you and take advantage of what little you might know about solar systems - I never felt like I could trust them. Jon will just talk to you in facts and common sense. The install went smoothly and looks great. I'm completely satisfied with the result.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,600 ($4.12 per watt)
JB, over 1 month
Out of every installer I talked to, Brightstar offered the best cost per kW, per kWH, and per panel. I shopped around at 7 installers. Brightstar was the only one without high pressure sales tactics. They didn't call me on the phone constantly or try to bully me into installing their preferred products. Jon gave me recommendations, but ultimately let me choose what kinds of panels and inverters I wanted. The other companies have a lot of gimmicks and flashy guarantees to distract you and take advantage of what little you might know about solar systems - I never felt like I could trust them. Jon will just talk to you in facts and common sense. The install went smoothly and looks great. I'm completely satisfied with the result.
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
Massachusetts Solar Loan Program - Low interest public funds at fixed rates for solar loans