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 the end of 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% starting in 2033.
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
84 solar companies in Massachusetts provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.90 89 Reviews
Colin F, 1 week ago
We worked directly with John at Sunergy to scope out a solar project for our home. I'm writing because John and the rest of the team were responsive, transparent, and informative. They provided detailed answers to any questions we had and addressed our needs well. We did not ultimately move forward with the project due purely to considerations with our property and financial situation, but if we do choose to move forward in the future we will be giving John and Sunergy a ring.
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Colin F, 1 week ago
We worked directly with John at Sunergy to scope out a solar project for our home. I'm writing because John and the rest of the team were responsive, transparent, and informative. They provided detailed answers to any questions we had and addressed our needs well. We did not ultimately move forward with the project due purely to considerations with our property and financial situation, but if we do choose to move forward in the future we will be giving John and Sunergy a ring.
4.86 160 Reviews
George Primpas , over 1 month
The team did a very good job installing. They were able to hide all conduits and make the aesthetics look really good. I had over 100 questions for my sales guy and I not once felt pushed or coerced into singing up for Solar. All questions were answered and for that matter, I made the decision to choose Mass Renewables.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,000 ($4.00 per watt)
George Primpas , over 1 month
The team did a very good job installing. They were able to hide all conduits and make the aesthetics look really good. I had over 100 questions for my sales guy and I not once felt pushed or coerced into singing up for Solar. All questions were answered and for that matter, I made the decision to choose Mass Renewables.
4.83 452 Reviews
John Howe, 1 week ago
We were very pleased with the All Energy team that did our installation. They were efficient, professional, tidy at the end of each day, and communicated clearly with us throughout the process. It was a challenging job putting two independent PV projects on the roof of a two-family house in a dense urban neighborhood, and involved routing conduit through a crowded basement. All problems that arose were discussed and resolved satisfactorily.
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John Howe, 1 week ago
We were very pleased with the All Energy team that did our installation. They were efficient, professional, tidy at the end of each day, and communicated clearly with us throughout the process. It was a challenging job putting two independent PV projects on the roof of a two-family house in a dense urban neighborhood, and involved routing conduit through a crowded basement. All problems that arose were discussed and resolved satisfactorily.
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 56 Reviews
Linda, over 1 month
They are by far the most knowledgeable, & competent solar company. The engineers that work with you ( Artie & Alex)show you graphs & satellite images of your home at different times of the day showing how much sun or shade your roof receives. Their service is outstanding & they are always available to reach either by phone, where you actually speak to a real person or email. They use the best products & equipment. The whole process & install went off without a hitch & the price was RIGHT! Linda Corte
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Linda, over 1 month
They are by far the most knowledgeable, & competent solar company. The engineers that work with you ( Artie & Alex)show you graphs & satellite images of your home at different times of the day showing how much sun or shade your roof receives. Their service is outstanding & they are always available to reach either by phone, where you actually speak to a real person or email. They use the best products & equipment. The whole process & install went off without a hitch & the price was RIGHT! Linda Corte
4.77 81 Reviews
Janet H., over 1 month
From start to finish this was an exceptional process. It was a throwback to a time when customer service was all about the customer. We were kept informed every step of the way, called if there was a delay for any reason, work was done timely, staff were more than competent and I was completely comfortable having them in and on my home. The work area was always cleaned before they left for the day. It was so refreshing to work with a company that does quality work, with quality products and cares about the client experience from start to finish.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$18,600 ($3.72 per watt)
Janet H., over 1 month
From start to finish this was an exceptional process. It was a throwback to a time when customer service was all about the customer. We were kept informed every step of the way, called if there was a delay for any reason, work was done timely, staff were more than competent and I was completely comfortable having them in and on my home. The work area was always cleaned before they left for the day. It was so refreshing to work with a company that does quality work, with quality products and cares about the client experience from start to finish.
4.75 302 Reviews
SJ, 1 week ago
Worked with the team for a 16kw system consisting of 2 ground arrays and panels mounted on an auxiliary building. It was far from a cookie cutter install and we had to do some iterating to land on a workable plan. Every member of the team was responsive, patient and reliable. The install team was very efficient, clean and a pleasure to interact with. The install itself is very clean and we are excited to flip the switch once the utility completes their part.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
SJ, 1 week ago
Worked with the team for a 16kw system consisting of 2 ground arrays and panels mounted on an auxiliary building. It was far from a cookie cutter install and we had to do some iterating to land on a workable plan. Every member of the team was responsive, patient and reliable. The install team was very efficient, clean and a pleasure to interact with. The install itself is very clean and we are excited to flip the switch once the utility completes their part.
4.73 508 Reviews
Christopher Borrego, 23 hours ago
Excellent interpersonal skills, wonderful job
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Christopher Borrego, 23 hours ago
Excellent interpersonal skills, wonderful job
4.69 47 Reviews
Tom Steele, 1 week ago
We built our house in Wolcott, CT and moved in September 2021. Our electric bill steadily increased each month. Also, we lost power at least 10x during the first full year. Finally, after yet another Eversource rate increase in 2022, I finally decided decided it was time to sit down and do some research on solar. In a couple of weeks I felt it was time to engage several solar companies in the area for pricing, offers, etc. I had three must-haves: 1) overproduce (never want an electric bill again and for future), 2) quality workmanship, and 3) a battery backup for power outages. It didn't take long for me to decide that SAVKAT would be our company of choice. Knowing I had done my research, it was easy to see some of the companies trying to entice us with leasing, lower-quality panels, and shying away from battery backup. At the time, purchasing was far superior to leasing - plus all the tax incentives and early-adoption battery backup plans with Eversource. After sitting down and reviewing the numbers, I could either continue to wonder how much more our electric bill would be each month or pay a fixed amount per month (loan) for electricity at a significantly lower rate per month (based on avg monthly bills over a year). I'm currently writing this review after having the system installed and running for 9 months. In that timeframe, I have continued to receive credits every month on my Eversource account because we overproduce. I receive a quarterly payment at roughly 3 cents per kW we generate. We were early adopters (phase 1) of the SunPower Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program where Eversource uses our battery to help offset grid demand. This program is for 10 years which pays us per average kWh over each period. We are currently on pace to be around 6kWh per event, which will end up covering more than half of our monthly loan payments. The installation was a piece of cake - panel array and electrical in less than a day, and the battery was done the following day. The panel array was placed perfectly on the rear roof of our home, and they installed a single conduit down the roofline into the basement where our electric panel lives. All of the permits, surveys, Eversource meter installs, etc were handled by SAVKAT. All we had to do was sign on the dotted line whenever necessary. Once we got the ok from our town inspector and Eversource inspectors, the system was turned on. I also have to say I love the SunPower app on my phone. I find myself checking it multiple times a week to see how we're doing. It's super convenient and easy to use. Being able to generate custom reports from date x to date y lets me know if I'll be getting a credit or charge on my Eversource account. It also supplies me with the VPP average kWh for the incentive plan. All in all, I couldn't be happier with the decision to go with SAVKAT. From sales, to service, to installers, and everyone involved in the process - it was (and still is) a pleasure. I continue to recommend solar and SAVKAT to anyone who asks (and sometimes when they don't).
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Tom Steele, 1 week ago
We built our house in Wolcott, CT and moved in September 2021. Our electric bill steadily increased each month. Also, we lost power at least 10x during the first full year. Finally, after yet another Eversource rate increase in 2022, I finally decided decided it was time to sit down and do some research on solar. In a couple of weeks I felt it was time to engage several solar companies in the area for pricing, offers, etc. I had three must-haves: 1) overproduce (never want an electric bill again and for future), 2) quality workmanship, and 3) a battery backup for power outages. It didn't take long for me to decide that SAVKAT would be our company of choice. Knowing I had done my research, it was easy to see some of the companies trying to entice us with leasing, lower-quality panels, and shying away from battery backup. At the time, purchasing was far superior to leasing - plus all the tax incentives and early-adoption battery backup plans with Eversource. After sitting down and reviewing the numbers, I could either continue to wonder how much more our electric bill would be each month or pay a fixed amount per month (loan) for electricity at a significantly lower rate per month (based on avg monthly bills over a year). I'm currently writing this review after having the system installed and running for 9 months. In that timeframe, I have continued to receive credits every month on my Eversource account because we overproduce. I receive a quarterly payment at roughly 3 cents per kW we generate. We were early adopters (phase 1) of the SunPower Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program where Eversource uses our battery to help offset grid demand. This program is for 10 years which pays us per average kWh over each period. We are currently on pace to be around 6kWh per event, which will end up covering more than half of our monthly loan payments. The installation was a piece of cake - panel array and electrical in less than a day, and the battery was done the following day. The panel array was placed perfectly on the rear roof of our home, and they installed a single conduit down the roofline into the basement where our electric panel lives. All of the permits, surveys, Eversource meter installs, etc were handled by SAVKAT. All we had to do was sign on the dotted line whenever necessary. Once we got the ok from our town inspector and Eversource inspectors, the system was turned on. I also have to say I love the SunPower app on my phone. I find myself checking it multiple times a week to see how we're doing. It's super convenient and easy to use. Being able to generate custom reports from date x to date y lets me know if I'll be getting a credit or charge on my Eversource account. It also supplies me with the VPP average kWh for the incentive plan. All in all, I couldn't be happier with the decision to go with SAVKAT. From sales, to service, to installers, and everyone involved in the process - it was (and still is) a pleasure. I continue to recommend solar and SAVKAT to anyone who asks (and sometimes when they don't).
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.
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