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
82 solar companies in Massachusetts provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.88 67 Reviews
Rebecca Stanizzi, 3 weeks ago
Chris Esposito was great to work with, no awful sit-down with a novice sales person like other companies (“act today!”), all online or over phone, I provided info, they did layout and analysis quickly and with no drama. Best pricing and equipment. Install was drawn out but due to local permitting and utilities, not Sunergy. Very happy with two installations, home and nearby vacation property. Installers very good on site.
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Rebecca Stanizzi, 3 weeks ago
Chris Esposito was great to work with, no awful sit-down with a novice sales person like other companies (“act today!”), all online or over phone, I provided info, they did layout and analysis quickly and with no drama. Best pricing and equipment. Install was drawn out but due to local permitting and utilities, not Sunergy. Very happy with two installations, home and nearby vacation property. Installers very good on site.
4.86 158 Reviews
John D, over 1 month
Everything with Mass Renewables went great. From quoting to turning the system on, Mike and the guys walked me through the entire process. Joe and Eric did most of the installation, and they were stellar. They went above and beyond to make sure that my wife and I would be happy with the finished product, from the technical aspects to the asthetic. The system looks and works great, and I would happily recommend them to anyone who is interested in residential solar power.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,000 ($4.00 per watt)
John D, over 1 month
Everything with Mass Renewables went great. From quoting to turning the system on, Mike and the guys walked me through the entire process. Joe and Eric did most of the installation, and they were stellar. They went above and beyond to make sure that my wife and I would be happy with the finished product, from the technical aspects to the asthetic. The system looks and works great, and I would happily recommend them to anyone who is interested in residential solar power.
4.84 439 Reviews
TrussGuy, 5 days ago
We discussed the project and agreed on the details, price and timeline - They deliverred as agreed to. everyone we dealt with from estimating to design to installation crews were professional, courteous and concerned about the quality of the job they did. the system is running above expectations - couldn't be happier!
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TrussGuy, 5 days ago
We discussed the project and agreed on the details, price and timeline - They deliverred as agreed to. everyone we dealt with from estimating to design to installation crews were professional, courteous and concerned about the quality of the job they did. the system is running above expectations - couldn't be happier!
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 53 Reviews
B. Gooding, over 1 month
In Feb, 2022, after researching several companies, I chose NEC to do the solar array on my Jamestown house. Engineer Artie Crocker was my contact person, who made a site visit, designed the array, and explained the system thoroughly. He was knowledgeable, patient, accessible, and always had time to take my calls, even on weekends. I had price quotes and site visits from two other RI companies (Sun Watt Solar and Newport Solar), but NEC was clearly superior in terms of price, quality of the panels, warranty, reviews, service and rebates. The project manager and installers were professional, on time and neat. In the 12 months since my 41 panels were in installed, I have had no problems and have accrued a $1,500 credit on my RI Energy bill. Because I chose "net metering" I can let the credit accrue, or I can donate energy to other RI Energy customers. I was able to give a $500 credit to a needy neighbor, which came right off her RI energy bill. I couldn't be happier with NEC and my decision to go solar. AAA+++
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B. Gooding, over 1 month
In Feb, 2022, after researching several companies, I chose NEC to do the solar array on my Jamestown house. Engineer Artie Crocker was my contact person, who made a site visit, designed the array, and explained the system thoroughly. He was knowledgeable, patient, accessible, and always had time to take my calls, even on weekends. I had price quotes and site visits from two other RI companies (Sun Watt Solar and Newport Solar), but NEC was clearly superior in terms of price, quality of the panels, warranty, reviews, service and rebates. The project manager and installers were professional, on time and neat. In the 12 months since my 41 panels were in installed, I have had no problems and have accrued a $1,500 credit on my RI Energy bill. Because I chose "net metering" I can let the credit accrue, or I can donate energy to other RI Energy customers. I was able to give a $500 credit to a needy neighbor, which came right off her RI energy bill. I couldn't be happier with NEC and my decision to go solar. AAA+++
4.77 80 Reviews
Dustin, over 1 month
If you're looking at a solar install, look no further! Paolo Ricci, Project Developer was my go-to guy and he was great from beginning to end. From the start he came with detailed information, a very well thought out proposal and clear pricing. All that, and he didn't have the typically pushy approach. I think they know that the work they put into the proposal does the heavy lifting. If you're looking for pros to take care of your advanced installation, this is the team. I had them install a SPAN smart panel and two SolarEdge batteries in my system and everything runs great! The team was responsive and communicative throughout the entire process, and always quick to chase down any answers to my very specific questions. They handled all the incentive and connected solutions paperwork and I'm confident they'll continue to support their product into the future. 10/10 would recommend.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$18,600 ($3.72 per watt)
Dustin, over 1 month
If you're looking at a solar install, look no further! Paolo Ricci, Project Developer was my go-to guy and he was great from beginning to end. From the start he came with detailed information, a very well thought out proposal and clear pricing. All that, and he didn't have the typically pushy approach. I think they know that the work they put into the proposal does the heavy lifting. If you're looking for pros to take care of your advanced installation, this is the team. I had them install a SPAN smart panel and two SolarEdge batteries in my system and everything runs great! The team was responsive and communicative throughout the entire process, and always quick to chase down any answers to my very specific questions. They handled all the incentive and connected solutions paperwork and I'm confident they'll continue to support their product into the future. 10/10 would recommend.
4.75 296 Reviews
Mark, over 1 month
Our first New England Clean Energy installation was so successful that we decided to do a second one to allow more production for electric cars and a switch to electric appliances. All along they have supported us with effective post installation support and guidance. Their estimates of production have been spot on. They’re a pleasure to do business with.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Mark, over 1 month
Our first New England Clean Energy installation was so successful that we decided to do a second one to allow more production for electric cars and a switch to electric appliances. All along they have supported us with effective post installation support and guidance. Their estimates of production have been spot on. They’re a pleasure to do business with.
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.
4.66 23 Reviews
Paul Girard, 1 week ago
Adam and his group made the process of going solar easy. From the time we started they answered all my questions anytime I had one in a timely manner to make me feel comfortable making this investment in my home to help us save money. I would recommend anyone to go with Premier Improvements they did a great job!
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Paul Girard, 1 week ago
Adam and his group made the process of going solar easy. From the time we started they answered all my questions anytime I had one in a timely manner to make me feel comfortable making this investment in my home to help us save money. I would recommend anyone to go with Premier Improvements they did a great job!
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