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
83 solar companies in Massachusetts provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.88 71 Reviews
Paul , 1 week ago
I worked with Christopher Esposito from Sunergy Solutions to discuss the best solar array for my home. A 11..2kw system was designed and installed in a timely manner. Chris was very responsive to all our questions. I'm extremely impressed with the systems ability to produce energy even on cloudy overcast days. I would highly recommend Sunergy Solutions LLC if you are thinking about adding solar to your home and I recommend you ask for Christopher.
Read more
Paul , 1 week ago
I worked with Christopher Esposito from Sunergy Solutions to discuss the best solar array for my home. A 11..2kw system was designed and installed in a timely manner. Chris was very responsive to all our questions. I'm extremely impressed with the systems ability to produce energy even on cloudy overcast days. I would highly recommend Sunergy Solutions LLC if you are thinking about adding solar to your home and I recommend you ask for Christopher.
4.86 159 Reviews
Greg & Jess, 2 weeks ago
Our project consisted of a circuit breaker upgrade, generator and EV hookup, the addition of a 30 panel array on the roof, and the installation of a whole home ductless heat pump system. Their professionalism, craftsmanship, and service are top notch. I was really impressed how they took the time to hide/conceal as much of the wiring and conduit as possible to give a clean, finished look to the entire project and my overall home. I found Mass Renewables to have the high quality customer service experience you'd expect only from a small local company with the resources, abilities, and knowledge of a large company. Designing with Dianne, Installation with Joe and Pat, Permitting with Jeff, and Wrap up with Mike were each an enjoyable experience as we worked on our home's cleaner and renewable energy. A thank you shout out also to the rest of the team who's names I didn't catch but did an amazing job; especially whoever was in my attic and took extra care not to spread the cellulose insulation all over the house!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,000 ($4.00 per watt)
Greg & Jess, 2 weeks ago
Our project consisted of a circuit breaker upgrade, generator and EV hookup, the addition of a 30 panel array on the roof, and the installation of a whole home ductless heat pump system. Their professionalism, craftsmanship, and service are top notch. I was really impressed how they took the time to hide/conceal as much of the wiring and conduit as possible to give a clean, finished look to the entire project and my overall home. I found Mass Renewables to have the high quality customer service experience you'd expect only from a small local company with the resources, abilities, and knowledge of a large company. Designing with Dianne, Installation with Joe and Pat, Permitting with Jeff, and Wrap up with Mike were each an enjoyable experience as we worked on our home's cleaner and renewable energy. A thank you shout out also to the rest of the team who's names I didn't catch but did an amazing job; especially whoever was in my attic and took extra care not to spread the cellulose insulation all over the house!
4.84 441 Reviews
Solar 2023, 2 weeks ago
My experience with All Energy Solar was excellent. Each person I had contact with was pleasant and helpful. I was kept up to date throughout the various stages including the sale, design, permitting, installation and follow-up. Molly was patient and informative throughout the sale and design process. Carlo has kept me apprised throughout the permitting, installation and approval process by checking in every 2 weeks. Installers were professional, courteous and on time. The inspections by local officials and the utility were approved without any issues.
Read more
Solar 2023, 2 weeks ago
My experience with All Energy Solar was excellent. Each person I had contact with was pleasant and helpful. I was kept up to date throughout the various stages including the sale, design, permitting, installation and follow-up. Molly was patient and informative throughout the sale and design process. Carlo has kept me apprised throughout the permitting, installation and approval process by checking in every 2 weeks. Installers were professional, courteous and on time. The inspections by local officials and the utility were approved without any issues.
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!
Read more
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+++
Read more
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 81 Reviews
Janet H., 1 week ago
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.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$18,600 ($3.72 per watt)
Janet H., 1 week ago
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.
4.75 296 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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Gina, 1 day ago
Excellent customer service
4.66 45 Reviews
Vinod Krishnamoorthyu, 1 week ago
I have read about the transition to Solar and had got the quote from few other providers. While other providers were trying to upsell their product and finance options, Jordan from SAVKAT was very professional and his first meeting with me was very open to tell me that the project is not likely to have the expected ROI for the electricity rates in my City. Since I was in the market for EV, wanted to pursue this further and requested Jordan to give me a quote anyways and he worked with me addressing all my needs to share various option to address my current and future needs. The one stop shop for all Solar needs and warranty provided by SAVKAT (SunPower) made this deal a preferred option for me and from the time I signed the contract with them the communication was follow up constantly by the various people involved from SAVKAT and coordinated by Jordan all along. The team was quite professional and took care of all the formalities and the pre-inspection, installation and inspection process seamlessly to secure the activation ahead of time. Jordan has continued to stay in touch to share updates about the App and also about the functioning of the installation. Overall I am a very happy customer and strongly recommend SAVKAT
Read more
Vinod Krishnamoorthyu, 1 week ago
I have read about the transition to Solar and had got the quote from few other providers. While other providers were trying to upsell their product and finance options, Jordan from SAVKAT was very professional and his first meeting with me was very open to tell me that the project is not likely to have the expected ROI for the electricity rates in my City. Since I was in the market for EV, wanted to pursue this further and requested Jordan to give me a quote anyways and he worked with me addressing all my needs to share various option to address my current and future needs. The one stop shop for all Solar needs and warranty provided by SAVKAT (SunPower) made this deal a preferred option for me and from the time I signed the contract with them the communication was follow up constantly by the various people involved from SAVKAT and coordinated by Jordan all along. The team was quite professional and took care of all the formalities and the pre-inspection, installation and inspection process seamlessly to secure the activation ahead of time. Jordan has continued to stay in touch to share updates about the App and also about the functioning of the installation. Overall I am a very happy customer and strongly recommend SAVKAT
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