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
79 solar companies in Massachusetts provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.91 101 Reviews
Ken, over 1 month
John was very helpful and did not pressure us to decide. His company is across New England which makes them a long term player so I recommend them
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Ken, over 1 month
John was very helpful and did not pressure us to decide. His company is across New England which makes them a long term player so I recommend them
4.86 161 Reviews
Deb and Steve, over 1 month
From the first contact to the final in person “close out” of our solar installation this team was fantastic. Professional, careful, deliberate, and creative are a few of the words I would use to describe the Mass Renewable team. Our project was complicated and these guys were not deterred - in fact I think they loved the challenge. I cannot say enough about the company Mike has created and I highly recommend them. Deb and Steve Falmouth, MA
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,000 ($4.00 per watt)
Deb and Steve, over 1 month
From the first contact to the final in person “close out” of our solar installation this team was fantastic. Professional, careful, deliberate, and creative are a few of the words I would use to describe the Mass Renewable team. Our project was complicated and these guys were not deterred - in fact I think they loved the challenge. I cannot say enough about the company Mike has created and I highly recommend them. Deb and Steve Falmouth, MA
4.84 469 Reviews
Chris Smith, over 1 month
We first started our adventure with All Energy Solar back in 2020. Carlo did a great job at walking us through everything virtually, from estimating our solar panel output, install cost, and state rebates. We had our install completed in September of 2020 by a very courteous and professional crew. All inspections passed, system worked fine, and we were able to stop paying National Grid after a few months. Fast forward to 2023 - we were in the market for some solar backup batteries. We live in an area prone to power outages due to downed tree branches, so it is common for us to lose power for a couple hours several times a year. Solar is great, but you're still required to be tied to the grid to keep the lights on. Carlo again walked us through the process, making sure we got a system that meets our needs without overselling. All Energy Solar's end of the install went great, as did the inspections. Our only hang-up was that MA state fire code requires a fire resistant closet to be built around the batteries, which meant hiring a different contractor to do that part of the job. This slowed down the process by a few months, but this shouldn't be held against All Energy since this part wasn't affiliated with them. They were quite good about checking up on the progress and trying to help as best they could through all that. Anyways, our batteries are working, everything is up to code, and we run off battery power through the night while retaining a few hours of backup power in case on an outage. Overall, both installs were exactly what we wanted, everything stayed within our budget and worked exactly as we wanted. All our interactions with the staff, whether over the phone or in person, were great. Everything seems to meet our needs for now but if we ever need another upgrade, we know where to look!
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Chris Smith, over 1 month
We first started our adventure with All Energy Solar back in 2020. Carlo did a great job at walking us through everything virtually, from estimating our solar panel output, install cost, and state rebates. We had our install completed in September of 2020 by a very courteous and professional crew. All inspections passed, system worked fine, and we were able to stop paying National Grid after a few months. Fast forward to 2023 - we were in the market for some solar backup batteries. We live in an area prone to power outages due to downed tree branches, so it is common for us to lose power for a couple hours several times a year. Solar is great, but you're still required to be tied to the grid to keep the lights on. Carlo again walked us through the process, making sure we got a system that meets our needs without overselling. All Energy Solar's end of the install went great, as did the inspections. Our only hang-up was that MA state fire code requires a fire resistant closet to be built around the batteries, which meant hiring a different contractor to do that part of the job. This slowed down the process by a few months, but this shouldn't be held against All Energy since this part wasn't affiliated with them. They were quite good about checking up on the progress and trying to help as best they could through all that. Anyways, our batteries are working, everything is up to code, and we run off battery power through the night while retaining a few hours of backup power in case on an outage. Overall, both installs were exactly what we wanted, everything stayed within our budget and worked exactly as we wanted. All our interactions with the staff, whether over the phone or in person, were great. Everything seems to meet our needs for now but if we ever need another upgrade, we know where to look!
4.83 70 Reviews
R. Paulus, over 1 month
Before choosing a company, I met with reps from two other solar installer organizations. I was not inspired and decided that maybe solar panels were not for us. Why? I don't know really, but nothing positive happened during our meetings. Nothing seemed certain as to who would install, when, who my contact person would be. It was clear that the person I spoke with in the last meeting was not someone I would be in touch with again. The company wanted to limit the number of panels to 9, (according to law I was told) but I knew I needed more since I planned to buy an EV and an electric stove and a heat pump. Then I called NEC and the company arranged a meeting with Alex Perdue, a man who had lived in my neighborhood years ago and who would become the project manager fo our installation. Alex could not have been more helpful and trustworthy. There was not a bit of pressure, and he had a remarkably positive attitude. He introduced me to Artie Crocker who was assigned as the solar engineer. Artie arranged to have 16 solar panels installed, he oversaw the entire project, was always here to supervise the installation and until this day, after almost a year, he is there to answer any questions I have. I was so satisfied with what the company had done that I decided to install a mini split system. Chris Cardoza was assigned as project manager, and like Artie, he was always available and oversaw every detail of the operation. For both of these guys it seemed like everything had to be perfect before the installers finished their work. I can't say enough about the honesty, reliability and integrity of this company and these 3 men who represent it. It's pretty unusual. I have referred several neighbors to NEC. Two have already installed. And they are happy as well. Yes, NEC gets an A+ from me and deservedly so. Ron
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R. Paulus, over 1 month
Before choosing a company, I met with reps from two other solar installer organizations. I was not inspired and decided that maybe solar panels were not for us. Why? I don't know really, but nothing positive happened during our meetings. Nothing seemed certain as to who would install, when, who my contact person would be. It was clear that the person I spoke with in the last meeting was not someone I would be in touch with again. The company wanted to limit the number of panels to 9, (according to law I was told) but I knew I needed more since I planned to buy an EV and an electric stove and a heat pump. Then I called NEC and the company arranged a meeting with Alex Perdue, a man who had lived in my neighborhood years ago and who would become the project manager fo our installation. Alex could not have been more helpful and trustworthy. There was not a bit of pressure, and he had a remarkably positive attitude. He introduced me to Artie Crocker who was assigned as the solar engineer. Artie arranged to have 16 solar panels installed, he oversaw the entire project, was always here to supervise the installation and until this day, after almost a year, he is there to answer any questions I have. I was so satisfied with what the company had done that I decided to install a mini split system. Chris Cardoza was assigned as project manager, and like Artie, he was always available and oversaw every detail of the operation. For both of these guys it seemed like everything had to be perfect before the installers finished their work. I can't say enough about the honesty, reliability and integrity of this company and these 3 men who represent it. It's pretty unusual. I have referred several neighbors to NEC. Two have already installed. And they are happy as well. Yes, NEC gets an A+ from me and deservedly so. Ron
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!
4.79 79 Reviews
Janet W, over 1 month
My family and I have wanted to install solar on our home for years, but unfortunately were never able to do so until our recent move. Our new home is perfectly situated for solar, so I started searching for a solar company in the tail end of December 2023. I wound up with two options, one of which was SavKat Solar, and made appointments with both companies. Jay from SavKat came out to our house on 12/26/2023 and spent several hours explaining EVERYTHING to me in great detail. He reviewed whether or not my house was a good fit for solar and why, then went over the different system sizes that are available and the warranties that go with each one. He explained the entire installation process from start to finish, including how long each of the steps in the process usually takes, and worked with me to figure out how many panels my family and I would need, as well as what the best location for each panel would be. He was open and honest about pricing and repayment options, and thoroughly answered and addressed each and every one of my questions and concerns. And when my daughter came home from work, he even spent extra time explaining everything to her! Neither one of us felt rushed or pressured into making a decision. He made us both feel extremely comfortable about asking him questions, and made sure that we understood everything. He told us to reach out to him with any questions we thought of after he left, and even e-mailed us all of the information that he spoke with us about so that we could review it and make a decision in our own time. Talk about service! I can't say the same about the other company. Jay also invited us to take a tour of the SavKat facilities, which I did on 1/3/2024. While there, I met multiple employees - including the owner - who were not only kind, but also quick to answer all of the questions that I had as well. After talking things over with my family, we decided to request an additional 3 panels so that we could be sure that we had enough wattage, and both Jay and the employees at SavKat were more than willing to accommodate our request. We signed a contract with them that day. Each and every step of the entire project happened faster than Jay had led us to expect, part of which might have been due to the fact that not a lot of people install solar in the beginning of the year. When the solar panels themselves were installed, every one of the employees were nice, quick, and efficient, and everything was explained to my family and I after it was done. Our new electric meters were installed today, so I'm hoping that we'll get permission to operate tomorrow. I can't say enough wonderful things about everyone at SavKat, especially Jay. Every time I've reached out to Jay, even when he was on a business trip, he has been extremely responsive, no matter how small my question might seem, and I was never once spoken down to or made to feel like I should know something that I didn't. If I could work with SavKat forever, I would. I wish more companies were as amazing as they are!
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Janet W, over 1 month
My family and I have wanted to install solar on our home for years, but unfortunately were never able to do so until our recent move. Our new home is perfectly situated for solar, so I started searching for a solar company in the tail end of December 2023. I wound up with two options, one of which was SavKat Solar, and made appointments with both companies. Jay from SavKat came out to our house on 12/26/2023 and spent several hours explaining EVERYTHING to me in great detail. He reviewed whether or not my house was a good fit for solar and why, then went over the different system sizes that are available and the warranties that go with each one. He explained the entire installation process from start to finish, including how long each of the steps in the process usually takes, and worked with me to figure out how many panels my family and I would need, as well as what the best location for each panel would be. He was open and honest about pricing and repayment options, and thoroughly answered and addressed each and every one of my questions and concerns. And when my daughter came home from work, he even spent extra time explaining everything to her! Neither one of us felt rushed or pressured into making a decision. He made us both feel extremely comfortable about asking him questions, and made sure that we understood everything. He told us to reach out to him with any questions we thought of after he left, and even e-mailed us all of the information that he spoke with us about so that we could review it and make a decision in our own time. Talk about service! I can't say the same about the other company. Jay also invited us to take a tour of the SavKat facilities, which I did on 1/3/2024. While there, I met multiple employees - including the owner - who were not only kind, but also quick to answer all of the questions that I had as well. After talking things over with my family, we decided to request an additional 3 panels so that we could be sure that we had enough wattage, and both Jay and the employees at SavKat were more than willing to accommodate our request. We signed a contract with them that day. Each and every step of the entire project happened faster than Jay had led us to expect, part of which might have been due to the fact that not a lot of people install solar in the beginning of the year. When the solar panels themselves were installed, every one of the employees were nice, quick, and efficient, and everything was explained to my family and I after it was done. Our new electric meters were installed today, so I'm hoping that we'll get permission to operate tomorrow. I can't say enough wonderful things about everyone at SavKat, especially Jay. Every time I've reached out to Jay, even when he was on a business trip, he has been extremely responsive, no matter how small my question might seem, and I was never once spoken down to or made to feel like I should know something that I didn't. If I could work with SavKat forever, I would. I wish more companies were as amazing as they are!
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.
4.76 305 Reviews
Steve O, over 1 month
We've have owned our system for almost 8 years and had a Enphase microinverter fail. Enphase sent me a replacement microinverter and the search began to find someone to do the work as the original installers are now in PA. After multiple contacts, I found New England Clean Energy who quickly responded and I have to say, they are terrific! Definitely recommend them if you are a Massachusetts solar system owner or one looking for a new installation. Great communications with a great service team!! The team that came to do the replacement we're extremely friendly, knowledgeable and highly professional. I will definitely call on these folks for any future needs! 5 Star service from start to finish!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Steve O, over 1 month
We've have owned our system for almost 8 years and had a Enphase microinverter fail. Enphase sent me a replacement microinverter and the search began to find someone to do the work as the original installers are now in PA. After multiple contacts, I found New England Clean Energy who quickly responded and I have to say, they are terrific! Definitely recommend them if you are a Massachusetts solar system owner or one looking for a new installation. Great communications with a great service team!! The team that came to do the replacement we're extremely friendly, knowledgeable and highly professional. I will definitely call on these folks for any future needs! 5 Star service from start to finish!!
4.73 564 Reviews
Shay, over 1 month
Crew was quick and efficient uninstalling the panels.
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Shay, over 1 month
Crew was quick and efficient uninstalling the panels.
4.71 55 Reviews
Troy, over 1 month
Ben Carlson was our Sales guy. He delivered on his quote. System was installed 3 months earlier then scheduled at the cost quoted in the contract. All the people involved in the project were professional. They came out on schedule and complete each aspect of the job on schedule and left the area clean. System has been up and running 3 months, with the good weather in Feb, system generated more kW than we used. I can monitor the system on my cell phone. Overall very pleased with the system
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Troy, over 1 month
Ben Carlson was our Sales guy. He delivered on his quote. System was installed 3 months earlier then scheduled at the cost quoted in the contract. All the people involved in the project were professional. They came out on schedule and complete each aspect of the job on schedule and left the area clean. System has been up and running 3 months, with the good weather in Feb, system generated more kW than we used. I can monitor the system on my cell phone. Overall very pleased with the system
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