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, especially with electricity prices reaching over $0.30 per kilowatt-hour in Boston.
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 that favors low-income, small-scale and community solar energy projects. It’s called the SMART program. At the program’s core is a formula that includes a base compensation rate that 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
77 solar companies in Massachusetts provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.91 146 Reviews
Wellington Estevao, over 1 month
Rob and the entire team at Sunergy have been great to work with. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire process. From the proposal and installation to permits and ongoing support, Sunergy has been excellent every step of the way. My father used Sunergy for his solar project and later recommended them to three other friends. After my own experience, I can see why. I will definitely be recommending them to my friends and will use them again for any future solar service needs.
Read more
Wellington Estevao, over 1 month
Rob and the entire team at Sunergy have been great to work with. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire process. From the proposal and installation to permits and ongoing support, Sunergy has been excellent every step of the way. My father used Sunergy for his solar project and later recommended them to three other friends. After my own experience, I can see why. I will definitely be recommending them to my friends and will use them again for any future solar service needs.
4.90 229 Reviews
Andrew Haines, over 1 month
I’ve had a good experience with Lunex so far. I was able to get a price that I felt was fair to me after talking with several companies. The sales representative, Teo, made recommendations but ultimately went with what I was interested in. He worked with me as I was gathering my funds, and I didn’t feel pressured that I needed to be done right away.The installation went well, and the installers were friendly. We connected about a small area that we both lived in. After my system was up and running then I got a text from Wilfredo who met me when I was available in the evening after work to explain the Tesla app to me. I like that we were able to share screens so we could discuss the information and both see the same thing. Overall, it’s been a very nice experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what my first bill will be, which will be the true litmus test.
Read more
Andrew Haines, over 1 month
I’ve had a good experience with Lunex so far. I was able to get a price that I felt was fair to me after talking with several companies. The sales representative, Teo, made recommendations but ultimately went with what I was interested in. He worked with me as I was gathering my funds, and I didn’t feel pressured that I needed to be done right away.The installation went well, and the installers were friendly. We connected about a small area that we both lived in. After my system was up and running then I got a text from Wilfredo who met me when I was available in the evening after work to explain the Tesla app to me. I like that we were able to share screens so we could discuss the information and both see the same thing. Overall, it’s been a very nice experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what my first bill will be, which will be the true litmus test.
4.87 168 Reviews
Alex S, over 1 month
I have been incredibly pleased with everyone at Mass Renewables and the entire project. I first starting thinking about solar when two of my neighbors entered into leasing agreements. It prompted me to learn about solar, but the representatives from both of those leasing companies left sour tastes in my mouth and the reviews for them online were terrifying. I was interested in solar though and talked to my co-worker about it since I knew he had installed panels a year or so ago and I trusted his opinion greatly. He told me he didn't lease panels but bought them through Mass Renewables. He said many of his family did as well and they all had very positive experiences with your company. Dianne was the first person I spoke to at Mass Renewables and she was a breath of fresh air compared to the sales agents at the leasing companies. She was very educational, answered all my questions, and was anything but pushy. She sent me the proposal and I went through it, realizing quickly that the economics made much more sense than leasing. Kevin was very helpful and responsive for me to submit all the online forms to get the job started. The crew that was at my house to do the actual installation was fantastic. Pat introduced himself upon arrival and was very friendly and approachable the entire time. He gave me updates along the way and let me know the next steps so I knew what to expect. Joe (the electrician) was so patient, answering any and all questions I had and explained everything in great detail. He gave me his phone number and let me know to contact him anytime with any questions I have. The crew was so clean, after they left each day you wouldn't even know they had been there. The work was meticulous - my garage looks great where the battery was installed and they worked around storage organizers I already had installed my walls. The connections outside the house follow the frame and are only visible if you look for it, otherwise it just blends in nicely and seamlessly. All of the guys were friendly. They put up with a barking dog and with my loud young kids (and an often crying infant). Since the job was completed, I have had a few questions come up and the owners have always been very responsive, getting right back to me with answers. I highly recommend Mass Renewables for anyone considering solar panels.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,000 ($4.00 per watt)
Alex S, over 1 month
I have been incredibly pleased with everyone at Mass Renewables and the entire project. I first starting thinking about solar when two of my neighbors entered into leasing agreements. It prompted me to learn about solar, but the representatives from both of those leasing companies left sour tastes in my mouth and the reviews for them online were terrifying. I was interested in solar though and talked to my co-worker about it since I knew he had installed panels a year or so ago and I trusted his opinion greatly. He told me he didn't lease panels but bought them through Mass Renewables. He said many of his family did as well and they all had very positive experiences with your company. Dianne was the first person I spoke to at Mass Renewables and she was a breath of fresh air compared to the sales agents at the leasing companies. She was very educational, answered all my questions, and was anything but pushy. She sent me the proposal and I went through it, realizing quickly that the economics made much more sense than leasing. Kevin was very helpful and responsive for me to submit all the online forms to get the job started. The crew that was at my house to do the actual installation was fantastic. Pat introduced himself upon arrival and was very friendly and approachable the entire time. He gave me updates along the way and let me know the next steps so I knew what to expect. Joe (the electrician) was so patient, answering any and all questions I had and explained everything in great detail. He gave me his phone number and let me know to contact him anytime with any questions I have. The crew was so clean, after they left each day you wouldn't even know they had been there. The work was meticulous - my garage looks great where the battery was installed and they worked around storage organizers I already had installed my walls. The connections outside the house follow the frame and are only visible if you look for it, otherwise it just blends in nicely and seamlessly. All of the guys were friendly. They put up with a barking dog and with my loud young kids (and an often crying infant). Since the job was completed, I have had a few questions come up and the owners have always been very responsive, getting right back to me with answers. I highly recommend Mass Renewables for anyone considering solar panels.
4.85 96 Reviews
Will Hazzard , over 1 month
Earthlight was a great company to work with. I knew what I wanted and they improved upon that. The installation crew was prompt, effective and clean up on the roof and in the garage. The design/project manager was exceptionally knowledgeable and creative. I'm glad I went with Earthlight!
Read more
Will Hazzard , over 1 month
Earthlight was a great company to work with. I knew what I wanted and they improved upon that. The installation crew was prompt, effective and clean up on the roof and in the garage. The design/project manager was exceptionally knowledgeable and creative. I'm glad I went with Earthlight!
4.82 83 Reviews
Phil Hood, over 1 month
We had almost given up on getting a solar installer to take on the installation of solar for our condominium. The roof-line is complicated, the regulatory environment is complicated, and time was running out on the latest tax incentives. NEC took this all in stride. They helped us line up all the steps needed to make things work, worked with us and our condo board to put the right things in place, and executed flawlessly despite difficult weather conditions. We are now fully functional.
Read more
Phil Hood, over 1 month
We had almost given up on getting a solar installer to take on the installation of solar for our condominium. The roof-line is complicated, the regulatory environment is complicated, and time was running out on the latest tax incentives. NEC took this all in stride. They helped us line up all the steps needed to make things work, worked with us and our condo board to put the right things in place, and executed flawlessly despite difficult weather conditions. We are now fully functional.
4.81 327 Reviews
Jan, over 1 month
When I purchased this house in 2018, the solar installation company the previous owners had used had gone out of business. I knew zero about solar panels or their maintenance so luckily for me, I found New England Clean Energy. They came right out, explained the system and did some upgrades at a very reasonable cost. They also mapped the system so I can track it on the Solar Edge app. Recently the app stopped being able to record data. They sent a super technician to replace a faulty plug and the app started communicating again. Whether you’re looking for a new system or a great company to help you manage it, NECE is the only company you should contact. Highly recommend!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Jan, over 1 month
When I purchased this house in 2018, the solar installation company the previous owners had used had gone out of business. I knew zero about solar panels or their maintenance so luckily for me, I found New England Clean Energy. They came right out, explained the system and did some upgrades at a very reasonable cost. They also mapped the system so I can track it on the Solar Edge app. Recently the app stopped being able to record data. They sent a super technician to replace a faulty plug and the app started communicating again. Whether you’re looking for a new system or a great company to help you manage it, NECE is the only company you should contact. Highly recommend!
4.79 219 Reviews
Patricia, over 1 month
My experience with Revision was so positive. Everyone they sent to carefully assess my site was informative, careful, thoughtful and professional. They answered every question I had with patience, they explained each step thoroughly, they were kind and understanding, and made every effort to not only make the system work well, but also look right on my historic home and give me a realistic view of the project. If there needed to be changes, they explained what they were going to do and why it was necessary. I found the entire process incredibly transparent and informative, and got assistance all the way from the initial interaction to the tax rebate process at the end. I have recommended their services and expertise to many people in our area.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,050 ($4.01 per watt)
Patricia, over 1 month
My experience with Revision was so positive. Everyone they sent to carefully assess my site was informative, careful, thoughtful and professional. They answered every question I had with patience, they explained each step thoroughly, they were kind and understanding, and made every effort to not only make the system work well, but also look right on my historic home and give me a realistic view of the project. If there needed to be changes, they explained what they were going to do and why it was necessary. I found the entire process incredibly transparent and informative, and got assistance all the way from the initial interaction to the tax rebate process at the end. I have recommended their services and expertise to many people in our area.
C G, over 1 month
Great experience!
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.
Read more
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.
4.73 99 Reviews
Mark J, over 1 month
Was referred to a RTP by a close friend of mine who spoke highly of their work and I was very happy I took their referral as RTP has been nothing but great for us. Our point of contact for sales, Sheena, was fantastic. At no point during the process did we feel as though anything was being forced onto us, no aggressive pitch strategies, and no smoke & mirrors. Sheena was super accommodating with changes, questions, or concerns we had about the project and really went out of her way to make it known that they weren't just trying to make a quick buck and run up bill with unnecessary expenses. Our project manager Ally kept us updated before, during, and after the build which was super helpful to know where we stood in the process and what to expect. There were a couple additional requests made by our electric company and Ally & her team were on it with responses in minutes when I received notification of request for further documentation. Our install team (Austin, Andy, Oscar, Armanny) were in and out super fast. There were no issues with the install, they were all very respectful of our property, were friendly to our dogs, and played good music! They did a great job of cleaning up what was a pretty large project and circled around several times to make sure they grabbed anything that might've been missed. All and all I am really glad I went with them - had no issues getting my tax credits and was exactly what they said it'd be. Will 100% use them in the future if we add more solar panels or a battery!
Read more
Mark J, over 1 month
Was referred to a RTP by a close friend of mine who spoke highly of their work and I was very happy I took their referral as RTP has been nothing but great for us. Our point of contact for sales, Sheena, was fantastic. At no point during the process did we feel as though anything was being forced onto us, no aggressive pitch strategies, and no smoke & mirrors. Sheena was super accommodating with changes, questions, or concerns we had about the project and really went out of her way to make it known that they weren't just trying to make a quick buck and run up bill with unnecessary expenses. Our project manager Ally kept us updated before, during, and after the build which was super helpful to know where we stood in the process and what to expect. There were a couple additional requests made by our electric company and Ally & her team were on it with responses in minutes when I received notification of request for further documentation. Our install team (Austin, Andy, Oscar, Armanny) were in and out super fast. There were no issues with the install, they were all very respectful of our property, were friendly to our dogs, and played good music! They did a great job of cleaning up what was a pretty large project and circled around several times to make sure they grabbed anything that might've been missed. All and all I am really glad I went with them - had no issues getting my tax credits and was exactly what they said it'd be. Will 100% use them in the future if we add more solar panels or a battery!
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: