Solar Panels in Massachusetts
SMART Program + 15% State Tax Credit
$1,600/yr
Avg. Annual Savings
4.5 peak hrs/day
Peak Sun Hours
5–8 years
Payback Period
$15,000–$24,000
Avg. System Cost
Overview
Is Solar Worth It in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has some of the strongest solar incentives in the entire country. The state's SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program pays homeowners a fixed rate for every kilowatt-hour their system produces for 10 years — on top of the electricity savings. Add a 15% state income tax credit and one of the most favorable net metering policies in the nation, and Massachusetts becomes one of the best states to go solar regardless of its northern latitude.
Massachusetts electricity rates average $0.25+/kWh — among the highest in the country — which means every kWh your panels produce is worth significantly more here than in most other states. The financial case for solar in Massachusetts is exceptionally strong.
Benefits
Why Go Solar in Massachusetts
Reduce Your Electric Bill
Massachusetts homeowners save an average of $1,600/yr after going solar.
Federal 30% Tax Credit
Deduct 30% of your total system cost from your federal income taxes.
Increase Home Value
Solar panels increase your home's resale value — and are excluded from property tax in most states.
Energy Independence
Lock in your electricity rate and protect against rising utility costs for 25+ years.
Available Incentives
Massachusetts Solar Incentives & Tax Credits
SMART Program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target)
State ProgramThe SMART program pays residential solar owners a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour produced for 10 years, regardless of what you use or send to the grid. This provides predictable, guaranteed income on top of your bill savings.
Massachusetts State Solar Tax Credit
Tax CreditMassachusetts offers a 15% state income tax credit on the net cost of your solar system, up to $1,000. This stacks directly on top of the federal 30% ITC.
Net Metering
Net MeteringMassachusetts utilities offer net metering at the full retail rate for systems up to 10 kW. Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil all participate.
Property Tax Exemption
Tax ExemptionMassachusetts exempts the added value of solar installations from property tax assessments for 20 years after installation.
Sales Tax Exemption
Tax ExemptionMassachusetts exempts solar energy equipment from the state's 6.25% sales tax.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Tax CreditThe federal 30% ITC applies to all Massachusetts homeowners who purchase their solar system.
Common Questions
Massachusetts Solar FAQ
Local Solar Companies
Solar Companies by City in Massachusetts
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