Solar in Massachusetts
Key Solar Metrics
30.5¢/kWh
4.9 peak sun hours
887 kWh/kW
Net Metering
6 active programs
Massachusetts Personal Income Tax Credit for Solar
Mixed
Major Utilities
Solar Landscape in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's electricity market includes both investor-owned utilities and cooperative/municipal providers. Utility-specific solar programs vary by provider. Residential customers should check with their specific utility provider for available solar incentive programs, interconnection requirements, and export credit rates.
Permitting
Massachusetts follows local jurisdiction permitting for residential solar installations. Permitting requirements and timelines vary by county and municipality. Homeowners should contact their local building department for specific permit requirements, fees, and inspection schedules. Some jurisdictions in Massachusetts have adopted streamlined solar permitting processes to reduce installation timelines.
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Solar Incentives & Rebates
Some incentive data is provisional and subject to verification. Programs may change — check official sources before making decisions.
State Programs
Massachusetts Personal Income Tax Credit for Solar
15% of the cost of a residential solar installation, up to $1,000.
SMART 3.0 Program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target)
SMART 3.0 (launched mid-2025) performance-based incentive. Base rate ~$0.03/kWh; low-income ~$0.06/kWh; battery adder ~$0.04/kWh. Paid monthly for 10 years. Rates vary by territory and block.
Massachusetts Sales Tax Exemption for Solar
Solar energy equipment is exempt from the 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax.
Massachusetts Property Tax Exemption for Solar
20-year property tax exemption on the value added by solar energy systems to residential property.
Massachusetts Net Metering (Full Retail)
Full retail rate net metering for residential systems up to 25 kW. Excess credits roll over and are compensated at avoided cost at year end.
Massachusetts Solar Access Rights
Massachusetts protects solar access through easement law and restricts unreasonable HOA prohibitions of solar installations.
Massachusetts Net Metering
- Policy Type
- Net Metering
- Credit Type
- Full Retail Rate
- System Size Cap
- 25 kW
- Annual Credit Rollover
- Yes
- Effective Date
- February 1, 2025
Run the Numbers for Massachusetts
Solar in Massachusetts costs $3.09–$3.59 per watt
National average: $3.36/W
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