Solar in Massachusetts: companies, incentives, net metering and cost
Massachusetts incentives, net metering rules and average quoted prices, checked against statutes and utility tariffs. City pages come when utility records name enough installers in a Massachusetts city.
Net metering in Massachusetts: what utilities pay for exported power
Net metering under M.G.L. c.164 §139: a Class I facility of 25 kW or less may net meter; when generation exceeds use in a billing period the customer is billed for zero kWh and the excess becomes net metering credits that carry forward month to month. Systems of 10 kW or less on a single-phase circuit are cap-exempt. The credit value for Class I facilities is set by DPU rules (220 CMR 18) from the utility's per-kWh charges.
| Utility | Program | Credit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitchburg Gas & Electric Light | Class I net metering (M.G.L. c.164 §139): excess kWh become credits that carry forward month to month | retail rate | tariff |
| Massachusetts Electric | Class I net metering (M.G.L. c.164 §139): excess kWh become credits that carry forward month to month | retail rate | tariff |
| NSTAR Electric | Class I net metering (M.G.L. c.164 §139): excess kWh become credits that carry forward month to month | retail rate | tariff |
| Western Massachusetts Electric | Class I net metering (M.G.L. c.164 §139): excess kWh become credits that carry forward month to month | retail rate | tariff |
Massachusetts solar incentives and tax credits in 2026
- Federal tax credit: the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS). What changed.
- Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit (M.G.L. c.62 §6(d), Schedule EC): 15% of the net cost of renewable energy source property at a principal residence, up to $1,000, carried forward up to three years; the definition covers solar property that produces electricity for the dwelling (source).
- SMART 3.0 (DOER, 225 CMR 28): $0.03 per kWh generated for 20 years for residential systems, $0.06/kWh for income-qualified customers; applications from January 1, 2026; National Grid, Eversource and Unitil customers (source).
- Property tax: M.G.L. c.59 §5 cl.45: an owned or leased solar system that produces no more than 125% of the property's annual electricity needs, or is 25 kW or less, is exempt from property tax for 20 years.
- Sales tax: M.G.L. c.64H §6(dd): sales of equipment directly relating to a solar system used as a primary or auxiliary power system supplying the energy needs of an individual's principal residence are exempt from sales tax.
How much do solar panels cost in Massachusetts?
Statewide, quotes on the EnergySage marketplace average $2.91 per watt before incentives, about $20,370 for a 7 kW system; a typical 11.0 kW system is quoted $27,124–$36,696 (EnergySage, updated 2026-09-11).
Check a Massachusetts solar company's license
- Contractor licenses: Massachusetts eLicensing lookup (Division of Occupational Licensure).
Checked on 2026-09-21. How I calculate.
Have a quote already?
Check its price per watt and payback against your utility's current rates.