Is Solar Worth It in Massachusetts in 2026?
Is solar worth it in Massachusetts in 2026? MA electricity rates (EIA), net metering, SMART 3.0, state incentives and SunPol Solar options, all sourced.
Solar can still make sense for many Massachusetts homes in 2026: residential electricity averaged 30.48¢/kWh in August 2026, versus 18.16¢ nationally (EIA), and for Eversource, National Grid and Unitil customers, net metering and the SMART 3.0 incentive still apply. SunPol Solar serves Massachusetts homeowners. Whether solar pays off for you depends on your roof, usage, utility and how you pay.
Is solar worth it in Massachusetts in 2026?
Solar is worth considering in Massachusetts in 2026 because electricity is expensive and state programs remain in place. If Eversource, National Grid or Unitil serves your home, you can net meter, and small systems can join SMART 3.0. The federal 25D homeowner credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, so state rules matter more.
The IRS says the Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS).
This page explains the factors that decide the answer for your home, with a source for every number.
SunPol Solar, a Connecticut-based solar company, serves Massachusetts homeowners and is registered in Massachusetts under MA HIC #220128.
How much does electricity cost in Massachusetts compared with the US?
According to EIA's Electric Power Monthly, the average Massachusetts residential price was 30.48 cents per kWh in August 2026, compared with 30.55 cents in August 2025 and a US average of 18.16 cents in August 2026. Every kWh your panels produce and use at home is a kWh you do not buy at that rate.
| Area | Residential average, August 2026 | Residential average, August 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢/kWh | 30.55¢/kWh |
| New England | 28.31¢/kWh | 29.01¢/kWh |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢/kWh | 30.17¢/kWh |
| U.S. total | 18.16¢/kWh | 17.57¢/kWh |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, data for August 2026.
Your own rate depends on your utility, your supply choice and your rate class, so check your latest bill.
How does net metering work in Massachusetts for home solar?
If Eversource, National Grid or Unitil serves your home, you may net meter. You are billed for your net consumption each month, and when your system produces more than you use, you receive a net metering credit as a dollar amount on your bill. Credits never expire and roll over to the next billing period for typical home systems.
- A system of 60 kW or less is a Class I net metering facility.
- A Class I system of 25 kW or less is a nameplate cap exempt facility, so it can net meter even when the utility's net metering cap is full.
- Credits roll over unless the facility is a cap exempt facility serving on-site load, a category for systems larger than 25 kW.
- The credit value comes from a formula in 220 CMR 18.04, using components such as basic service, distribution, transmission and transition charges.
- For example, the state guide shows a Class I cap exempt credit of about 27 cents per kWh for an Eversource East R-1 customer in August 2024.
- Net metering and SMART are separate programs administered by different agencies, and a system that meets both sets of rules earns net metering credits and participates in SMART.
If a municipal electric company serves your home, contact it to find out whether it offers net metering.
The state's net metering guide also has a section on the minimum monthly reliability contribution, so read it before you sign.
What is the Massachusetts SMART 3.0 program in 2026?
SMART 3.0 (225 CMR 28.00) is the current version of the state's SMART solar incentive, managed by DOER. For Program Year 2026, small systems of 25 kW AC or less receive a flat $0.03 per kWh of energy generated, or $0.06 per kWh for Low-Income systems. DOER began accepting Program Year 2026 applications on January 1, 2026.
- The flat rates are fixed for all small systems and are based on the previous year's average net metering credit value.
- DOER publishes an Annual Report with capacity and incentive rates for each Program Year and accepts applications from January 1 through December 31 of that year.
- Program Year 2026 has 600 MWAC of available capacity for systems subject to the capacity cap.
- DOER has posted draft Program Year 2027 rates and capacity, so check the rate for the year your system is approved.
- Applications are filed through separate SMART portals for National Grid, Eversource and Unitil.
- Projects in SMART 2.0 remain subject to the SMART 2.0 Program Guidelines.
The older SREC program is closed and no longer accepting applications for new solar facilities; new systems may be able to qualify under SMART instead. See the DOER SMART 3.0 page for current rates.
What other solar incentives does Massachusetts offer homeowners?
As of November 2026, Massachusetts offers a personal income tax credit of 15% of the net expenditure for purchased solar at your principal residence, or $1,000, whichever is less. State law also exempts qualifying solar systems from local property tax for 20 years and solar equipment for your principal residence from sales tax. Batteries can earn Mass Save ConnectedSolutions incentives.
| Incentive | What it is | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| MA residential energy credit | 15% of net expenditure or $1,000, whichever is less, against MA personal income tax | An owner or tenant who buys the system for their principal residence; leasing costs do not qualify |
| Property tax exemption | Local property tax exemption for 20 years | An owned or leased solar system that meets the size rules, such as 25 kilowatts or less |
| Sales tax exemption | Exemption for sales of equipment directly relating to a solar system | Systems supplying the energy needs of an individual's principal residence |
| SMART 3.0 | $0.03 per kWh flat (Program Year 2026), $0.06 for Low-Income systems | Small systems of 25 kW AC or less |
| ConnectedSolutions | $275 per kW of a battery's average contribution during summer events | Battery owners who are customers of Cape Light Compact, Eversource or National Grid |
- The income tax credit claimed in a year may not exceed your Massachusetts personal income tax liability for that year.
- Net expenditure means the purchase price plus installation cost, less any credits received under the Internal Revenue Code and less certain HUD grants or rebates.
- Batteries are eligible for HEAT Loan financing offered by the Sponsors of Mass Save.
- The regulation says the costs of leasing renewable energy source property are not eligible expenditures, so with the Prepaid Solar Lease or a PPA, where SunPol or the provider owns the system, ask a tax professional before counting on the state credit.
- This page is general information, not tax advice; talk to a tax professional about your situation.
Which SunPol Solar options are available in Massachusetts?
SunPol Solar serves Massachusetts homeowners with residential solar installation, battery storage and the Prepaid Solar Lease. SunPol reviews the home first, then compares cash purchase, PPA, battery options and the Prepaid Solar Lease, so you can understand upfront cost, monthly payments and long-term value. Project details for your address are confirmed during the consultation process.
| SunPol option | How you pay | Who owns the system |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid Solar Lease (Prepaid Solar Program) | One price, paid upfront; program price 30% less than buying the same system, for systems in service by December 31, 2027 | SunPol, which owns, monitors and maintains it under the agreement |
| Solar PPA through a financing partner | No upfront system cost; you pay for the power it produces, from 16¢/kWh for qualified customers, escalator 0%–2.99%; utility charges may remain | The PPA provider |
| Cash purchase | You pay for the system | You |
In Massachusetts, the Prepaid Solar Lease payment schedule and agreement terms are set out in your written agreement.
When SunPol or a PPA provider owns the system, ask how SMART payments and other incentives are handled in your agreement before you sign.
Compare the payment paths on the SunPol financing page, or see the Massachusetts solar company page.
What decides whether solar pays off for your Massachusetts home?
Six factors decide it: your electricity rate and usage, your roof's sun and shade, your utility's net metering rules, SMART 3.0, the incentives you qualify for, and whether you buy, prepay or sign a PPA. A clear proposal shows each factor for your address, so you can check every assumption before you decide.
| Factor | What it means in Massachusetts | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity rate | MA residential average was 30.48¢/kWh in August 2026 | EIA Electric Power Monthly and your bill |
| Utility | Eversource, National Grid and Unitil customers may net meter | Mass.gov net metering guide and your utility |
| Roof and shade | NREL's PVWatts tool estimates the energy production of a grid-connected system for any address | NREL PVWatts and your installer's design |
| SMART 3.0 | Small systems receive a flat incentive per kWh generated | DOER SMART 3.0 page |
| Ownership | Buying, a prepaid lease and a PPA change who owns the system | Your contract |
| Battery | ConnectedSolutions pays for a battery's average contribution during summer events | Mass Save |
Comparing with Connecticut? See Is solar worth it in Connecticut?
Take Action
Talk to a local SunPol advisor
Schedule your free phone call to talk with a local SunPol advisor about your roof, your electric bill, and the solar programs available in your town.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SREC program still open in Massachusetts?
No. The state says the SREC program is closed and no longer accepting applications for new solar facilities. New solar facilities may be able to qualify under the SMART program instead, which for Program Year 2026 pays small systems of 25 kW AC or less a flat incentive per kWh generated.
Can I still get the federal solar tax credit in Massachusetts in 2026?
Not as a homeowner for a new system. The IRS says the Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025. A qualifying purchase may earn the Massachusetts residential energy credit: 15% of net expenditure or $1,000, whichever is less. This is general information, not tax advice; ask a tax professional.
Do net metering credits expire in Massachusetts?
No. The state net metering guide says credits never expire and roll over to the next billing period unless the facility is a cap exempt facility serving on-site load, a category for systems larger than 25 kW. Net metering credits appear as a dollar amount, not as kilowatt hours, on your bill.
Can municipal light plant customers net meter in Massachusetts?
It depends on the utility. The state net metering rules cover customers of Eversource, National Grid and Unitil, and the state tells municipal electric company customers to contact their utility to find out whether it offers net metering. SMART 3.0 applications are filed through National Grid, Eversource and Unitil portals.
Is the Massachusetts solar property tax exemption 20 years?
Yes, for qualifying systems. Massachusetts law exempts an owned or leased solar system that meets the size rules, such as a system of 25 kilowatts or less, from local property tax for 20 years. A longer period may be allowed by written agreement between the system owner and the municipality.
Does SunPol Solar install solar in Massachusetts?
Yes. SunPol Solar is a Connecticut-based solar company serving Massachusetts homeowners with residential solar installation, battery storage and the Prepaid Solar Lease, and it is registered in Massachusetts under MA HIC #220128. Project details for your address are confirmed during the solar report and consultation process.
Customer Reviews
5-Star Google Reviews
Get your free custom solar design.
A solar advisor will review your electric bill and build a system designed around your home — whether you’re in Connecticut or Massachusetts. Not a template, not a guess.
- 125B Rockwell Rd, Newington, CT 06111
- contact@sunpolsolar.com
We talk through every design with you, one home at a time.
Pick a time that works for you. A SunPol advisor will call to walk through your custom design — no pressure, no home visit required.
