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Massachusetts · MA

Solar Panels in Massachusetts:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Massachusetts averages 1295.8 kWh per kWp per year with 4.5 peak sun hours per day. At 31.16¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $3,230/year and pays back in about 4.7 years.

💡 Massachusetts SMART program pays a fixed rate per kWh produced for 10 years — on top of electricity savings. High rates make solar ROI among the best in New England.

Massachusetts Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day4.5 hrs
Avg solar yield1295.8 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate31.16¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)4.7 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$3,230/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Massachusetts

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

SMART program ($0.10–0.20/kWh × 10 yrs), 15% state tax credit, MassSave 0% loans

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Plus sales tax exemption. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Massachusetts

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Sales Tax Exemption — Solar equipment is sales-tax exempt
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
SREC Market — Earn certificates for energy produced
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Massachusetts Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 4 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Boston
1307.3 kWh/kWp · 4.6 yr payback
Worcester
1311.2 kWh/kWp · 4.6 yr payback
Springfield
1264.2 kWh/kWp · 4.8 yr payback
Cambridge
1300.7 kWh/kWp · 4.7 yr payback
Lowell
1323.2 kWh/kWp · 6.4 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Massachusetts.

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All Massachusetts incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Massachusetts SMART solar program?
The SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program pays solar owners a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour their system produces for 10 years, regardless of whether it's self-consumed or exported. Rates vary by utility and system size but typically range from $0.10–$0.20/kWh. For an average 8 kW system, this generates $1,000–$2,000 per year in additional income on top of electricity savings.
Does Massachusetts have a solar tax credit?
Yes — Massachusetts offers a 15% state income tax credit on solar installations, up to $1,000. Combined with the 30% federal ITC and SMART program income, Massachusetts homeowners have multiple ways to reduce solar costs and earn ongoing income.
Is solar worth it in Massachusetts despite the cloudy weather?
Yes. Massachusetts has moderate sun (4.5 peak sun hours/day) but among the highest electricity rates in the US (29–33¢/kWh). The high electricity rate more than compensates for lower production — Boston's average solar payback is just 5–7 years, similar to sun-rich states with lower rates.

Going Solar in Massachusetts: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Massachusetts. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Massachusetts average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 31.16¢/kWh in Massachusetts, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Massachusetts does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. SMART program ($0.10–0.20/kWh × 10 yrs).

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Massachusetts typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Massachusetts: Massachusetts averages 1295.8 kWh/kWp/year with 4.5 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 31.16¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$3,230/year and pays back in 4.7 years. SMART program ($0.10–0.20/kWh × 10 yrs), 15% state tax credit, MassSave 0% loans.