Massachusetts Solar Incentives and Programs

Massachusetts boasts some of the best solar savings in the country.

Find out how much you can save with the solar incentives and programs in the Bay State.

$1,365

Average Annual Savings

See immediate savings and watch them continue to stack up year after year.

45%

Lower Monthly Payment

Trade the unpredictable electric bill for a lower, price-protected solar payment.

$0

Upfront Cost of Solar

With the incentives available in Massachusetts, the switch to solar is easy.

Mass Homeowners Save More

Massachusetts is blazing a trail towards a sustainable future, running on sunshine. Our state has long been a leader in adopting environmentally friendly policies and programs, with a bold goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

And with some of the best solar incentives and rebates in the country, Bay Staters can break free from high energy bills and bask in the sunshine while saving big on their electricity costs.

 

 

Skyline of Boston, Massachusetts with text that says "Massachusetts Electric Rates - 2nd Highest in US, 35% More than Avg, 50% Increase in 2022

MA Electric Rates:
The 2nd Most Expensive State

Massachusetts electric rates are rising faster than the price of Red Sox tickets during a World Series year. We’re not just talking a few cents here and there – on average, Bay Staters pay over $100 more per month for electricity than the national average. 

It’s no wonder we’re ranked number two in the country for the most expensive electric rates, second only to Hawaii. Our rates have been climbing higher than the Green Monster for the past 25 years, with a 50% spike in 2022.

Massachusetts
Solar Incentives and Rebates

The Bay State has some of the best solar incentives and state-funded programs around.

30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

As of 2022 there is a federal tax credit available for 30% of the total cost of the solar project. This is available to anyone who purchases a solar panel system and makes going solar more affordable today than ever before. 

While traditionally this credit has been claimed by the homeowner with solar ownership, the credit also makes the cost of leasing solar panels much more affordable by reducing the monthly rate. 

Massachusetts MREC program (Massachusetts Renewable Energy Credit)

The MA MREC program offers incentives for residential properties that add solar panels to their home. This green energy program pays home owners a premium for all the electricity their solar panels generate for 25 years. These credits will generate a credit on your electric bill, resulting in you receiving a check from your electric company.

The average MA home uses approximately 10,000 kWh of electricity per year. This electricity would be generated by your solar system and tracked. Through the MREC Program you would receive a credit for up to $.03 per kWh for the electricity your home created. This would result in a monthly MREC check for $300 every year for 25 years, and a $0 electric bill.

Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program

This program provides payments to eligible solar projects over a 10-year period. It was created to encourage the development of solar energy in Massachusetts by providing financial incentives to homeowners, businesses, and public entities that install solar panels.

MA Property Tax Exemption for Solar Installation

Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying any additional property taxes on the added home value from their MA solar panel system.

Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption

Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying the normal 6.25% home solar system state sales tax. There is no additional cost for sales taxes on a Massachusetts solar system.

Mass Solar Loan Program

This program provides low-interest loans to help homeowners finance the installation of a solar panel system. This is designed to help more people in Massachusetts make the switch to solar.

Massachusetts Net Energy Metering

In Massachusetts, if you produce more energy than you use, you get a credit on your utility bill. This credit can be used later to power your home if your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy, so you don’t need to buy batteries.

How to Claim the MA Solar Energy Incentives

We take care of everything aside from filing your taxes for you next year. While you should certainly consult a tax professional, we always make sure our customers are taking full advantage of any federal and state solar incentives. This includes providing alternative options such as leasing or power purchase agreements in the event that you don’t qualify for the incentives.

Mass Homeowners Save BIG

Massachusetts is blazing a trail towards a sustainable future, running on sunshine. Our state has long been a leader in adopting environmentally friendly policies and programs, with a bold goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. And with some of the best solar incentives and rebates in the country, Bay Staters can break free from high energy bills and bask in the sunshine while saving big on their electricity costs.

MA Electric Rates: The 2nd Most Expensive State

Massachusetts electric rates are rising faster than the price of Red Sox tickets during a World Series year. We’re not just talking a few cents here and there – on average, Bay Staters pay over $100 more per month for electricity than the national average. 

It’s no wonder we’re ranked number two in the country for the most expensive electric rates, second only to Hawaii. Our rates have been climbing higher than the Green Monster for the past 25 years, with a 50% spike in 2022.

Massachusetts Solar Incentives and Rebates

The Bay State has some of the best solar incentives and state-funded programs around.

1.

30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

As of 2022 there is a federal tax credit available for 30% of the total cost of the solar project. This is available to anyone who purchases a solar panel system and makes going solar more affordable today than ever before. While traditionally this credit has been claimed by the homeowner with solar ownership, the credit also makes the cost of leasing solar panels much more affordable by reducing the monthly rate. 

2.

Massachusetts MREC program (Massachusetts Renewable Energy Credit)

The MA MREC program offers incentives for residential properties that add solar panels to their home. This green energy program pays homeowners a premium for all the electricity their solar panels generate for 25 years. These credits will generate a credit on your electric bill, resulting in you receiving a check from your electric company.

The average MA home uses approximately 10,000 kWh of electricity per year. This electricity would be generated by your solar system and tracked. Through the MREC Program you would receive a credit for up to $.03 per kWh for the electricity your home created. This would result in a monthly MREC check for $300 every year for 25 years, and a $0 electric bill.

3.

Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program

This program provides payments to eligible solar projects over a 10-year period. It was created to encourage the development of solar energy in Massachusetts by providing financial incentives to homeowners, businesses, and public entities that install solar panels.

4.

MA Property Tax Exemption for Solar Installation

Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying any additional property taxes on the added home value from their MA solar panel system.

5.

Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption

Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying the normal 6.25% home solar system state sales tax. There is no additional cost for sales taxes on a Massachusetts solar system.

6.

Mass Solar Loan Program

This program provides low-interest loans to help homeowners finance the installation of a solar panel system. This is designed to help more people in Massachusetts make the switch to solar.

7.

Massachusetts Net Energy Metering

In Massachusetts, if you produce more energy than you use, you get a credit on your utility bill. This credit can be used later to power your home if your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy, so you don’t need to buy batteries.

How to Claim the MA Solar Energy Incentives

We take care of everything aside from filing your taxes for you next year. While you should certainly consult a tax professional, we always make sure our customers are taking full advantage of any federal and state solar incentives. This includes providing alternative options such as leasing or power purchase agreements in the event that you don’t qualify for the incentives.

Evergreen has been a fantastic partner here with my solar project. From the initial sales cycle to the implementation, they were accommodating and communicative. Also, their pricing was fair and practical. Couldn't be happier with the end result. Loved working with them and strongly recommend them for anyone interested in going solar in the new england region.
Daniel Britman
Daniel Britman
2023-10-04
Working with Evergreen Solar was a fantastic experience. I think we had a more complicated project than most with a leaking roof, rotted and missing trim, electrical service upgrade… there was a list of issues that needed to be addressed. Dimitri assured us it would get done and Jordyn and team made it all happen. It was a great experience and I highly recommend them.
Sarah Piekos
Sarah Piekos
2023-10-03
Excellent communication and support throughout the process.
Elizabeth Klisiewicz
Elizabeth Klisiewicz
2023-09-30
Evergreen Solar was a great experience for my family as we have high electric bills and needed a new roof. With inflation we have cut our cost down in our new home and Evergreen has made this process effortless. We couldn't be happier with them and our overall experience. Thank you!
Britni Nozzolillo
Britni Nozzolillo
2023-09-26
Buying solar is hard and my neighbors had mixed experience about getting it. Salesperson Matt really made entire process very easy for me. He promised to keep me updated during the whole thing which made me feel like I chose a very good quality company. I purchase a roof and solar package and everything came out beautiful. I even sent a coworker to contact Matt which says alot about my experience.
J C
J C
2023-09-24
The whole process was seamless from beginning to end. Any questions we had were quickly answered. The installation was done professionally and amazingly fast. The permitting process went smoothly. The system is up and running. So far we have been very pleased.
Stephen Vandergrift
Stephen Vandergrift
2023-09-22
Bruce Haley
Bruce Haley
2023-09-15
Overall experience so far is amazing. EVeryone from my project manager, roofing team, solar panel installers, electrician, and so many more in the background made this such an easy experience. My project manager Jordyn was able to coordinate around my special needs and make sure I was in the loop of any and all scheduling conflicts as they happened. When the teams arrived within days of each other they started and finished their part in a single day, never leaving my house in any unsafe condition to weather. City inspectors came for after inspections and they had a rep on site to walk him through everything, so i was able to just be a fly on the wall and listen and not answer anything.
Steven Hall
Steven Hall
2023-09-15
I would have to say that I had talked to many Solar companies about putting solar on my house and the trust was not there (one company told me me I could put solar on my existing 30 year old roof). I reached out to Evergreen and Rich Plante came out and talked to me and after meeting with him I trusted what he was saying and agreed to have Solar put on my house. He was upfront about the whole project and answered all our questions as the project was going on. I have to say I’m happy we chose them over all the other solar companies out there. They nice part is we received a free roof in the deal.Thanks Rich
mtower44
mtower44
2023-09-14
High marks for professionalism, customer service, quality of work. 3rd party roofers did a great job, very thorough on fixing blemishes and putting water barrier under siding as well as roof. Panels are symmetrical with roof and don't show any conduit sticking out. Permit process and dealing with National Grid took from March to running on August 28th. So far so good.
Scott Bush
Scott Bush
2023-09-12
Solar Panel Installers Massachusetts

Can you get free solar panels in Massachusetts?

While you can’t technically get “free” solar panels anywhere, they are “free” in the sense that you can expect to pay less for solar than you already do for electricity — and it costs nothing to make the switch.

So you’re swapping out an unpredictable and constantly increasing electric bill for a price protected solar payment that is usually about 40% lower. While it isn’t exactly “free”, it’s about as close as it gets.

Badge that shows Massachusetts #1 Roof & Solar Company

Bundle Roof + Solar
and Get Your Roof
“On the House”

Our Roof + Solar Bundle makes it easy for Mass locals to get a new roof and solar at the same time. Since it’s an essential part of the solar project, you save big by bundling — and still pay less than traditional electricity.

Can you get free solar panels in Massachusetts?

While you can’t technically get “free” solar panels anywhere, they are “free” in the sense that you can expect to pay less for solar than you already do for electricity — and it costs nothing to make the switch.

So you’re swapping out an unpredictable and constantly increasing electric bill for a price protected solar payment that is usually about 40% lower. While it isn’t exactly “free”, it’s about as close as it gets.

Solar Panel Installers Massachusetts
Badge that shows Massachusetts #1 Roof & Solar Company

Bundle Roof + Solar
and Get Your Roof
"On the House"

Our Roof + Solar Bundle makes it easy for Mass locals to get a new roof and solar at the same time. Since it’s an essential part of the solar project, you save big by bundling — and still pay less than traditional electricity.

Authorized Sunnova Dealer
Made in American solar products