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.

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.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

The federal solar tax credit allows Massachusetts homeowners to benefit from significant savings on their solar installation. Instead of homeowners having to qualify for and claim the federal tax credit themselves, the savings are automatically applied through solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). This means everyone can benefit from the value of the credit without extra steps or stipulations — the savings are built right into your plan.

The result is lower monthly payments and a more affordable way to enjoy clean, reliable solar energy for your Massachusetts home.

Solar Incentives and Rebates

✶Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

With the enactment of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, 2025, the solar tax credit has changed. Now, instead of homeowners having to qualify for and claim the federal tax credit themselves, the savings are automatically applied through solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). This means everyone can benefit from the value of the credit without extra steps or stipulations — the savings are built right into your plan. The result is lower monthly payments and a more affordable way to enjoy clean, reliable solar energy.

✶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. 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.

✶Energy Community Tax Credit Bonus

Certain parts of Massachusetts are in special energy communities which qualify for an additional 10% tax credit bonus. These areas typically were invested in fossil fuels, and are now heavily incentivized to move towards a clean energy future with solar.

✶Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems

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.

MA Electric Rates: The 4th Most Expensive State

Massachusetts electric rates are rising faster than most states. On average, Bay Staters pay over 85% more for electricity than the national average.

We’re ranked number four in the country for the most expensive electric rates. Our rates have been climbing for the past 25 years, with a 50% spike over the last 5 years. Going solar is one of the best ways to protect yourself from these rising costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

✶What is the federal solar tax credit and how does it work in Massachusetts?+

The federal solar tax credit provides significant savings on solar installations. Through solar leases and PPAs, the value of this credit is automatically applied to your plan, lowering your monthly payment without any extra steps.

✶How does net metering work in Massachusetts?+

Massachusetts net metering allows you to send excess solar energy back to the grid and receive credits on your utility bill. When your panels produce more electricity than you use, those credits offset your future energy costs, eliminating the need for battery storage.

✶What is the MREC program and how much can I earn?+

The Massachusetts Renewable Energy Credit (MREC) program pays homeowners a premium for electricity generated by their solar panels over 25 years. The average MA home using about 10,000 kWh per year could receive up to $300 annually through this program.

✶How much does solar cost in Massachusetts after incentives?+

With all available incentives including the federal tax credit, MREC, property and sales tax exemptions, most Massachusetts homeowners can go solar for $0 upfront and pay less monthly than their current electric bill. The exact savings depend on your home and energy usage.

✶How long does it take to install solar panels in Massachusetts?+

The typical solar installation process in Massachusetts takes 4 to 8 weeks from signing to activation. This includes system design, permitting, installation, and final inspection. Most of that time is waiting for permits and utility approval.

Your Electric Bill Is Only Going Up

Massachusetts electricity rates have risen over 50% in the last 5 years alone. Lock in a lower rate today with solar.

See How Much You Can Save

What’s Really on Your Electric Bill?

57% of your bill is hidden fees and charges!

Delivery Charges

Random, confusing charges like the "customer charge" and "energy efficiency charge" make up most hidden fees.

17%

of your bill

Distribution

Supports and maintains the poles, wires, and other infrastructure that gets power from the main line to your home.

27%

of your bill

Transmission

What the electric company charges you for transporting power from the supply source to local towers and lines.

13%

of your bill

Actual Supply

The electricity you actually use—just 43% of what you pay.

43%

of your bill

Solar Eliminates All These Charges

When you go solar, you no longer rely on the utility company to produce electricity—and no longer have to pay their ridiculous charges. Instead, you produce your own power with a low, locked-in solar rate.

Eliminate Your Electric Bill Today

Is Solar Really Free 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.

Need a New Roof? Bundle and Save.

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.

Learn About Roof + Solar

Ready to Save with Massachusetts Solar?

Get a free personalized quote and see how much you can save with Massachusetts solar incentives. Our team will walk you through all available programs and rebates.

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