Does National Grid Offer Solar Incentives?
As homeowners consider the switch to solar power, one common question comes up: does National Grid offer solar incentives? Here is how National Grid fits into Massachusetts solar incentives in 2026, and which programs actually put money back in your pocket.
Understanding National Grid's Role with Solar
National Grid delivers electricity to homes and businesses across much of Massachusetts. It doesn't run its own rebate for solar, but it handles the two programs that matter most for a home system: net metering, which credits you for extra power you send to the grid, and the state's SMART 3.0 incentive, which National Grid pays out to its customers each month.
Net Metering: How It Works
When your solar panels make more electricity than your home is using, the extra power flows back to the grid. National Grid records it and gives you credits on your bill. Those credits cover the power you draw at night or on cloudy days. Credits that you don't use roll over to future bills.
Most home systems keep full-value net metering credits. Under the state's rules, systems of 10 kilowatts or less on single-phase service (the kind most homes have) receive the full credit rather than a reduced one. Our guide to net metering in Massachusetts explains the details.
Additional Solar Incentives
On top of net metering, National Grid customers who own their systems can earn these state incentives:
- SMART 3.0. A payment for every kilowatt-hour your system produces, paid by National Grid on top of your net metering credits. For home systems enrolled in 2026, it's a flat $0.03 per kWh ($0.06 for low-income customers) for up to 20 years. Read our SMART 3.0 guide for how it works.
- A state income tax credit of 15% of the system's cost, up to $1,000.
- A 20-year exemption from local property tax on the solar system.
If you lease or sign a power purchase agreement, your system qualifies for the 30% federal credit, and that value comes to you as a lower lease payment or power rate, often a better deal than buying. If you buy, the state programs above carry your return; the homeowner version of the federal credit applied to systems installed through December 31, 2025. Our overview of 2026 solar incentives explains what changed.
Conclusion
National Grid doesn't hand out its own solar rebate, but it is the utility that pays your net metering credits and your SMART 3.0 payments, which together make up most of the value of solar in its Massachusetts territory. Add the state tax credit and property tax exemption, and solar remains a strong option for many National Grid customers.
Evergreen Solar offers cash, loan, lease, PPA and prepaid PPA options. See how they compare in our guide to how to pay for solar in 2026, or get a free quote for your home.