Solar Panels in Massachusetts (MA)
Last updated: February 24, 2026
Massachusetts homeowners pay an average of $0.29/kWh for electricity — well above the national average of $0.16/kWh. With 3.8 peak sun hours per day and state-level incentives, an 8 kW solar system can pay for itself in about 9.7 years, then generate free electricity for 15-20+ more years.
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit Repealed
The 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) was repealed in early 2026. Homeowners who installed solar before the repeal can still claim the credit. Commercial projects retain the 30% ITC under Section 48/48E. Massachusetts state incentives remain available.
Electricity Rate
$0.29/kWh
Above national avg ($0.16)
Sun Hours/Day
3.8 hrs
Fair Solar Irradiance
8 kW System Cost
$28,000
$3.50/watt installed
Federal Residential ITC
Repealed
Section 25D (early 2026)
Annual Savings
$2,900
10,000 kWh/year
Payback Period
9.7 yrs
then free electricity for 15-20+ yrs
Solar Irradiance in Massachusetts (2026)
Massachusetts receives an average of 3.8 peak sun hours per day annually, equivalent to roughly 1387 kWh/m² per year of global horizontal irradiance (GHI). Summer peaks reach about 4.9 h/day, while winter lows drop to around 2.3 h/day.
This places Massachusetts in the fair solar irradiance band compared with other US states. At 3.8 kWh/m²/day, each 1 kW of rooftop solar in Massachusetts generates approximately 1,082 kWh/year (assuming 78% system performance after inverter, soiling, and temperature losses), which makes an 8 kW system produce around 10,000 kWh per year.
Data source: NREL National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB), 1998-2020 typical meteorological year averages. Massachusetts (MA) values reflect the statewide average; coastal, mountain, and desert microclimates can vary by ±15% from this figure.
Massachusetts Solar Incentives (2026)
Federal residential tax credit was repealed in early 2026. Massachusetts continues to offer the following state and utility-level programs:
| Incentive | Value | Eligibility | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Section 25D ITC | 0% (Repealed Q1 2026) | N/A | Was 12/31/2025 | IRS |
| SMART program (production-based) | $0.07-0.42/kWh × 10 yrs | Eversource/National Grid/Unitil customers | Block-based (declining) | MA DOER |
| Residential income tax credit 15% (cap $1000) | 15% credit, max $1,000 | MA resident; primary residence | Ongoing | MA DOR |
| Property + sales tax exemption | — | — | Verify with state agency | DSIRE |
⚠ Always verify state incentive deadlines, caps, and eligibility before signing a solar contract — programs change annually and many have annual funding caps that exhaust mid-year.
Major utility companies in Massachusetts
Check your utility's net metering policy, interconnection requirements, and rate structure before installing — rules vary significantly within Massachusetts:
- • Eversource Energy
- • National Grid
- • Unitil
Each utility has different rate structures, net metering caps, and time-of-use schedules. Visit your utility's website for current solar interconnection requirements and queue times.
Solar Cost Calculator for Massachusetts
Here's what an 8 kW system costs in Massachusetts and how savings accumulate over time (estimated 2026 data):
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| System cost (8 kW) | $28,000 |
| Federal Residential ITC (Section 25D) | Repealed |
| Net cost (before state incentives) | $28,000 |
| Annual production | 10,000 kWh |
| Electricity rate | $0.29/kWh |
| Annual savings | $2,900/yr |
| Payback period | 9.7 years |
| 10-year savings | $29,000 |
| 25-year total savings | $72,500 |
Estimated 2026 data based on Massachusetts average electricity rates and solar irradiance. Actual savings vary by usage, utility, and system configuration. Does not include state incentives or electricity rate increases (historically 2-3%/year), which improve returns further. The federal residential ITC (Section 25D) was repealed in early 2026.
Massachusetts Climate & Solar Performance
Climate Zone: Humid Continental / Cold Winters
Massachusetts has cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Despite modest sun hours (3.6-4.0/day), it is consistently ranked among the top 5 states for solar ROI due to the highest electricity rates in the continental US ($0.25-$0.35/kWh) and exceptional incentives. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and the state's net metering and SMART program provide outstanding financial returns. Snow impact is minimal (1-3% annual loss) for properly tilted systems.
Key Climate Factors for Solar in Massachusetts
- ✓ Highest electricity rates in continental US ($0.25-$0.35/kWh)
- ✓ Top 3 state for solar financial ROI despite moderate sun
- ✓ SMART program provides 10 years of production-based income
- ✓ Cold winters boost panel efficiency above STC ratings
- ✓ Snow causes only 1-3% annual production loss
- ✓ Strong incentive stack can reduce total cost by 50-60%
Net Metering in Massachusetts
Net Metering with Capacity-Based Credits
Massachusetts offers net metering for solar systems, but credit values vary by system size and utility. Residential systems under 10 kW receive full retail rate credits. Systems between 10-25 kW receive credits at a slightly reduced rate. Excess credits can be rolled forward or assigned to other accounts. The high retail electricity rate ($0.25-$0.35/kWh) makes every net-metered kWh exceptionally valuable.
Export rate: Full retail rate for systems <10 kW (~$0.29/kWh)
Solar Incentives in Massachusetts
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Residential credit repealed (Section 25D)The residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) was repealed in early 2026. Massachusetts' SMART program, state tax credit, and strong net metering continue to make solar an excellent investment. Commercial projects retain the 30% ITC.
SMART Program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target)
$0.03-$0.10/kWh for 10 yearsThe SMART program provides fixed per-kWh payments for 10 years of solar production. Rates vary by utility territory, system size, and program block. For a typical residential system, expect $0.03-$0.10/kWh, generating $300-$1,000/year in additional income.
Massachusetts State Tax Credit
15% of system cost, up to $1,000Massachusetts offers a state income tax credit of 15% of the net cost of a solar installation, capped at $1,000.
Property Tax Exemption
20-year exemption on added valueSolar installations are exempt from property tax increases for 20 years in Massachusetts.
Sales Tax Exemption
6.25% savings on equipmentSolar energy equipment is exempt from Massachusetts' 6.25% state sales tax.
Mass Save Rebates
Varies by utility and technologyMassachusetts utilities offer rebates through the Mass Save program for energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades, including battery storage incentives.
Top 2 Recommended Solar Panels for Massachusetts
With 3.8 sun hours/day, Massachusetts homeowners need the most efficient panels to maximize every hour of sunlight — especially given electricity rates of $0.29/kWh where every kWh counts:
Why for Massachusetts: REC's HJT with the lowest degradation rate means maximum energy over 25 years. Combined with SMART payments and high electricity rates, low degradation translates to thousands more in lifetime savings.
Why for Massachusetts: LONGi's 23.0% efficient panel with 620W output reduces panel count. Excellent cold-weather performance. Strong value proposition for maximizing roof coverage with fewer, higher-output panels.
Recommendation Updates
As of 2026-05-23: Maxeon 7 470W previously listed here is excluded — Maxeon Solar Technologies received NASDAQ delisting notice (April 2026) and is in Interim Judicial Management. Mexican-assembled Maxeon modules have been detained by US CBP since July 2024 under UFLPA compliance review (CBP denied Maxeon's protests in March 2025). Additionally, model 'Maxeon 7 470W' could not be located in maxeon.com/technical-documents — official datasheet lists 445W/24.1% as the highest residential variant. Recommendations are limited to currently-shipping products with manufacturer-published datasheets.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-23 · See our methodology
Top 3 Recommended Batteries for Massachusetts
Pairing solar with battery storage provides backup power during outages and can optimize savings with time-of-use rates:
| Battery | Capacity | Power | Chemistry | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeGrid Stack'd Series 38.4kWh | 38.4 kWh | 34.4 kW | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | 10 yr |
| HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh | 28.8 kWh | 25.8 kW | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | 10 yr |
| BYD Battery-Box Premium HVM 22.1 | 22.08 kWh | 22.08 kW | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | 10 yr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Massachusetts in 2026?
The average cost of an 8 kW solar system in Massachusetts is approximately $28,000 ($3.50/watt installed). Note: The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) was repealed in early 2026, so the full system cost applies unless state incentives are available. State-level incentives may reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Get 3-5 quotes from local installers for accurate pricing.
Is the federal solar tax credit available in Massachusetts?
The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) was repealed in early 2026. Homeowners who installed solar before the repeal can still claim the credit for that tax year. Commercial solar projects continue to receive the 30% ITC under Section 48/48E. Massachusetts still offers state-level incentives that can reduce your solar costs. Consult a tax professional for the latest guidance.
Can solar panels work efficiently in Massachusetts's climate?
Yes, solar panels work in all climates. Massachusetts's 3.8 peak sun hours/day means choosing high-efficiency panels (21%+ efficiency) is important to maximize production. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. An 8 kW system can still produce significant savings of approximately $2,900/year.
How much can I save with solar in Massachusetts?
An 8 kW solar system in Massachusetts produces approximately 10,000 kWh/year, saving about $2,900 annually at the average electricity rate of $0.29/kWh. The estimated payback period is 9.7 years. Over 25 years, total savings can reach $72,500.
Does Massachusetts have net metering?
Net Metering with Capacity-Based Credits: Massachusetts offers net metering for solar systems, but credit values vary by system size and utility. Residential systems under 10 kW receive full retail rate credits. Systems between 10-25 kW receive credits at a slightly reduced rate. Excess credits can be rolled forward or assigned to other accounts. The high retail electricity rate ($0.25-$0.35/kWh) makes every net-metered kWh exceptionally valuable.
What is the best solar panel for Massachusetts?
Our top pick for Massachusetts is the REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W (22.6% efficiency, -0.24%/°C temp coefficient). REC's HJT with the lowest degradation rate means maximum energy over 25 years. Combined with SMART payments and high electricity rates, low degradation translates to thousands more in lifetime savings.
What is the payback period for solar in Massachusetts?
The estimated payback period for an 8 kW solar system in Massachusetts is 9.7 years. This is calculated as: system cost ($28,000) divided by annual savings ($2,900/year). Massachusetts's high electricity rates accelerate payback significantly. State incentives may shorten this further.
Do I need a battery for solar in Massachusetts?
A battery is not required for grid-tied solar in Massachusetts, but it provides backup power during outages and can increase savings with time-of-use rate optimization. Massachusetts's incentive programs may include battery storage rebates.
Does Massachusetts have solar incentives?
Yes, Massachusetts offers state-level solar incentives: SMART Program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) ($0.03-$0.10/kWh for 10 years), Massachusetts State Tax Credit (15% of system cost, up to $1,000), Property Tax Exemption (20-year exemption on added value), Sales Tax Exemption (6.25% savings on equipment), Mass Save Rebates (Varies by utility and technology). Note that the federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) was repealed in early 2026. Check the DSIRE database for the latest program details.
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