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Massachusetts Solar Incentives, Tax Credits, and Rebates (2024 Guide)

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Author Icon By Tamara Jude + 1 other Reviewer Icon Reviewed By Roger Horowitz Updated 03/22/2024

Many Massachusetts residents saw their electricity bills increase significantly in the past year. National Grid customers saw a 29% increase to their basic service rate at the end of 2023, and Eversource customers found out in early 2024 that their utility bills would be raised to compensate for other customers’ unpaid balances. It’s not surprising that many homeowners in Massachusetts are considering moving to solar energy to reduce energy costs.

Massachusetts offers many solar incentives to help you save money when switching to solar power. Below, we summarize the top solar incentives available to Bay State residents. Check out our list of the best solar companies in Massachusetts when you’re ready to start the installation process.

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What Solar Tax Credits and Rebates Does Massachusetts Offer?

Massachusetts offers several solar tax credits and exemptions to keep solar costs low. Massachusetts is rare in that it offers multiple state-level incentives that truly benefit residents when going solar. This may be why the state has over 159,000 solar installations and 24.4% of its energy coming from solar power, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). 

Here are a few other solar incentive programs Massachusetts homeowners can apply for. We describe them in more detail below.

IncentiveTypeWhere It Comes FromWhat It Provides
Home solar project sales tax exemptionTax exemptionStateWaived sales tax on solar systems
Residential renewable energy income tax creditTax creditStateA 15% state tax credit on solar systems
SMART programTariffStatePayment for every kWh of solar power generated for 10 years
Solar installation property tax exemptionTax exemptionStateWaived property tax on increased home value due to solar installation
Net meteringBill creditLocalFree electricity from your utility company
Federal solar tax creditTax creditFederalA reduction in your federal income taxes worth 30% of your solar installation cost

Can You Qualify for the Federal Solar Tax Credit in Massachusetts?

Yes. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) allows you to claim a percentage of your solar system costs on your federal taxes. Qualifying homeowners must install the system during the tax year. You must also own the system, either by purchasing it up-front or taking out a solar loan. Those who lease their systems or enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA) aren’t eligible.

The federal credit currently equals 30% of your total system cost and related expenses. It will reduce to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

Qualifying expenses include the following:

  • Solar PV panels or PV cells
  • Balance-of-system equipment, such as wiring, inverters, and mounting equipment
  • Contractor labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly, or original installation, including permitting, inspection, and developer fees
  • Energy storage devices that have a capacity rating of 3 kilowatt-hour (kWh) or more
  • Sales taxes on eligible expenses

It’s important to note that this is a tax credit, not a tax refund. A tax refund is paid out to the taxpayer, but a tax credit reduces the amount of taxes owed.


Does Massachusetts Offer Net Metering?

If your utility provider offers net metering programs, also called buyback programs, in Massachusetts, you can participate. Most solar panel systems produce more energy than your home needs. Net metering programs allow system owners to sell this excess energy to their electric company for utility bill credits, which they can use to pay for any electricity they rely on the power grid for if their system ever underperforms. Eversource and National Grid are the two main utility companies participating in Massachusetts net metering.


Other Ways To Save on Solar in Massachusetts

While the federal tax credit and net metering programs are provided at the federal and local levels, Massachusetts has multiple state-based solar incentives. 

The Residential Energy Credit is one of the main tax credits Massachusetts residents can benefit from. An owner or tenant of a residential property located in the commonwealth who is not a dependent of another taxpayer and who occupies the property as their primary residence is eligible for a 15% state tax credit on purchased residential solar systems. 

The amount of credit a taxpayer claims in one year can’t exceed the taxpayer’s income tax liability for that taxable year.

Massachusetts’ SMART program is similar to Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), which are available in other states. It allows homeowners to receive payments from their utility company for every kilowatt-hour of solar power they create for 10 years. 

This credit is paid directly by the utility company to the system owner once their application is approved by the Solar Program Administrator and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). You must be a customer of one of three investor-owned utility companies in Massachusetts to be eligible: Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil. SMART payment rates vary depending on your local area.

Does Massachusetts Have a Property Tax Exemption?

Massachusetts offers state tax exemptions that help residents save money. Installing a solar panel system can increase your property value, but Massachusetts exempts residents from paying property tax for this added value for 20 years. Note that this does not exempt you from property tax in general, only the added value a wind or solar energy system provides.

Does Massachusetts Have a Solar Sales Tax Exemption?

Massachusetts’ Home Solar Project Sales Tax Exemption prevents you from paying the state’s 6.25% sales tax on your solar panel system. This applies to any equipment directly related to any solar, wind-powered, or heat pump system used as primary or auxiliary power for a property’s energy needs. The property must be the taxpayer’s primary residence.


How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Massachusetts?

The average cost of solar panels in Massachusetts is $34,249 for a 10-kW system before applying any solar incentives. Applying the federal solar tax credit can save you several thousand dollars, no matter your system size. Here’s a closer look at what you could spend and save.

System SizeAverage Cost*Cost After Federal Tax Credit
5 kW$17,125$11,987
6 kW$20,549$14,385
7 kW$23,974$16,782
8 kW$27,399$19,180
9 kW$30,824$21,577
10 kW$34,249$23,974
*Cost data via EnergySage

Your solar installer can advise you on the Massachusetts solar incentives you qualify for and get you started with applying. Here’s how to begin the process:

Federal tax credit: The IRS provides detailed instructions for completing the tax form on its website. Work with your tax preparer to complete and file IRS Form 5695 during the tax season after your panels are installed.
Net metering: You can apply for net metering through your utility provider by phone or online.
Property tax exemption: Contact the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to see if you qualify for this exemption.
Residential renewable energy income tax credit: The Massachusetts Department of Revenue also oversees this tax credit. Work with your tax preparer early in the tax season to fill out the proper forms.
Sales tax exemption: The solar company you purchase your system from will automatically waive sales tax.
SMART program: Submit a SMART program application.

Massachusetts Solar Companies We Recommend

If you’re ready to speak with a solar provider about your options, these are the Massachusetts solar companies we most recommend:

  • SunPower: SunPower is one of the most respected solar brands in the industry. It offers a 25-year warranty, four payment options, and energy-efficient Maxeon monocrystalline solar panels. 
  • Sunrun: Sunrun installs panels, solar batteries, and electric vehicle chargers. It offers free maintenance on Tesla solar batteries and an insurance policy in case of panel damage or theft. 
  • Momentum: Momentum installs only Tier 1 solar panels, which are known for having a longer life span. One standout feature of Momentum is its app which allows you to easily monitor and analyze your system’s performance in relation to weather and system health. 

Is Going Solar in Massachusetts Worth It?

Massachusetts is among the top 10 states pushing to increase solar energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state provides many solar incentives to make the transition more affordable for residents, and with Massachusetts electricity rates rising, this is a big advantage for those who want to separate from the power grid and invest in solar energy.

According to EnergySage, if you buy a 5 kW system, you stand to save roughly $79,711 in energy savings over 20 years, with the average break-even point at about seven years for Massachusetts residents. These savings are substantial, proving you don’t have to live in sunny Florida to benefit from clean energy. New England homeowners can still see a big reduction in electricity costs by going solar.

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FAQ About Massachusetts Solar Incentives

Does Massachusetts have a free solar panel program?

No, you can’t get free solar panels in Massachusetts, but the state offers several solar rebates and tax incentives to reduce costs. This includes the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit and Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program, plus property and state sales tax exemptions.

Does Massachusetts offer a solar tax credit?

Yes. Massachusetts offers a solar tax credit. Its Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit provides a 15% state tax credit to solar owners. Residents are also eligible for the 30% federal tax credit.

What is the MA SMART solar incentive program?

The MA SMART solar incentive program allows homeowners to receive payments from their utility company for every kilowatt-hour of solar power they create for 10 years. Participating utility companies include Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil.


Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

  • Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
  • Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
  • Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
  • Financing options (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

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