Massachusetts Solar & Battery Incentives
Combine state incentives, federal tax credits, and utility programs to save $15,000-$25,000+ on solar panel and battery storage installations.
Example: 8kW Solar + Battery System
Actual savings vary by system size, location, and utility. Example only.
Solar Panel Incentives
Massachusetts offers some of the best solar incentives in the country through multiple stacking programs.
| Program | Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMART Program | State | $0.06-$0.38/kWh | Performance-based incentive paid over 10+ years |
| Federal Tax Credit (25D) | Federal | 30% of cost | No cap on residential solar installations |
| Net Metering | State | Retail rate credit | Get credited for excess power sent to grid |
| SREC II | State | Market rate | For systems installed before SMART (legacy) |
Understanding the SMART Program
The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program pays you for every kilowatt-hour your solar panels generate, regardless of whether you use the electricity or send it to the grid.
Base Rate
$0.06-$0.18/kWh
Depends on system size and utility territory
Adders Available
+$0.02-$0.20/kWh
For storage, low-income, community solar, etc.
Contract Length
10-20 Years
Locked-in rate for the contract period
Battery Storage Incentives
Adding battery storage to your solar system qualifies for additional incentives and provides backup power during outages.
| Program | Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax Credit (25D) | Federal | 30% of cost | When paired with solar or standalone |
| Connected Solutions (National Grid) | Utility | $225/kW/year | Annual payments for grid support |
| SMART Adder | State | +$0.04-$0.06/kWh | Additional incentive for solar+storage |
| Mass Save Battery Rebate | State | Up to $1,875 | For qualifying battery installations |
Tesla Powerwall 3
13.5 kWh capacity, integrated inverter
Enphase IQ Battery
5-15 kWh modular capacity
Franklin WholePower
13.6 kWh capacity, whole-home backup
How Net Metering Works
When your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, the excess goes to the grid and you receive credits on your electric bill.
- Full Retail Credit
Get credited at the full retail rate for excess generation
- Credits Roll Over
Unused credits carry forward month to month
- Annual True-Up
Credits reconciled annually in March/April
Sample Annual Savings
How to Get Started
Follow these steps to maximize your solar and battery incentives.
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare at least 3 installers on EnergySage or similar platforms
Confirm SMART Eligibility
Verify your system qualifies for SMART program incentives
Consider Battery Storage
Add storage for backup power and additional incentives
Claim All Credits
File for federal tax credit and enroll in SMART program
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does solar cost in Massachusetts?
The average cost of solar in Massachusetts is $2.80-$3.50 per watt before incentives. A typical 8kW system costs $22,000-$28,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, which brings it down to $15,400-$19,600. With SMART program payments over 10 years, the effective cost is even lower.
Is the SMART program still accepting applications?
Yes, the SMART program continues to accept new applications. However, incentive rates decrease as capacity blocks fill up, so earlier enrollment typically means higher incentive rates. Check with your installer about current availability in your utility territory.
Can I get the federal tax credit if I finance my solar system?
Yes! You can claim the 30% federal tax credit whether you pay cash or finance your solar system. The credit is based on the total cost of the system. However, with a lease or PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), the solar company owns the system and claims the credit instead.
Get the Free Rebate Toolkit
Federal tax credits, stacking rules, and claiming checklist - all in one PDF.