Solar + battery installation in Massachusetts
Battery-coupled solar is the package that closes most often in Massachusetts. Federal Clean Tech ITC (30%) on storage stacks with state net metering. Free quote, ~2 minutes.
Get my free solar + battery quote- 7 kW
- Average system size
- $3.10/W
- Average cost (USD)
- 8 yrs
- Average payback
- 154+
- Local installers
Why solar in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a leading Northeast solar market: although sun-hours are modest, very high electricity rates, net metering, a strong state production incentive, and a state income tax credit combine to deliver fast paybacks. The SMART program pays residential solar owners a fixed per-kWh incentive for a set term, stacking on top of net-metering bill savings. Massachusetts also offers a 15% state income tax credit on system cost (capped at $1,000), exempts solar equipment from sales tax, and excludes the added home value from property tax. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit remains available through 2032. With high rates plus SMART payments and the state credit, a typical 7 kW Massachusetts system often pays for itself in roughly 7-9 years.
Incentives & rebates
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
30% federal tax credit on residential solar and battery storage systems through 2032. Applies to panels, inverters, batteries, and installation labor.
SMART Program Production Incentive
The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program pays residential solar owners a fixed per-kWh incentive for a defined term (typically 10 years), with optional adders for paired battery storage. Block availability and rates decline over time - confirm the current block when applying.
Massachusetts Residential Solar Tax Credit
State personal income tax credit equal to 15% of the net solar system cost, capped at $1,000, claimable in the year the system is placed in service (with limited carryforward).
Net metering: Net metering with SMART adder
Massachusetts offers net metering for residential systems, crediting exported solar at or near the retail/basic-service rate, and layers the SMART production incentive on top. The combination of high retail rates, net metering, and SMART payments produces strong overall economics.
Why solar + battery in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a leading Northeast solar market: although sun-hours are modest, very high electricity rates, net metering, a strong state production incentive, and a state income tax credit combine to deliver fast paybacks. The SMART program pays residential solar owners a fixed per-kWh incentive for a set term, stacking on top of net-metering bill savings. Massachusetts also offers a 15% state income tax credit on system cost (capped at $1,000), exempts solar equipment from sales tax, and excludes the added home value from property tax. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit remains available through 2032. With high rates plus SMART payments and the state credit, a typical 7 kW Massachusetts system often pays for itself in roughly 7-9 years.
Start your Massachusetts quote
Tell us where your home is and we will match you with a vetted local installer.
How payback works in Massachusetts
- System cost
- $21,700
- After 30% federal tax credit
- $15,190
- Estimated payback
- ~9.4 years
- 25-year net savings
- ~$25,310
These figures are illustrative; your actual quote reflects your roof, sun exposure, and local utility rates.
Cities we serve in Massachusetts
12cities with vetted local solar + battery installers.
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts solar averages about $3.10 per watt before incentives, so a typical 7 kW system costs roughly $20,000-$23,000 and around $14,000-$16,000 after the 30% federal tax credit, with up to $1,000 more off via the state credit and ongoing SMART payments.
What is the SMART program?
SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) pays residential solar owners a fixed per-kWh incentive for a set term (typically 10 years), with extra adders for paired battery storage. It stacks on top of net-metering savings and significantly speeds up payback.
Does Massachusetts have net metering?
Yes. Massachusetts offers residential net metering, crediting exported solar at or near the retail/basic-service rate, and the SMART production incentive is paid on top of those bill savings.
Is solar worth it in Massachusetts?
For most homes, yes. Despite modest sun, very high electricity rates plus net metering, the SMART incentive, a 15% state tax credit, and the 30% federal tax credit typically deliver a roughly 7-9 year payback.