In Massachusetts, the sun doesn’t just shine, it practically pays dividends.
Find out how much you can save with the solar incentives and programs in the Bay State.
$1,365
Average Annual Savings
See immediate savings and watch them continue to stack up year after year.
45%
Lower Monthly Payment
Trade the unpredictable electric bill for a lower, price-protected solar payment.
$0
Upfront Cost of Solar
With the incentives available in Massachusetts, the switch to solar is easy.
ATTN Mass Homeowners: BIG SAVINGS!
Massachusetts is leading the charge toward a green future, powered by the sun's rays. This state has consistently been at the forefront of embracing eco-conscious practices and initiatives, aiming ambitiously for net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. Thanks to some of the nation's top solar incentives and rebates, residents of the Bay State can escape the burden of hefty energy bills and enjoy substantial savings on their electricity expenses, all while soaking up the benefits of solar energy.
MA Electric Rates: The 2nd Most Expensive State
Massachusetts electric rates are rising faster than the price of Red Sox tickets during a World Series year. We’re not just talking a few cents here and there – on average, Bay Staters pay over $100 more per month for electricity than the national average.
It’s no wonder we’re ranked number two in the country for the most expensive electric rates, second only to Hawaii. Our rates have been climbing higher than the Green Monster for the past 25 years, with a 50% spike in 2022.
Massachusetts Solar Incentives and Rebates
The Bay State has some of the best solar incentives and state-funded programs around.
1.
30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
As of 2022 there is a federal tax credit available for 30% of the total cost of the solar project. This is available to anyone who purchases a solar panel system and makes going solar more affordable today than ever before. While traditionally this credit has been claimed by the homeowner with solar ownership, the credit also makes the cost of leasing solar panels much more affordable by reducing the monthly rate.
2.
Massachusetts MREC program (Massachusetts Renewable Energy Credit)
The MA MREC program offers incentives for residential properties that add solar panels to their home. This green energy program pays homeowners a premium for all the electricity their solar panels generate for 25 years. These credits will generate a credit on your electric bill, resulting in you receiving a check from your electric company.
The average MA home uses approximately 10,000 kWh of electricity per year. This electricity would be generated by your solar system and tracked. Through the MREC Program you would receive a credit for up to $.03 per kWh for the electricity your home created. This would result in a monthly MREC check for $300 every year for 25 years, and a $0 electric bill.
3.
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
This program provides payments to eligible solar projects over a 10-year period. It was created to encourage the development of solar energy in Massachusetts by providing financial incentives to homeowners, businesses, and public entities that install solar panels.
4.
MA Property Tax Exemption for Solar Installation
Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying any additional property taxes on the added home value from their MA solar panel system.
5.
Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption
Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying the normal 6.25% home solar system state sales tax. There is no additional cost for sales taxes on a Massachusetts solar system.
6.
Mass Solar Loan Program
This program provides low-interest loans to help homeowners finance the installation of a solar panel system. This is designed to help more people in Massachusetts make the switch to solar.
7.
Massachusetts Net Energy Metering
In Massachusetts, if you produce more energy than you use, you get a credit on your utility bill. This credit can be used later to power your home if your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy, so you don’t need to buy batteries.
Massachusetts
Solar Incentives and Rebates
The Bay State has some of the best solar incentives and state-funded programs around.
30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
As of 2022 there is a federal tax credit available for 30% of the total cost of the solar project. This is available to anyone who purchases a solar panel system and makes going solar more affordable today than ever before.
While traditionally this credit has been claimed by the homeowner with solar ownership, the credit also makes the cost of leasing solar panels much more affordable by reducing the monthly rate.
Massachusetts MREC program (Massachusetts Renewable Energy Credit)
The MA MREC program offers incentives for residential properties that add solar panels to their home. This green energy program pays homeowners a premium for all the electricity their solar panels generate for 25 years. These credits will generate a credit on your electric bill, resulting in you receiving a check from your electric company.
The average MA home uses approximately 10,000 kWh of electricity per year. This electricity would be generated by your solar system and tracked. Through the MREC Program you would receive a credit for up to $.03 per kWh for the electricity your home created. This would result in a monthly MREC check for $300 every year for 25 years, and a $0 electric bill.
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
This program provides payments to eligible solar projects over a 10-year period. It was created to encourage the development of solar energy in Massachusetts by providing financial incentives to homeowners, businesses, and public entities that install solar panels.
MA Property Tax Exemption for Solar Installation
Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying any additional property taxes on the added home value from their MA solar panel system.
Home Solar System Sales Tax Exemption
Massachusetts homeowners are exempt from paying the normal 6.25% home solar system state sales tax. There is no additional cost for sales taxes on a Massachusetts solar system.
Mass Solar Loan Program
This program provides low-interest loans to help homeowners finance the installation of a solar panel system. This is designed to help more people in Massachusetts make the switch to solar.
Massachusetts Net Energy Metering
In Massachusetts, if you produce more energy than you use, you get a credit on your utility bill. This credit can be used later to power your home if your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy, so you don’t need to buy batteries.
How to Claim the MA Solar Energy Incentives
We take care of everything aside from filing your taxes for you next year. While you should certainly consult a tax professional, we always make sure our customers are taking full advantage of any federal and state solar incentives. This includes providing alternative options such as leasing or power purchase agreements in the event that you don’t qualify for the incentives.
Can you get free solar panels in Massachusetts?
While you can’t technically get “free” solar panels anywhere, they are “free” in the sense that you can expect to pay less for solar than you already do for electricity — and it costs nothing to make the switch.
So you’re swapping out an unpredictable and constantly increasing electric bill for a price protected solar payment that is usually about 40% lower. While it isn’t exactly “free”, it’s about as close as it gets.
