Solar power in Massachusetts

Massachusetts was an early adopter of solar energy, and the state has been successful in replacing much of its traditional electricity generation with solar power. Thanks to the Bay State’s investment and incentives, it now produces enough solar energy to power nearly 740,000 homes. 

As Massachusetts continues to expand its solar infrastructure, residents across the state can take advantage of Massachusetts solar incentives and other credits to bring down costs and maximize long-term savings. The cost of solar panels typically represents an upfront cost of $20,000 or more, but it can save you far more in the long run. 

Are you considering installing solar panels on your home? Keep reading to learn about the costs and benefits of solar panels in Massachusetts and how to decide if they’re right for you.

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Massachusetts solar panel cost

The cost of a solar panel system depends on various factors, including the size of your system, the type of solar panels you choose, your roof’s age and condition, installation costs, and more. Since solar installations are customized to your individual residence, final costs can range significantly.

According to data from Find Energy, a typical Massachusetts solar panel system costs $4.06 per watt. A state-average 6-kilowatt (kW) system would total $24,364 before any tax credits or other solar incentives. Here’s how that compares to the U.S. average:

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

How does Massachusetts solar save you money?

It’s important to put the cost of solar in Massachusetts’s in context. First, you can lower your upfront cost significantly by taking advantage of state and federal solar incentives. The federal tax credit alone is good for 30% of the cost of your system, which can help you recover around $7,300 from the cost of a typical set of panels in Massachusetts. 

You will also experience long-term energy savings, which can be substantial. The average Massachusetts resident pays $161.64 per month for electricity, and the right solar setup could eliminate that expense entirely. At that rate, you could earn back the cost of your panels in just under nine years. Your solar panels could last another several decades beyond that point, and any additional energy savings represent a return on your upfront investment.

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

The best Massachusetts solar panel incentives or rebates

There’s no doubt that solar energy in Massachusetts represents a major investment. The good news is there are federal and state incentives that can help you cut the total cost of solar in Massachusetts.

The federal solar tax credit, known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit (formerly the Investment Tax Credit), is a 30% credit off your next tax return for solar panels purchased between 2022 and 2032. It will then drop incrementally over the next few years before expiring in 2035, unless Congress extends it. There is no upper limit on this incentive.

There are also numerous Massachusetts solar incentives that can help you save further with solar energy. The most popular programs are summarized below.

Solar incentives in Boston

Like residents throughout Massachusetts, those in Boston can take advantage of the state income tax credit for installing solar panels. 

• The credit is good for 15% (up to $1,000) of the net purchase and installation cost after subtracting federal credits and rebates.
• You’ll apply for the credit when you file your annual state income taxes.
• If the credit is worth more than what you owe in taxes, you may carry it forward for up to three years.

Boston residents can also claim the same exemptions for property tax and sales tax noted previously. Customers of Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil can sell their energy back to the grid through net metering.

Why choose Massachusetts solar power?

There are three major benefits to going solar in Massachusetts, including lowering energy expenses, becoming less reliant on tradition electricity, and reducing your impact on the environment.

Lower energy costs

One of the biggest perks of installing solar panelson your home is the ability to reduce your energy costs. Massachusetts has one of the highest electricity rates in the country. A residential solar owner in Massachusetts can save nearly$2,000 on annual energy costs. Additionally, solar panels can increase the value of your home.

Increase energy independence

Another perk of installing solar panels is that you will gain more energy independence, meaning you won’t be as reliant on the traditional electricity grid to power your home. You will also be more protected from energy rate increases when demand is high. While most solar owners choose to remain connected to the grid, you’ll have more control over your electricity costs by relying more on the power your system produces.

Go green

Traditional electricity sources like oil and gas produce harmful greenhouse gasses that pollute the air and water. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide contribute to climate change and are bad for the environment. Luckily, solar power is a form of clean and renewable energy. Generating solar energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gases and is considered a more sustainable and environmentally friendly source of electricity.

Should I buy or lease my solar panels?

When you decide to invest in solar panels, you’ll have the option to either buy or lease your solar panels. While both options have some key benefits, buying solar panels ultimately offers the most savings. Purchasing your solar panels with cash, or a loan, lets you take advantage of available federal and state tax credits. You will not qualify for many tax incentives, including the federal solar tax credit, if you lease your system. 

Additionally, owning your solar panels will provide the greatest long-term energy savings. And if you own your solar system, the resale value of your home may increase by an average of $15,000.

While leasing solar panels may not be as cost-effective as buying, it still offers plenty of benefits. First, leasing eliminates the upfront cost of solar panels in Massachusetts. Leasing may also make more sense for people renting their homes or for consumers who may move to a new home sooner rather than later.

Another alternative to buying or leasing solar panels is participating in a community solar project. When you sign up for one of these shared solar programs, you’ll receive a portion of the power produced by a solar farm and save on your monthly electricity bills. You don’t have to pay the upfront costs of buying solar panels, nor do you have to install panels on your home.

Massachusetts solar panel companies

With the rising popularity of solar panels in Massachusetts, there are also an increasing number of solar installers in Massachusetts. The solar installer you choose will guide you through the process of creating your home solar panel system. 

SaveOnEnergy can connect you with a reputable solar company in Massachusetts that will help you design a solar system that is right for your home. We vet our solar panel companies to ensure you get the best experience. To learn more, fill out our solar estimator or call the number on your screen. 

Solar Installer	Year founded	Financing options	Warranty terms
	2011	Cash purchase or solar loan	25-year manufacturer warranty and production guarantee
	2010	Cash purchase, solar loan, PPA, or lease	Minimum 12-year product, 25-year performance guarantee
	2018	Cash purchase or solar loan	30-year performance, 25-year panel, quality-of-work, and roofing warranty
	1985	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease	25-year full system warranty

What to look for in a solar contractor

As you are planning to go solar in Massachusetts, it’s important to do careful research and compare installers to find the right fit. Ensure that your contractor is certified by a reputable industry organization like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Read reviews from other customers who have worked with that contractor to ensure they have a strong track record of customer service. Finally, review the solar panels, equipment, and warranties they offer to ensure they’re among the best in the industry so you can be confident in your solar panels for years to come.

Beware of free solar panels in Massachusetts scam

If you’re looking for free solar panels in Massachusetts, you may find some offers that sound too good to be true. That’s because they are — in fact, they’re scams designed to get your personal information or get you to sign a disadvantageous contract. Solar panels always come with a significant cost, but they will save you money in the long run. 

Important solar installation factors to consider

Solar panels can be an excellent investment, but there are a few things to consider before you install them on your home:

• Your roof: According to the Department of Energy, solar panels are most effective on south-facing roofs with slopes between 15 and 40 degrees. They are also best for roofs in good condition that won’t need to be replaced soon.
• Access to sunlight: Solar panels can help drastically reduce your energy costs, but only if they can capture sunlight to produce solar energy. It’s important to consider your property’s exposure to sun and the amount of shade before installing the panels.
• HOA rules: Some homeowners associations have restrictions on the use of solar panels. In Massachusetts, HOAs cannot fine homeowners for installing solar panels. However, they can place restrictions on solar panel placement and display.