BostonSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Boston homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim the federal residential credit. What remains is the 15% Massachusetts state credit and Eversource net metering. At 4.5 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $165/month bill (about 1,179 kWh) needs roughly a 10.9 kW system — 28 panels — and pays back in about 9.7 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Boston
The federal residential credit does not apply to a Boston system installed in 2026. Massachusetts still lists a 15% state income tax credit (up to $1,000). Eversource sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
Boston combines a 15% state credit, net metering, and SMART program incentives — high rates make payback fast despite the climate.
How Much Solar Boston Homes Produce
Boston gets 4.5 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,314 kWh per year here. A 10.9 kW system — the size that fits a typical $165/month Eversource bill — generates roughly 14,323 kWh annually, worth about $2,005 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Eversource Net Metering in Boston
Eversource credits excess solar generation from Boston homes under Massachusetts's modified net metering (~70–90% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full Massachusetts net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Boston?
At Massachusetts's 2026 average of $3.10/watt, the 10.9 kW system most Boston homes need runs about $33,790 before incentives. The federal residential credit is $0. The Massachusetts state credit in this model is $1,000. MA SREC income is included where the state record has it. Net cost in this model is about $21,590, with payback around 9.7 years. Those figures use $0 federal credit.
Get matched with vetted solar installers in Boston
The incentives on this page tell you what solar is worth. The next step is real quotes. Compare pre-screened local installers through EnergySage — free, no phone spam, and you stay anonymous until you choose to connect.
Compare Free Quotes →SolarIQ may earn a commission when you request quotes through our partners, at no cost to you. This never affects our incentive data or recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar Incentives in Other Massachusetts Cities
See your exact Boston solar savings
Enter your Eversource bill. The calculator uses $0 federal credit plus Massachusetts incentives — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.