BostonSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Boston homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit with the 15% Massachusetts state credit and Eversource net metering. With 4.5 peak sun hours a day and bills averaging $165/month, the typical Boston system pays back in about 6.8 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Boston
Solar incentives in Boston come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Second, Massachusetts adds a 15% state income tax credit (up to $1,000) that stacks on top. Third, 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.
Eversource Net Metering in Boston
Eversource credits excess solar generation from Boston homes under Massachusetts's net metering rules, at roughly ~70–90% of retail of the retail rate. 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, a typical 8 kW system in Boston runs about $24,800 before incentives. After the 30% federal credit and the Massachusetts state credit, the net cost drops to roughly $16,360 — the real out-of-pocket number for most Boston homeowners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
See your exact Boston solar savings
Enter your Eversource bill and we'll apply every Massachusetts and federal incentive to your real numbers — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.