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. 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 5.4 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.
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 30% federal credit takes off $10,137, and the Massachusetts state credit another $1,000, plus MA SREC income — landing the net cost near $11,453, with payback around 5.4 years.
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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.