Eversource Energy and Massachusetts have been at the forefront of residential solar power adoption for years. Eversource, in 2018, was the first investor-owned energy provider in the US to commit to 100% carbon-neutral operations by 2030. And, the commonwealth of Massachusetts as a whole, even with its geography and climate, is nearing 26% of the state’s electricity being solar-powered. Homeowners with solar can benefit from RECs, net metering, and state and federal tax credits.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know as an Eversource customer in Massachusetts if you’re thinking about going to home solar power.
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Massachusetts State Solar Incentives
Massachusetts is one of the most solar-forward states and Bay Staters can benefit from multiple solar incentives in Massachusetts. If you live in Massachusetts and want to go solar, you may be able to qualify for a handful of solar incentives such as:
- The 30% federal tax credit for solar and storage
- A Massachusetts state tax credit (up to $1,000)
- Sales tax exemption
- Property tax exemption
- Local programs and rebates
Note: Your eligibility for solar incentives depends on your location, electric utility provider, income level, interest in battery storage, and more. Palmetto cannot determine your eligibility for any specific program, and this article has been written for educational purposes only.
Solar Incentive Programs for Eversource Utility Customers
Eversource Energy provides approximately 1.5 million customers with electricity service across 140 different communities in Massachusetts. Eversource has participated in a few different Massachusetts solar programs, with limited eligibility and access typically determined by when the installation was completed.
Net metering with Eversource Energy
As an investor-owned utility in Massachusetts, Eversource Energy is required to offer net metering to all of its residential solar customers. Eversource Energy’s net metering program is relatively straightforward, allowing solar producers to earn energy bill credits for the excess electricity they generate and send to the grid.
Residential customers can essentially generate as much solar power as they would like for credits toward their utility bill payments. Installations larger than 25kW may receive credits at a reduced rate and customers can never cash out their accumulated production as it rolls over month-to-month indefinitely.
Most professionally installed residential solar arrays smaller than 25kW will usually qualify for 1-to-1 net metering with Eversource. However, the utility does charge a few small fees for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and distributed solar, so actual compensation for net metering credits will be slightly less than 1-to-1 against retail energy rates.
Enrollment in Eversource Energy’s net metering program does not interfere with any other solar incentives.
RECs for Massachusetts Eversource customers
Defined in 2008 by the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), renewable energy credits (RECs) can be earned by Eversource Massachusetts customers who produce solar power onsite. For every 1,000 kWh of solar energy generated and sent to the grid, MA residents may earn one REC, which can then be sold for real cash value.
New England solar producers may be able to earn Class I RECs, Class II RECs, or SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates), depending on when the system was installed. While Class I RECs are the most common in MA, Class II RECs may be created by systems installed before 1998, and SRECs were previously made possible by solar-specific carve-outs in Massachusetts legislation.
RECs and SRECs can only be generated by those who own their solar energy system, whether purchased in cash or financed. Those who lease solar panels are not eligible to generate and sell RECs in Massachusetts.
To help MA solar producers be compensated for their RECs, Palmetto has partnered with SRECTrade, a prominent energy brokerage that provides homeowners the opportunity to sell their credits on the open market at a variable incentive rate of about $15.50/REC or fixed rate plans of 5 or 10 years. Customers can receive direct deposit payment for credits in the month following their generation.
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Bonus Eversource MA programs for energy efficiency
Eversource offers energy efficiency programs in eastern and western Massachusetts for new homes and renovation projects, home energy upgrades, and homes that decrease energy demand.
The best way to get started increasing the energy efficiency of your home is to schedule an on-site visit with an authorized contractor. During the visit, an expert will perform inspections and tests to provide a personalized energy efficiency solution designed to reduce consumption and save money on power costs with improved insulation, HVAC systems, and more.
Eversource Massachusetts also provides incentives designed to reward customers who reduce stress on the local energy grid with their ConnectedSolutions Demand Response programs. Customers can earn rebates when they install smart thermostats, solar home batteries, or smart EV charging systems that can adapt to the overall demand being placed on the grid.
How to Maximize Your Benefits as an Eversource Solar Customer
There are many things you can do as an Eversource solar customer to maximize the value of your renewable energy system. In addition to enrolling in net metering, it is important to know whether or not your solar panels qualify for the REC program
If you own a solar system with battery storage, smart energy management can also help to keep electricity costs low, either by navigating around peak demand periods or participating in Eversource’s ConnectedSolutions program.
Ultimately, one of the best things you can do to maximize your benefits as an Eversource customer with solar energy is to talk to an expert at every step of the process. From identifying available programs to determining their value and navigating applications, Palmetto can help you earn more with your solar energy system in Massachusetts.
Going Solar With Eversource
If you’re thinking about going solar in Massachusetts, potential benefits include saving money, using cleaner energy at home, and having more energy independence.
To instantly see what your solar savings in Massachusetts look like, you can use our free solar savings calculator for a savings estimate and to see what a solar panel system will look like on your roof.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still receive an electric bill with solar panels in Massachusetts?
You will receive an electric bill even with home solar power, and even if you were to use nothing but solar power in a given billing period. If a customer owes zero for electricity used in a billing period, you may still have utility fees you still are billed for each month.
Does my solar array come with a warranty?
All solar panels installed by Palmetto meet our manufacturer warranty standards. Palmetto Protect coverage plans include warranties of 25 years on performance, panels, and inverters, 10 years on workmanship, and five years on roof penetration.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels generally last 25 years or longer. Palmetto guarantees a high level of performance and production efficiency by panels for 25 years.
Andrew GiermakWriter and EditorAndrew joined Palmetto in Charlotte in August 2024. He’s been a writer in journalism, then in business, going back to almost the 20th century. He’s lived in Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia again, and now North Carolina for the last 12 years. He likes golf. Is he good at it? Not so much.
