Solar is a complicated decision and OhmHome has compiled this guide to Massachusetts solar with the cost of solar panels in Massachusetts and advice on how to estimate cost and savings, navigate state and federal incentives, and find the best solar companies in Massachusetts.

Solar Trends in Massachusetts

Massachusetts solar permits decreased 40% to 55 in June from 91 in June 2016 and decreased 36% from May 2017 (YTD decrease of 34%)

Cost of Solar Panels in Massachusetts

The cost of solar has dropped significantly in recent years due to the increase in module supplies and other supply chain efficiency improvements. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Q4-16 Sunshot report, the median price of residential solar in major markets was $4.20 per watt with the lowest 20% at approximately $3.50 per watt. 

Solar Incentives in Massachusetts

Massachusetts homeowners can take advantage of two solar incentives:

• Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit – MA offers a personal tax credit against MA state tax liabilities of 15% of the system cost or $1,000, whichever is less.
• Solar Renewable Energy Credits – The price of SRECs fluctuates and as of July 2017, the price per mWh was $270, so a home with a 6 KW system that generates 6 mWhs per year would be eligible for $1,620 per year.

Federal Solar Tax Incentives

The IRS offers a 30% tax credit for solar systems based on the cost after state rebates and credits (discussed above). It is important to note that that federal tax credit only applies to purchased systems and you need sufficient tax liability to claim the credit.  The federal solar tax credit was set to expire in 2016, but was recently extended through 2019, at which point it will start to decrease to 10% by 2022.  The IRS form 5695, Residential Energy Credits can be found here.

Solar Financing in Massachusetts

The number of solar financing options has expanded significantly in recent years to includes a number of low-interest rate loans, as well as power purchase agreements or solar leases. To learn more, refer to our lease or buy solar guide.

Our Major Massachusetts City Solar Guides

• Solar in Attleboro, MA
• Solar in Beverly, MA
• Solar in Boston, MA
• Solar in Brockton, MA
• Solar in Cambridge, MA
• Solar in Chelsea, MA
• Solar in Chicopee, MA
• Solar in Everett, MA
• Solar in Fall River, MA
• Solar in Fitchburg, MA
• Solar in Gardner, MA
• Solar in Gloucester, MA
• Solar in Haverhill, MA
• Solar in Holyoke, MA
• Solar in Lawrence, MA
• Solar in Leominster, MA
• Solar in Lowell, MA
• Solar in Lynn, MA
• Solar in Malden, MA
• Solar in Marlborough, MA
• Solar in Medford, MA
• Solar in Melrose, MA
• Solar in Methuen, MA
• Solar in New Bedford, MA
• Solar in Newburyport, MA
• Solar in Newton, MA
• Solar in North Adams, MA
• Solar in Northampton, MA
• Solar in Peabody, MA
• Solar in Pittsfield, MA
• Solar in Quincy, MA
• Solar in Revere, MA
• Solar in Salem, MA
• Solar in Somerville, MA
• Solar in Springfield, MA
• Solar in Taunton, MA
• Solar in Waltham, MA
• Solar in Westfield, MA
• Solar in Woburn, MA
• Solar in Worcester, MA