Facing some of the highest retail electricity rates in the continental United States (~28¢/kWh), Massachusetts homeowners enjoy enormous monthly savings by generating their own clean solar power through the SMART program.
Massachusetts Solar Incentives: SMART Program Guide (2026)
Dr. Aris Thorne
NABCEP Certified Solar Consultant
📅 Updated: 2026-08-20
⏱️ 6 min read
✓ Fact-Checked
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Key Takeaways & Executive Summary
- SMART Incentive Program: Earn direct monthly cash incentive checks from your utility (Eversource / National Grid) for 10 years.
- 15% State Tax Credit ($1,000 Cap): Deduct 15% of your solar costs directly from Massachusetts state income taxes.
- Mass Save 0% HEAT Loan: Access zero-interest financing up to $25,000 for qualifying clean energy home upgrades.
- High Electricity Tariff Offset: Massachusetts utility rates average ~28¢/kWh, delivering outstanding bill savings.
SMART Payout
Fixed / kWh
10-Year Utility Checks
HEAT Loan Rate
0% APR
Mass Save Financing
Grid Rate Offset
28.1¢/kWh
Eversource / NatGrid
Avg Payback
5.4 Yrs
Top Northeast ROI
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Massachusetts SMART program pay homeowners?
Your utility company tracks your solar system output with a second production meter and issues monthly incentive credits or direct electronic payments based on your capacity block rate.