Solar in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, Lock in an Affordable Rate with Solar
Considering going solar in Massachusetts?
The energy landscape in the state of Massachusetts is constantly evolving, but one thing that has stayed consistent over the years is relatively high electricity rates. Residents of the greater Boston area pay 70.6% more on electricity per kWh than the national average rate. [3]
At Sunrun, we help Massachusetts homeowners tap into the abundance of energy resources available through residential solar power. With battery backup combined with solar panels, Massachusetts residents may cut energy costs and also reduce utility dependence. With battery backup, homeowners gain energy independence by purchasing less power from the grid and continuing to power their homes and generate solar energy even during grid outages.
While there are many solar companies to choose from, Sunrun is America’s #1 home solar and battery company with over one million customers. Through our task force of solar installers and service technicians we provide maintenance and repair coverage for all customers enrolled in the Sunrun Solar Subscription. We are equipped to provide Massachusetts homeowners with customized product bundles and services to meet changing energy needs.
Massachusetts, go solar with confidence
Upgrade your home with a solar system and battery storage, and get expert installation from America’s #1 provider of residential solar projects.
Powering Massachusetts: Easy Process. Better technology. Happy customers.
Sunrun Subscription Plan vs. solar panels ownership
Our solar lease subscription plan offers predictable, affordable rates for as little as $0 down in upfront costs, or you could purchase solar panels outright.
Sunrun Subscription Plan
Leasing solar panels
Benefits
- Predictable, affordable payments
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Extended Sunrun warranties including workmanship and energy production guarantee for life of contract, 10 year roof penetration warranty, 24/7 system monitoring
Who maintains?
- Sunrun owns and maintains
- Plan transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- $0 to little down
- Locked in monthly solar lease
Solar panels ownership
Purchasing solar panels
Benefits
- Own your system outright
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Manufacturer's equipment warranties, 10 year workmanship guarantee, and 10 year roof penetration warranty
Who maintains?
- I service and care for my system myself
- Transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- Full system cost (cash upfront)
A home battery system is more crucial now than ever in Massachusetts
Power when you need it most
Keep your home running smoothly during outages
Control energy costs effectively
FAQs
What Massachusetts solar incentives are available?
Certain solar incentives are an option for those who choose to purchase their Sunrun system. As in every state in the U.S, the Residential Federal Solar Tax Credit helps reduce the upfront cost of purchasing solar for your home. The federal tax credit is currently at 30% and will begin to decrease in 2033. There’s also a Massachusetts Personal Income Tax Credit that can be applied alongside the federal taxes credit. This gives you a tax credit of 15% of the cost of your solar system and installation, after deducting any federal incentives and rebates, with a maximum credit of $1,000. If the credit amount exceeds your tax liability for the year, the excess credit can be applied to your taxes for up to three additional years. This means you can reduce your state income tax based on the cost of installing solar, making it more affordable.
While savings exist by owning a system and receiving Massachusetts solar incentives and tax credits, this isn’t the only way to save with solar. Many homeowners also find savings by choosing the Sunrun Solar Subscription option where they can lease their systems with little to no upfront costs and lock in a fixed monthly payment.
Is it worth getting solar panels in Massachusetts?
Yes it is! Of all the energy resources available to Bay Staters, solar power is one of the most reliable and accessible. The state of Massachusetts has created a variety of solar programs that make solar and energy storage a wise decision for homeowners. If you choose to be a home solar system owner, there are a variety of solar rebates and energy credits available that reduce the upfront cost of solar installation. However, even with these credits, purchasing a system is a large expenditure.
With the Sunrun Solar Subscription there are little to no upfront costs for solar installation. After a Sunrun solar installer sets up your system and activates it, you’ll pay Sunrun for your monthly electricity, just like you would with a utility company — but often at a better rate. Therefore regardless of your financial situation, there is an option for you to make residential solar power worthwhile. Meeting with one of our sales representatives will allow you to get an assessment of your unique home situation and energy needs to see if solar is a good fit for you.
What is the average cost to install solar panels in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the cost of solar installation itself can be as little as $0 down for qualifying homeowners. Just like you don’t pay a utility company to install power lines, with the Sunrun Solar Subscription, Sunrun installs solar at little to no upfront cost, and you pay a lower, fixed monthly rate for the energy they produce over 25 years—replacing part of your utility bill.
If you choose to purchase your home solar system, installation costs will depend on various factors, including the number of panels being installed, what additional equipment you select–such as a backup battery, and any applicable incentives you may be eligible for and can utilize. The best way to understand solar costs is to meet with one of our local Massachusetts energy consultants. A Sunrun representative will assess your home and energy usage and provide you with a customized quote.
What are Solar Renewable Energy Credits in Massachusetts?
Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) are essentially rewards for generating solar power for those who own their systems. SRECs can be sold to utilities or other companies to help them meet clean energy requirements. Typically for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar energy your system produces you earn one SREC which you can then sell. As of November 2018 Massachusetts solar renewable energy credit programs are now closed. A replacement program to SRECs, known as the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART program) was introduced. One of many differences between the The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target program and SRECs is that the SMART program rewards participants on a fixed incentive rate, unlike its predecessor. A solar customer must meet eligibility criteria to benefit from this incentive. At this time Sunrun does not currently participate in the SMART program.
Sources:
[1]https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/APUS11A72610?amp%253bdata_tool=XGtable&output_view=data&include_graphs=true
[2]https://consumerenergyalliance.org/2023/08/electric-grid-in-massachusetts-is-not-ready-for-the-future/
[3]https://www.bls.gov/regions/northeast/news-release/averageenergyprices_boston.htm