Boston, MA Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Boston
If you live in Boston, you’ve likely noticed your electricity bills climbing. Massachusetts has the third highest utility prices in the nation, so rising costs are a big reason many homeowners here consider going solar.
The good news? Massachusetts already ranks 6th in the country for residential solar installations, so you’d be in great company. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what solar installation looks like in Boston. You can also explore our overview of home solar panels.
Massachusetts by the Numbers
- 6th Most residential solar in the United States
- 159 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.7 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$127k Boston average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Boston, MA?
Curious what solar costs in Boston? This calculator uses real installation data from homes across the area, including Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, and Quincy. Instead of rough estimates, you’ll see numbers based on actual local projects—giving you a clear, honest picture of what solar could mean for your home.
LeaseCash Purchase
System Size This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in Massachusetts.
Recommended System
- Size: 9.03 kW
Your Monthly Payment
- Estimated monthly cost with LightReach: $141/mo
- As low as: $141/mo
Why Lease Solar?
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
- System Cost: $25,981
- Price per Watt: $2.88
- State Incentives: -$1,000
- Final Cost: $24,981
Savings
Your total financial benefit
- Monthly Savings: $290
- Payback Period: 6.5 years
- 25-Year Savings: $126,680 Get Your Personalized Quote
Palmetto Reviews
Highly recommend Palmetto Solar. From the initial presentation to the completed installation and connection process everything was well explained in a professional manner. Great support and responsiveness in answering questions too.
Customer Testimonials
- Charlene Caulfield, Malden, Massachusetts
- Melanie Smith, Haverhill, Massachusetts
- Aurelio D’Amico, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Key Takeaways
Boston homeowners pay some of the nation’s highest electricity rates—around 29.4¢ per kWh, nearly double the national average—making solar an increasingly smart way to gain cost control.
Massachusetts offers strong state and local incentives like the SMART 3.0 production program, net metering, and sales and property tax exemptions to help lower your solar costs.
You can go solar with little to no upfront cost by leasing through LightReach, or buy a system outright and save an average of ~$127,000 over 25 years.
Boston Electricity Prices
If you live in Boston, you’ve likely noticed your electricity bills climbing year after year. Here’s what’s driving those rising costs.
Massachusetts has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation. In 2024, the average rate reached 29.3 cents per kWh—nearly double the national average of 16.5 cents, and up sharply from 22.9 cents in 2021.
Solar offers Boston homeowners more predictability over their energy costs. By producing your own power, you rely less on the grid and gain more control over how much you pay each month. Learn more about home solar panels.
Price of Energy: Massachusetts vs National Average
- 2021: 22.9¢ - MA Average: 29.3¢
- 2022: 26.0¢ - US Average: 16.5¢
Boston Area Utility Providers
If you’re researching solar installation in Boston, MA, electricity costs are likely part of the reason. In 2023, National Grid charged 36.7¢ per kWh and Eversource 29.7¢—far above the 16.0¢ national average.
Boston Utilities Electricity Rates
| Utility Provider | Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| National Grid | 36.70¢ | +129% |
| Eversource | 29.70¢ | +86% |
| MA Average | 29.60¢ | +85% |
| US Average | 16.0¢ | — |
Massachusetts Solar Incentives
Boston homeowners can tap several solar incentives in Massachusetts that help offset the cost of installing solar panels. These include:
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit | Tax Credit | Massachusetts offers a state income tax credit equal to 15% of your solar installation cost, capped at $1,000, for systems installed at your primary residence. | Learn More |
| Massachusetts Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | All solar energy equipment purchased in Massachusetts is fully exempt from the state’s 6.25% sales tax, automatically reducing your upfront system cost. | Learn More |
| Massachusetts Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | The added home value from a solar installation is fully exempt from property tax assessments for 20 years. | Learn More |
| Smart 3.0 | Production Incentive | SMART 3.0 pays residential solar owners a guaranteed fixed rate per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced for 10 years. | Learn More |
Boston Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Solar Production in Boston by Month
- System Size: 5 kW, 7 kW, 10 kW
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
- 46.5 kWh/day
Winter Production (December)
- 19 kWh/day
Annual Production
- 13,110 kWh/year
Solar Panel Systems in Boston
We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood level. Explore this interactive map to see how many Boston homes have made the switch to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Boston, you’re served by Eversource, which means Palmetto’s LightReach Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is available to you. Rather than paying for solar upfront, a PPA lets you simply buy the power your panels produce at a set price per kilowatt-hour—often lower than your current utility rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boston, MA have net metering? Yes, Boston homeowners have access to net metering. Do solar panels increase your home value in Boston, MA? Yes. How much does it cost to go solar in Boston, MA? With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Boston homeowners can go solar for a low fixed monthly payment—starting around $141/month.