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Community Solar in Massachusetts - 2026 Programs & Savings Guide

Massachusetts offers community solar through SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target). Subscribers save 10-15% on their electricity bills with no installation required. Renters are eligible.

Active Subscribers
80,000

2.8% of households

Subscribed Capacity
600 MW
Typical Savings
10-15%

~$22/mo avg

Available to Renters
Yes

Income-qualified tier available

Program Name

SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target)

Serving Utilities

Eversource, National Grid MA, Unitil

Contract Length

Up to 20 years

Community Solar Programs in Massachusetts

SMART Program — Shared Solar (Block 7+)

Administrator: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

Community Shared Solar / Feed-in Tariff

The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program is Massachusetts' primary incentive structure for community solar. Subscribers receive a fixed incentive rate (the Compensation Rate) credited to their utility bill for the term of the contract, providing predictable long-term savings. Community shared solar projects are capped at 2 MW and customers may subscribe to receive credits covering up to 100% of their annual usage.

Savings Range
10–15% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
20 years; residential customers may exit with 30 days notice after the first year
Subscription Size
Minimum 1 panel equivalent; up to 100% of your 12-month average usage
Eligibility
Customers of Eversource, National Grid MA, or Unitil with an active electric account
Available to Renters
Yes
Income-Qualified Savings
Up to 20% savings plus an additional SMART Low-Income adder for qualifying households

SMART Low-Income Community Shared Solar

Administrator: Massachusetts DOER

Income-Qualified Community Solar

An enhanced tier within SMART specifically for low-income households and affordable housing communities. Developers who reserve capacity for low-income subscribers receive an adder to their compensation rate, which is passed through as deeper discounts to qualifying subscribers.

Savings Range
Up to 20% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
20 years
Subscription Size
Based on household usage
Eligibility
Households enrolled in MassHealth, SNAP, fuel assistance (LIHEAP), or earning ≤60% of state median income
Available to Renters
Yes
Income-Qualified Savings
Up to 20% savings

How Community Solar Works in Massachusetts

1

Find a SMART-participating community solar project through the Mass Clean Energy Center marketplace or a community solar broker.

2

Subscribe to a share sized to cover a portion or all of your typical monthly usage — no installation required.

3

The solar farm sends production data to your utility each month.

4

Your utility applies a bill credit equal to the SMART Compensation Rate times your share's output — typically 10–15% below your retail rate.

5

You pay the community solar operator a rate lower than retail and keep the difference as savings on your utility bill.

Is Community Solar Worth It in Massachusetts?

✓

Strong Savings

This state has one of the strongest community solar programs in the country, with above-average savings, strong consumer protections, and broad eligibility including renters.

Typical Savings

10-15%

Upfront Cost

$0

Renters Eligible

Yes

Participating Utilities in Massachusetts

EversourceNational Grid MAUnitil

Ready to Subscribe?

Visit the official Massachusetts community solar program to find available projects and sign up.

Find Projects in MA →

Community Solar FAQs - Massachusetts

No. Renters are fully eligible for Massachusetts community solar programs. Since no physical installation occurs at your home, ownership is not required. You only need an active electric account with Eversource, National Grid MA, or Unitil.
Typical savings under the SMART program range from 10–15% of the electricity covered by your subscription. Income-qualified households may save up to 20% through the Low-Income adder. Massachusetts has some of the highest community solar savings rates in the country due to strong utility rates and a well-structured program.
The SMART program allocates capacity in blocks. When a block fills, the next block opens at a slightly adjusted rate. Wait times vary by utility territory, but the program has generally remained accessible since its launch in 2018.
Most SMART contracts allow residential subscribers to exit after the first year with 30 days notice and no early termination fee. Review the specific contract terms before signing, as conditions vary slightly by developer.
If you remain within the same utility territory, you can typically transfer your subscription to your new address. Moves across utility territories (e.g., from Eversource to National Grid territory) may require cancellation. Contact your community solar provider when you know you'll be moving.

More Solar Resources for Massachusetts

Massachusetts Solar Data

Installations, costs & panel brands

Massachusetts Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates & exemptions

Source: NREL Community Solar Policy, state public utility commissions, DSIRE, and utility program documentation. Data reflects programs available as of 2026. Program terms, capacity, and availability change frequently - verify current details with your utility or a licensed community solar provider.