Cost of Solar Panels in Massachusetts (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Massachusetts?

Average solar panel installation costs generally start between $15,447 and $30,893 in Massachusetts. Prices in Boston are comparable, ranging from $16,086 to $32,172.

System size is one of the biggest factors affecting your total solar cost. The average Massachusetts household needs a 7.3 kW system to offset most of its energy use. Your ideal system size may be larger or smaller depending on your electricity consumption.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Massachusetts

NOTE: The estimated costs below do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

Solar storage battery costs

Solar battery costs generally range from $7,000 to $18,000. Batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.

That steep price tag pushes many homeowners to seek alternative backup solutions. Jean in Massachusetts ultimately "decided against the backup battery" for her new array and relies on a traditional generator instead.

Are solar panels worth it in Massachusetts?

Going solar is often worth it for many Massachusetts homeowners for the long-term savings on utility bills. Escaping the volatility of regional utility rates is often the biggest draw. Donna in Holbrook said she went solar because “electric prices going up” made financial sense, and she said she hasn’t “seen another electric bill since we converted.”

Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $155,464 in utility costs on average. But how much you save really depends on your electricity usage. Robert in Southwick said he saved $400 per month, while Elaine in Woburn said she only saved $173 last year.

Solar panels are especially worth considering if you also have an electric car, like Ronald in Groton: “I’ve driven a Chevy Bolt EV since 2019, charging from my roof solar, essentially costing me nothing and saving 2 tons of CO2 by not using fossil fuel,” he told us.

Regional solar considerations in Massachusetts

Whether going solar is worth it also depends on where you live in Massachusetts. The state only gets 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours daily. Lots of shading — like tall trees above your roof — will make your solar system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Massachusetts

How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary by efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best value. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.
• Solar inverters: Inverters convert solar power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track energy production and identify potential issues. If not, you can buy a standalone system for $80 to $400.

Size of your system

First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system more cost-effective.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from customers who were blindsided by expensive roof repairs discovered after their solar panels were already installed.

For instance, Patricia in Dartmouth installed panels in 2015. “We knew we would need a new roof within a few years and were told it was a single charge of $1,000 to have them removed and reinstalled,” she said. Now, the cost is $170 per panel, totaling nearly $5,000 for the entire system.

This sounds like a frustrating and expensive experience, and you should avoid it if you can.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

How to compare solar quotes

Most installers set the price according to the system’s wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” lets you compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies in Massachusetts. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor, permits and grid hookup. Watch for hidden fees for system monitoring or maintenance service charges.

Typical costs range from $2.50 to $5 per watt. According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $3.09 in Massachusetts.

How can I pay for solar panels in Massachusetts?

Affordable financing makes the upfront costs of solar more manageable. For instance, most leases let you start saving from day one with little or no money down.

• Loan: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest) each month. In an ideal financing scenario, your system generates enough extra power to pay off the loan. Solar loan terms typically last eight to 20 years.
• Lease: Leasing solar panels is a great way to set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.
• Power purchase agreement: A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing. A solar developer buys, installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the system on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s a fixed price, and the cents/kWh is usually cheaper than the utility’s rate for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives in Massachusetts

As of 2026, homeowners can no longer claim the 30% federal solar investment tax credit for new residential solar systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. On the bright side, Massachusetts residents can still take advantage of a few local solar programs.

For instance, Hudson Light & Power, Reading Municipal Light Department and other utility companies offer solar rebates.

The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program pays solar system owners for the electricity their panels produce. Think of it as a long-term payment program designed to encourage more solar installations.

» MORE: Massachusetts solar incentives

What to know about net metering in Massachusetts

Net metering lets you earn bill credits for extra solar energy your system sends to the grid, lowering your future electric bills.

Your panels power your home first. If you produce more electricity than you use, the excess goes to the grid, and your utility applies credits to your bill. You can build up credits in high-production months and use them later, like in winter.

Credit value depends on the customer and net metering credit type; some credits may be below the full retail rate. Credits usually roll over to future bills, and some customers can transfer credits to another account.

Did you know?

Even with professionals handling the paperwork, bureaucratic hurdles with utility providers can still stall a project. Jean in Massachusetts faced significant gridlock after her physical setup was complete, waiting "nearly six months for National Grid to upgrade transformers before the system could be turned on."

Compare solar companies in Massachusetts

Read our guides to the top solar companies in Boston and the top solar companies in Cambridge for more. 

FAQ

Bottom line

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Massachusetts and other states. The actual price you pay for solar panels can vary significantly. The cost hinges on multiple factors, including the size of your solar energy system, the quality of the panels you choose and your roof’s condition.

Solar costs vs. savings: Massachusetts and nearby states