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#4 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts averages 1,220 kWh per installed kW per year. At $28.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $27,033.

$13,945
System Cost (After Credits)
$27,033
25-Year NPV
6 years
Payback Period
$0.170/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Massachusetts

7 kW system (3.05/W)$21,350
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,405
Massachusetts state credit (15%, capped at $1,000)-$1,000
Net Cost$13,945

Solar Production in Massachusetts

Massachusetts receives an average of 1,220 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 8,540 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Massachusetts's average residential rate of $28.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $2,408. The solar LCOE of $0.170/kWh is 40% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Massachusetts

SMART program provides per-kWh incentive. NEM for systems < 10 kW at retail rate.

Solar by Utility in Massachusetts

National Grid Massachusetts

Avg Rate: $28.5¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Eversource Massachusetts

Avg Rate: $27.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for Massachusetts

How much does solar cost in Massachusetts?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Massachusetts costs $21,350 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC and $1,000 state credit, the net cost drops to $13,945.
What is the solar payback period in Massachusetts?
Based on the average MA utility rate of $28.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,220 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 6 years. The 25-year NPV is $27,033.
Does Massachusetts have net metering?
SMART program provides per-kWh incentive. NEM for systems < 10 kW at retail rate.
What is the LCOE of solar in Massachusetts?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Massachusetts is approximately $0.170/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $28.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs 40% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts receives approximately 1,220 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 8,540 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 81% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

California

NPV: $41,579 · Payback: 5yr
Rate: $28.2¢/kWh · #1 ranked

Hawaii

NPV: $68,203 · Payback: 3yr
Rate: $39.8¢/kWh · #2 ranked

New York

NPV: $20,948 · Payback: 6yr
Rate: $22.2¢/kWh · #3 ranked

Arizona

NPV: $14,954 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #5 ranked

Nevada

NPV: $12,806 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #6 ranked

Connecticut

NPV: $24,321 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $27.2¢/kWh · #7 ranked

Get Your Massachusetts Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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