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Massachusetts homeowners have two solar paths: subscribe to a community solar farm through the SMART 3.0 Community Shared program, or install panels on your own roof. With the residential ITC dead (25D expired Dec 31, 2025) and MA electricity rates among the highest in the nation, making the right choice matters more than ever. Here is the honest, data-driven comparison.
$0.28-$0.32
MA Avg Electric Rate/kWh
10-20%
Community Solar Savings
$3.16/W
Avg Rooftop Cost
$0
Federal ITC (25D Expired)
Rooftop solar saves significantly more money long-term. A cash-purchased 11 kW system delivers $65,000-$95,000 in total value over 25 years versus $6,500-$19,500 from a community solar subscription. Even with the federal residential ITC expired (25D died December 31, 2025), Massachusetts offers the strongest state-level incentives in the country: 1:1 net metering, SMART 3.0 payments, ConnectedSolutions battery revenue, a state tax credit, and 20-year property tax exemption.
Community solar is the better choice if you cannot install panels. If you rent, own a condo, have heavy roof shading, or plan to move within 3 years, the SMART Community Shared program gives you 10-20% bill savings with zero installation, zero upfront cost, and the flexibility to cancel with notice.
For homeowners who want $0 down rooftop: Lease or PPA options let a third-party owner claim the Section 48E commercial ITC (still available for projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026) and pass that savings to you as a lower monthly payment. This delivers 3-5x more annual savings than community solar.
16 criteria that matter most when choosing between community solar and rooftop solar in Massachusetts. Green checks show an advantage.
| Criteria | Community Solar | Rooftop Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | --$33,000-$37,400 (cash) or $0 (lease/PPA) |
| Monthly Savings | 10-20% off electric bill | 80-100% bill offset (cash) / 15-25% lower than utility (lease) |
| Ownership | No -- subscription only | Yes (cash/loan) or TPO initially (lease/PPA) |
| Home Value Added | $0 | $20,000-$30,000 (owned systems) |
| Roof Required | No | Yes -- south/west facing, good condition |
| Credit Score | None | --None (cash) / 660+ (Propel) / varies (PPA) |
| Net Metering | N/A -- uses bill credit model | 1:1 retail rate for systems up to 25 kW (Class I) |
| SMART 3.0 Income | Solar farm owner receives $0.07/kWh community adder | $0.03/kWh flat for 20 years ($0.06 low-income) |
| Federal Tax Credit | Solar farm owner keeps it (48/48E) | --25D expired -- $0 for cash/loan. TPO claims 48E for lease/PPA. |
| MA State Tax Credit | Not applicable -- you do not own equipment | 15% up to $1,000 |
| MA Sales Tax Exemption | Not applicable | 6.25% exempt -- saves ~$2,175 on 11 kW system |
| MA Property Tax Exemption | Not applicable | 20-year exemption -- value up, taxes flat |
| ConnectedSolutions Battery Revenue | Not available | $225-$3,250/year with battery (Eversource/NGrid) |
| Maintenance | Not your responsibility | --Minimal (owned) / TPO handles (leased) |
| Moving | Cancel subscription, re-subscribe at new address | Stays with home -- adds to sale price |
| 25-Year Total Value | $6,500-$19,500 | $65,000-$95,000 (cash) / $25,000-$40,000 (lease/PPA) |
Community solar wins on accessibility: no roof, no credit score, no upfront cost, and zero maintenance. Rooftop solar wins on total value: higher savings, home equity, SMART income, ConnectedSolutions battery revenue, tax exemptions, and long-term energy independence. The right choice depends on your living situation, budget, and timeline.
Community solar in Massachusetts operates under the SMART 3.0 Community Shared Solar program. Instead of installing panels on your roof, you subscribe to a share of a nearby solar farm. That farm generates electricity and feeds it into the grid. Your share of the production appears as a credit on your Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil bill. You pay a discounted subscription fee that is less than the credits you receive, netting you 10-20% savings.
On an average Eversource bill of $280/month ($3,360/year) at $0.2836/kWh, community solar savings of 10-20% translate to $336-$672 per year. On a National Grid bill at $0.32/kWh, the same usage yields $380-$760/year. Over a 25-year period with 3% annual rate escalation, total value is approximately $6,500-$19,500. Meaningful, but far less than rooftop ownership. For a deeper look, see our full MA community solar guide.
Community solar subscribers do not receive SMART 3.0 payments directly (the farm owner gets the $0.07/kWh community adder). You cannot enroll in ConnectedSolutions (requires a physical battery at your home). You do not receive the MA state tax credit, sales tax exemption, or property tax exemption. And your subscription adds zero equity to your home. These missing benefits are the primary reason rooftop solar delivers 4-7x more total value over 25 years.
Rooftop solar means installing panels directly on your home. Your system generates electricity that powers your home first. Any excess is exported to the grid and you receive 1:1 retail-rate net metering credits (Class I, up to 25 kW). Panels are a 25+ year asset that can eliminate most or all of your electric bill while generating SMART income and ConnectedSolutions battery revenue.
$3.00-$3.40
Per watt (2026)
$33,000-$37,400
11 kW system total
-$3,175
State credit + sales tax saved
$0
Federal ITC (25D expired)
Net cost after MA incentives: approximately $30,585-$34,225 for cash purchase. SMART income and ConnectedSolutions reduce effective cost further.
Pay approximately $34,760 upfront for an 11 kW system (avg). No monthly payments. You own the system outright. No federal tax credit (25D expired).
Finance at 6-8% APR through a solar lender. $0 down with monthly payments. You own from day one and receive SMART income directly.
A third-party owner (TPO) installs and owns the system. They claim the Section 48E commercial ITC (available before July 4, 2026) and pass savings to you as a lower fixed monthly payment.
Rooftop solar owners receive $0.03/kWh ($0.06/kWh for low-income) for 20 years through the SMART program. For an 11 kW system producing ~13,200 kWh/year, that is approximately $396/year or $7,920 over 20 years. This is direct income on top of your electric bill savings. Community solar subscribers do not receive this.
Full SMART 3.0 guideAdd a battery and earn $225-$3,250/year through demand response. Eversource pays $275/kW summer + $50/kW winter. National Grid pays $225/kW summer + $50/kW winter. A 10 kW battery with Eversource earns ~$3,250/year. Community solar subscribers cannot participate.
ConnectedSolutions guideRooftop systems up to 25 kW (Class I) receive full retail-rate credits for excess electricity sent to the grid. Credits roll over monthly. At $0.28-$0.32/kWh, this is the most valuable net metering in the country. Community solar uses a different bill credit mechanism with lower per-kWh value.
Massachusetts offers a 15% state tax credit (up to $1,000), 6.25% sales tax exemption (~$2,175 on an 11 kW system), and a 20-year property tax exemption. Your home value increases $20K-$30K without additional property tax. Community solar subscribers receive none of these. See our MA solar tax exemptions guide.
Based on an 11 kW system, blended MA rate of ~$0.30/kWh, and 3% annual rate escalation. Rooftop includes SMART 3.0 income and potential ConnectedSolutions revenue.
| Metric | Community Solar | Rooftop (Cash) | Rooftop (Lease/PPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $34,760 | $0 |
| Annual Savings (Year 1) | $520-$1,560 | $3,960 | $960 |
| SMART 3.0 Income (Annual) | $0 (farm owner keeps) | $396/yr | $0 (TPO keeps) |
| ConnectedSolutions (Annual) | $0 | $1,500-$3,250 (with battery) | $0 (no battery typically) |
| State Tax Credit | $0 | $1,000 | $0 (TPO claims) |
| Sales Tax Savings | $0 | $2,175 | $0 (TPO claims) |
| Rate Escalation Hedge | Partial -- credit grows with rates | Full -- own your power | Full -- fixed payment |
| Home Value Added | $0 | $20,000-$30,000 | $0 until buyout |
| Payback Period | N/A -- no investment | 10-14 years | Day 1 savings |
| Total 25-Year Value | $6,500-$19,500 | $65,000-$95,000 | $25,000-$40,000 |
$6,500-$19,500
Community Solar 25-Year Value
10-20% bill savings, no equity
$65,000-$95,000
Rooftop Cash 25-Year Value
Including home value + SMART + ConnectedSolutions
$25,000-$40,000
Rooftop Lease/PPA 25-Year Value
$0 down, 48E ITC benefit
Community solar is not about maximizing savings. It is about access. These are the situations where subscribing beats installing.
Your only option. Subscribe for 10-20% bill savings. No roof or landlord permission needed. Cancel when your lease ends. Available to any MA electricity customer on Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil.
Unless your HOA approves a shared rooftop system (rare in MA), community solar is your path to solar savings. No building modifications required. Boston condos, Cambridge multi-family units, and suburban HOA communities all qualify.
Mature New England trees or neighboring buildings blocking your roof? Panels need 4+ hours of direct sun. Many homes in Brookline, Newton, and Wellesley have significant shade challenges. Subscribe to community solar instead.
Planning to move within 1-3 years? Community solar gives you immediate savings with no long-term commitment. Cancel your subscription and re-subscribe at your new address within the same utility territory.
Your roof needs replacement within 5 years? Do not install panels on a deteriorating roof. Subscribe to community solar now, replace your roof, then switch to rooftop. Many older homes in Boston, Salem, and Worcester face this timing issue.
Some MA historic districts (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Harvard Square, Concord center) restrict or prohibit visible rooftop modifications. Community solar gives you solar savings without running into preservation review boards.
If you own your home and have a viable roof, rooftop solar delivers 4-7x more value than community solar. Here is who benefits most.
Maximum savings. Choose cash for best 25-year ROI ($65K-$95K), or lease/PPA for $0 down with 48E ITC benefits ($25K-$40K). Either way, rooftop wins big over community solar.
Homes with $300-$500+ monthly bills benefit most from rooftop. At National Grid rates ($0.32/kWh), a 13 kW system eliminates ~$5,000/year in electric costs. Community solar saves only $500-$1,000/year on the same bill.
Add a battery and earn $225-$3,250/year through ConnectedSolutions. This revenue is exclusive to rooftop solar with physical battery storage. Eversource and National Grid customers only (Unitil does not participate).
Planning to stay 10+ years? Rooftop cash payback is 10-14 years. After that, your electricity is essentially free plus SMART income. The longer you stay, the wider the gap between rooftop and community solar value.
Rooftop solar adds $20K-$30K to your home value in MA. With the 20-year property tax exemption, your taxes stay flat even as your home appreciates. Community solar adds $0 in home equity.
Only rooftop owners receive SMART payments. At $0.03/kWh for 20 years, an 11 kW system earns ~$7,920 in direct income. Add the battery storage adder ($0.04/kWh) and low-income rate ($0.06/kWh) for even more.
This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the post-ITC landscape. The Section 25D residential solar ITC expired December 31, 2025 -- homeowners who buy solar with cash or a loan get $0 in federal tax credits. But Section 48/48E (the commercial ITC) is still alive for projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026.
You sign a solar lease or PPA. A third-party company (the TPO) installs solar panels on your roof. They own the system. You pay a fixed monthly amount that is lower than your current utility bill.
The TPO claims the Section 48E ITC. As a commercial entity, they qualify for the 30% base credit (plus potential bonus credits for domestic content, energy communities, and low-income locations). This can total 40-70% of the system cost.
The TPO passes the savings to you. Because they captured the ITC, they can offer you a lower monthly payment than would otherwise be possible. You get $0 down, a fixed rate, and day-one savings.
The Section 48E commercial ITC is available for projects where construction begins before July 4, 2026. After that date, neither rooftop lease/PPA nor community solar farm owners can claim this credit. If you are considering a lease/PPA to capture the 48E advantage, act before this deadline. Read our Section 48 deadline guide for details.
Your utility rate and ConnectedSolutions eligibility play a major role in whether rooftop or community solar makes sense. Here is how each utility stacks up.
$0.2836/kWh | ~55% of MA
Community Solar
Strong availability. Many farms in Western MA and Southeast.
Rooftop Advantage
ConnectedSolutions: $275/kW summer + $50/kW winter. A 10 kW battery earns ~$3,250/yr.
Bottom line: Rooftop + battery is the clear winner at this rate.
$0.32/kWh | ~35% of MA
Community Solar
Good availability. Farms in central and western MA service territory.
Rooftop Advantage
ConnectedSolutions: $225/kW summer + $50/kW winter. Highest rate = fastest payback.
Bottom line: Highest rate makes rooftop ROI strongest. 8-11 year payback.
$0.2833/kWh | ~5% of MA (Fitchburg area)
Community Solar
Limited availability. Fewer community solar farms in territory.
Rooftop Advantage
Net metering at 1:1 retail. No ConnectedSolutions participation.
Bottom line: Rooftop still wins but no battery revenue. Cash purchase preferred.
$0.16-$0.20/kWh | ~5% of MA (40+ towns)
Community Solar
Generally not available through MLPs.
Rooftop Advantage
No SMART 3.0. No ConnectedSolutions. Lower rate = longer payback (15-20 years).
Bottom line: Neither option is ideal. Rooftop for energy independence only.
Use our MA solar utility finder to look up your utility by address. Or compare rates in our Eversource vs National Grid solar rates guide.
Massachusetts has three major programs that are exclusive to rooftop solar (or rooftop + battery). These programs are the primary reason rooftop delivers 4-7x more value than community solar in MA.
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target
$0.03/kWh
Residential base rate
20 years
Payment term
$7,920
Total for 11 kW system
Rooftop owners receive direct monthly payments for every kWh their system produces. Low-income households qualify for $0.06/kWh. Add battery storage for an extra $0.04/kWh. Community solar farm owners receive the $0.07/kWh community adder, but this goes to the farm, not to you as a subscriber. Full SMART 3.0 guide.
Battery demand response program
$275/kW
Eversource summer rate
$225/kW
National Grid summer rate
$3,250/yr
10 kW battery (Eversource)
Requires a physical battery at your home. Community solar subscribers cannot participate. Unitil does not offer this program. A rooftop + battery system can earn $225-$3,250/year in ConnectedSolutions revenue on top of electric bill savings and SMART income. Full ConnectedSolutions guide.
Home energy assessment + weatherization
MassSave offers free home energy assessments, insulation rebates, and heat pump incentives. Pairing these with rooftop solar creates a comprehensive energy strategy: reduce your consumption through efficiency, then generate what you need with solar. Community solar cannot be paired with MassSave improvements in the same integrated way because you do not own the generation equipment. For MA incentive details, see our complete MA solar incentives guide.
Yes, in some cases. If your rooftop system is undersized relative to your electricity consumption, combining both options can make sense. Here are the scenarios where a hybrid approach works in Massachusetts.
Your roof can only accommodate 7 kW but you need 11 kW of production. Install rooftop for the portion your roof supports, then subscribe to community solar for the remaining gap. You get 1:1 net metering credits and SMART income for the rooftop portion plus community solar credits for the rest. Common in dense areas like Somerville, Cambridge, and Brookline.
You installed rooftop solar two years ago, but you have since added an EV, heat pump, or home addition that increased your consumption beyond your system's output. Community solar can cover the incremental demand without expanding your rooftop array. Increasingly common as Massachusetts homeowners electrify heating.
Most homeowners do not need both. If your roof can accommodate a properly sized system (11 kW covers the average MA home), rooftop alone is the best economic choice. The hybrid approach is a niche solution for specific constraints. If you are unsure whether your roof can handle a full system, get a free assessment and we will tell you exactly what fits.
Answer a few questions about your home, roof, and energy usage. In 60 seconds, you'll see whether rooftop solar or community solar is the better fit — with real numbers based on your Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil rate.