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Danvers has 28,100 residents served by Danvers Electric (DEMEC) at ~$0.17/kWh -- about 37% less than National Grid. Lower rates mean longer solar payback. No SMART 3.0. No ConnectedSolutions. Here is the honest math.
Danvers Electric (DEMEC) • ~$0.17/kWh • No SMART 3.0 • No ConnectedSolutions
2026 Reality: The 30% federal tax credit (Section 25D) expired for homeowners December 31, 2025. All costs in this guide reflect $0 federal credit. Full details
Municipal Utility Notice: Danvers is served by Danvers Electric (a DEMEC member), not National Grid or Eversource. Municipal utility customers are not eligible for SMART 3.0, ConnectedSolutions, or state-mandated net metering terms. This significantly changes the solar financial equation compared to neighboring towns.
A 12 kW system in Danvers costs $35,400-$39,600 in 2026. With Danvers Electric rates at ~$0.17/kWh and no SMART income, annual savings are approximately $2,448/yr. Payback takes 12-16 years. Over 25 years, total savings are approximately $65,000.
Cost Range
$2.95-$3.3/W
Fully installed
Avg System
12 kW
Danvers average
Payback
12-16 yrs
Cash purchase
25-Year Savings
~$65K
Estimated total value
Danvers is a town of ~28,100 residents located between the North Shore coast and interior suburbs. Known for its historic village character, strong public schools, and convenient access to I-95 and Route 1, Danvers offers a suburban lifestyle with a mix of housing from historic Danversport to newer Tapleyville subdivisions. The town runs its own electric utility through DEMEC membership.
Population
~28,100
Median Home Value
~$520,000
Primary Utility
Danvers Electric (DEMEC)
Electric Rate
~$0.17/kWh
Typical System Size
10-15 kW
Solar Irradiance
4.2 kWh/m²/day
Danvers Electric customers pay less for power, but miss out on major state solar programs. Here is a side-by-side comparison with neighboring Beverly (National Grid).
| Factor | Danvers (DEMEC) | Beverly (National Grid) |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Rate | ~$0.17/kWh | $0.32/kWh |
| Annual Savings (12 kW) | ~$2,448/yr | ~$3,914/yr |
| SMART 3.0 Income | Not eligible ($0) | ~$432/yr |
| ConnectedSolutions | Not eligible ($0) | ~$2,750/yr (10 kW battery) |
| Total Annual Value | ~$2,448/yr | ~$7,096/yr |
| Payback Period | 12-16 years | 7.5-9 years |
| 25-Year Savings | ~$65K | ~$120K+ |
Bottom line: Danvers homeowners save roughly 65% less per year from solar compared to National Grid customers. The lower DEMEC rate is excellent for your electricity bill today, but it significantly extends the solar payback period.
Costs for different system sizes in Danvers at $2.95-3.30/W. Annual savings based on DEMEC rates (~$0.17/kWh), not National Grid rates.
| System Size | Low Cost | High Cost | Annual Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 kW | $20,650 | $23,100 | ~$1,428/yr | Condo / smaller Cape |
| 9 kW | $26,550 | $29,700 | ~$1,836/yr | Mid-size colonial / ranch |
| 12 kW | $35,400 | $39,600 | ~$2,448/yr | Typical Danvers single-family |
| 15 kW | $44,250 | $49,500 | ~$3,060/yr | Large home / EV + battery |
| 18 kW | $53,100 | $59,400 | ~$3,672/yr | High usage / all-electric home |
Prices include equipment, labor, permits, and grid interconnection. No federal tax credit included (expired). $1,000 MA state tax credit not deducted. Annual savings based on DEMEC rates (~$0.17/kWh). No SMART income included.
Danvers's neighborhoods range from historic Danversport to newer Tapleyville developments. All are served by Danvers Electric with the same rates.
Home Types
Colonials, Capes, newer construction
Avg System
11-14 kW
Residential area with mix of established and newer homes. Good roof access, moderate tree canopy. Family-oriented neighborhood with strong solar interest. Standard installations.
Home Types
Ranches, split-levels, newer subdivisions
Avg System
12-15 kW
More suburban character with larger lots near the Middleton border. Newer construction has better roof conditions. Less tree canopy than central Danvers. Larger homes with higher energy bills.
Home Types
Older colonials, Capes, smaller homes
Avg System
8-11 kW
Historic area near the Porter River. Older housing stock but generally good solar access. Some homes may need roof assessment. Proximity to water means slightly better solar conditions.
Home Types
Mixed residential, Victorian, multi-family
Avg System
8-10 kW
Denser area near Route 1 and Danvers Square. Some mature tree canopy and closer lot spacing. Older roofs may need evaluation. Multi-family properties can work well for shared solar systems.
Solar is not for every Danvers homeowner, but it can be a smart investment in the right circumstances.
You plan to stay in your home 12+ years
You want energy independence and resilience
You have high energy usage (EV, heat pump, pool)
You want to hedge against future DEMEC rate increases
Environmental impact is important to you
You can pay cash or get a low-APR loan (<5%)
You want to increase your property value
You only care about quick financial payback (<10 years)
You plan to move within 8-10 years
You would need a high-APR loan (7%+)
Your roof needs replacement soon
Heavy tree shading reduces production below 80%
Danvers Building Department handles permits. Danvers Electric handles interconnection. Process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Installer evaluates roof condition, shade, and orientation. Danvers Electric interconnection requirements reviewed.
Application to Danvers Building Department. Electrical and structural plans. Danvers Electric interconnection application filed.
Typical installation 1-3 days. Town electrical and building inspection.
Danvers Electric approves grid connection and activates metering. Municipal timeline varies.
While DEMEC customers miss out on SMART 3.0 and ConnectedSolutions, you still qualify for state-level incentives.
Danvers Electric offers net metering. Contact them at (978) 774-1131 for current terms.
~$2,448/yr
Based on ~$0.17/kWh rate
15% of system cost, capped at $1,000. Available to all MA residents.
$1,000
One-time credit
Solar systems exempt from 6.25% MA sales tax. Available statewide.
~$2,344
Savings on typical system
Solar-added value exempt from property tax for 20 years. Danvers has a 1.109% residential rate.
~$416/yr
20-year exemption (~$8,320 total)
Not available. SMART only applies to IOU customers.
$0/yr
Not eligible
Not available. ConnectedSolutions is Eversource/National Grid only.
$0/yr
Not eligible
Financing matters more in Danvers because lower electricity savings mean monthly loan payments often exceed monthly bill savings. Cash is the strongest option.
Upfront
~$35,400-$39,600
Monthly
$0
25-yr Savings
~$65K
Ownership
You own it
Best long-term value. 12-16 year payback due to low DEMEC rates. Energy independence and rate-hedge are key drivers.
Upfront
$0 down
Monthly
~$240-335/mo (5.5-8% APR)
25-yr Savings
~$25-40K
Ownership
You own it
At DEMEC rates, monthly loan payments likely exceed electricity savings for 8-12 years. Low-APR loans (<5%) are essential for positive cash flow.
Upfront
$0
Monthly
Fixed ~$0.11-0.14/kWh
25-yr Savings
~$12-25K
Ownership
Third party owns
PPA rate must undercut DEMEC rate (~$0.17/kWh) to generate savings. Third-party owner claims Section 48 ITC. Narrower margin than in National Grid territory.
Section 25D (the 30% residential solar tax credit) expired December 31, 2025 under the OBBBA. Danvers homeowners buying cash or loan receive $0 in federal credit. Third-party system owners (PPA/lease) can still claim the commercial Section 48/48E ITC.
Read: What happened to the solar tax creditSolar panels in Danvers cost $2.95-3.30 per watt installed in 2026. A typical 12 kW system costs $35,400-$39,600. The federal Section 25D residential tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Danvers Electric (DEMEC) is a municipal utility, so SMART 3.0 and ConnectedSolutions are not available, which lengthens the payback period compared to National Grid towns.
Danvers Electric charges approximately $0.17/kWh -- about 37% less than National Grid's $0.32/kWh. Lower rates mean lower annual savings. Additionally, DEMEC customers are not eligible for SMART 3.0 (worth ~$430/yr for 12 kW) or ConnectedSolutions battery revenue (worth ~$2,750/yr). The combined effect pushes Danvers payback to 12-16 years vs 7.5-9 years in National Grid territory.
No. Both programs are only available to customers of investor-owned utilities (Eversource, National Grid, Unitil). Danvers Electric is a municipal utility and does not participate in either program. This is one of the largest financial differences between Danvers and neighboring National Grid towns like Beverly and Salem.
It can be, depending on your priorities. The payback is 12-16 years with cash purchase, still within the 25-year panel warranty. Solar provides energy independence, hedge against future rate increases (DEMEC rates have risen over time), property value increase, and environmental benefit. For homeowners planning to stay 12+ years, solar is still a reasonable investment. Over 25 years, a typical system saves ~$65,000.
Danvers Electric offers a form of net metering but terms are set by the municipal utility, not by state mandate. Contact Danvers Electric at (978) 774-1131 to confirm current interconnection requirements, compensation rates, and system size limits. Municipal utility net metering terms can differ significantly from state-mandated IOU net metering.
We'll give you an honest assessment based on Danvers Electric rates -- not inflated numbers based on National Grid pricing. Get real Danvers-specific solar savings.
Complete hub for MA solar, heat pumps, and utility resources.
Read moreStatewide solar costs and city-by-city breakdown.
Read moreHow different MA utilities affect solar economics.
Read moreCash vs loan vs PPA. Critical for municipal utility customers.
Read moreHow to make solar work without the 25D credit.
Read moreSales + property tax exemptions still available.
Read more25D expired. What options remain for homeowners.
Read moreMLP customers are NOT eligible. See who qualifies.
Read moreMLP customers are NOT eligible for this demand response program.
Read moreTrack rate changes across MA utilities and MLPs since 2020.
Read moreLive installation data, capacity trends, and market stats.
Read moreCurrent wait times and how MLP interconnection differs.
Read morePricing: EnergySage Solar Marketplace (January 2026), NuWatt Energy North Shore installations.
Utility rates: Danvers Electric Division published rates, 2026.
Municipal utility policy: DEMEC interconnection guidelines.
SMART eligibility: MassDOER program rules -- municipal light plant customers excluded.
Tax exemptions: MA Department of Revenue, Danvers Assessor data.