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We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
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Both utilities offer full retail-rate net metering and SMART eligibility. The difference comes down to rates — and Eversource customers come out $120/year ahead.
Eversource saves approximately $2,723/year vs. $2,603/year for National Grid on an 11kW system. This is entirely because Eversource has higher retail rates. The net metering policy, SMART program, and ConnectedSolutions availability are identical for both utilities.
Every metric that matters for solar, side by side. All data reflects 2026 tariff schedules and current program availability.
| Feature | Eversource | National Grid | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
Avg. Rate (2026) Higher rate = more savings from solar | $0.2836/kWh | $0.2718/kWh | Eversource |
Supply Rate | $0.15629/kWh | $0.15372/kWh | — |
Peak Rate (TOU) Higher peak = more valuable midday solar exports | $0.3284/kWh | $0.3155/kWh | Eversource |
Off-Peak Rate (TOU) | $0.2201/kWh | $0.2104/kWh | — |
Net Metering Both credit exports at full retail rate | 1:1 retail | 1:1 retail | Tie |
Minimum Monthly Bill Cannot be offset by solar credits | $7.00 | $7.00 | Tie |
Annual True-Up Different months, same policy | April | March | — |
Interconnection Free for residential on both | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 weeks | Tie |
ConnectedSolutions Both participate in demand response | Yes | Yes | Tie |
Annual Savings (11kW) Eversource saves $120 more per year | $2,723 | $2,603 | Eversource |
Data: 2026 tariff schedules (Eversource R-1/R-2, National Grid R-1/R-4). Bill calculations assume 11kW system, ~900 kWh/month usage.
Your utility is determined by your address. You cannot switch between utilities.
1.4 million customers
Eastern MA — Boston, South Shore, Cape Cod, MetroWest, Western MA/Springfield
Rate: $0.2836/kWh
1.3 million customers
Central and Southeast MA — Worcester, Brockton, New Bedford, Fall River
Rate: $0.2718/kWh
28,000 customers
Small area in north-central MA — Fitchburg, Lunenburg
No ConnectedSolutions available
How to check your utility
Look at the header or logo on your monthly electric bill. It will say Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil. You can also enter your ZIP code in our calculator to find out instantly.
What your monthly bill looks like with an 11kW solar system, based on typical usage and current 2026 tariff rates.
Eastern MA
Without Solar
$262
/month
With Solar
$35
/month
Monthly Savings
$227/mo
= $2,723/year
Central and Southeast MA
Without Solar
$252
/month
With Solar
$35
/month
Monthly Savings
$217/mo
= $2,603/year
Monthly savings difference: $10/month
Eversource customers save $10 more per month than National Grid customers with the same system size. That adds up to $120/year or $3,000 over 25 years. The difference is meaningful but should not be the deciding factor in whether to go solar.
These savings do not include SMART payments. Under SMART 3.0, residential systems earn an additional incentive on top of net metering savings. SMART payments are identical for both Eversource and National Grid customers.
Both Eversource and National Grid offer optional TOU rate schedules. If your solar panels export during peak hours (midday), you earn credits at the higher peak rate.
Peak Rate
Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm
$0.3284/kWh
Off-Peak Rate
All other hours
$0.2201/kWh
Peak Premium
+49% more per kWh
Peak Rate
Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm
$0.3155/kWh
Off-Peak Rate
All other hours
$0.2104/kWh
Peak Premium
+50% more per kWh
Best for customers with battery + ConnectedSolutions
Solar panels export the most power midday (11am-3pm), which falls within the peak window for both utilities. On a TOU rate, your midday exports earn credits at the higher peak rate. With a battery, you can store midday excess and avoid peak-rate consumption in the evening while also earning ConnectedSolutions payments for discharging during demand response events.
ConnectedSolutions is a demand response program that pays battery owners to discharge during peak demand events. Both major utilities participate, but payment rates differ.
Summer (Jun-Sep)
$275/kW
Winter (Dec-Mar)
$50/kW
Annual Revenue (10kW battery)
~$3,250
Summer (Jun-Sep)
$225/kW
Winter (Dec-Mar)
$50/kW
Annual Revenue (10kW battery)
~$2,750
Does NOT participate
Unitil customers cannot earn ConnectedSolutions revenue
Eversource pays $50/kW more in summer for ConnectedSolutions battery discharge events. On a 10kW battery, that is $500 more per year from Eversource compared to National Grid. Combined with higher net metering credit values, Eversource territory offers the best combined solar + battery economics in Massachusetts.
Here is the honest takeaway for each utility territory.
You get the slightly better solar ROI in Massachusetts due to higher retail rates ($0.2836/kWh) and the top ConnectedSolutions summer payment ($275/kW). Your net metering credits are worth more per kWh than any other MA utility.
~$2,723/year savings
Still an excellent ROI with strong 1:1 net metering and ConnectedSolutions eligibility. You save just ~$120/year less than Eversource customers. Solar is absolutely worth it in National Grid territory.
~$2,603/year savings
Good solar economics with net metering and SMART eligibility, but no ConnectedSolutions revenue. Lower rates mean smaller net metering credits. Solar still pays back well, just without the battery bonus.
No ConnectedSolutions
Do not choose where you live based on utility
The difference between Eversource and National Grid for solar is approximately $120/year ($10/month). That is meaningful over 25 years (~$3,000) but should not drive real estate decisions. Both territories deliver excellent solar savings. Focus on finding the right home first, then optimize your solar system for your utility.
Common questions about Eversource vs National Grid for solar in Massachusetts.
Eversource customers save approximately $120/year more than National Grid customers because Eversource has higher retail rates ($0.2836/kWh vs $0.2718/kWh). Both utilities offer identical 1:1 retail net metering, SMART eligibility, and ConnectedSolutions. The difference is purely in the rate, not the policy.
Yes. Both Eversource and National Grid credit solar exports at 100% of the retail rate for residential systems up to 25kW AC. Every kWh you send to the grid offsets a kWh on your bill dollar-for-dollar. This is one of the strongest net metering policies in the country and applies equally to both utilities.
No. Your electric utility is determined by your geographic location, not by personal choice. Eversource and National Grid serve different areas of Massachusetts with no overlap. However, the annual savings difference ($120/year) is relatively modest. Both utilities provide excellent solar economics.
ConnectedSolutions pays battery owners to discharge during peak demand. Eversource pays $275/kW in summer and $50/kW in winter. National Grid pays $225/kW in summer and $50/kW in winter. Eversource pays $50/kW more in summer. Unitil does not participate in ConnectedSolutions at all.
Eversource performs its annual true-up in April and National Grid in March. At true-up, any remaining excess credits are zeroed out with no cash payout. To avoid losing credits, size your system to match your annual consumption as closely as possible.
No. The Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Massachusetts homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. However, solar leases and PPAs can still benefit from the Section 48 commercial ITC (30%), which is claimed by the third-party system owner (the financing company), not the homeowner.
Enter your address and we will calculate savings based on your exact utility, rate schedule, and SMART incentive block.
Costs, incentives, payback, and financing for Massachusetts.
Read moreSMART 3.0 rates, adders, capacity blocks, and 20-year payments.
Read moreWhat solar costs in Greater Boston and expected savings.
Read moreEversource vs National Grid heat pump rate comparison.
Read moreEversource rates: R-1/R-2 tariff schedule, effective January 2026.
National Grid rates: R-1/R-4 tariff schedule, effective January 2026.
Net metering policy: MassDOER, 225 CMR 20.00 (updated February 2025).
SMART program: Massachusetts DOER, mass.gov/smart.
ConnectedSolutions: Eversource and National Grid program documentation, 2026 season.
Section 25D residential solar tax credit: expired December 31, 2025.