Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program allocates 3,200 MW of solar capacity and pays system owners a fixed $/kWh rate for 20 years. With the federal residential ITC gone, SMART is now the single most valuable solar incentive in Massachusetts.
Under SMART 3.0, Massachusetts residential solar owners receive $0.03/kWh for 20 years on top of net metering credits (or $0.06/kWh for low-income households). With adders for battery storage (+$0.04/kWh), building-mounted (+$0.03/kWh), and more, a typical 8kW system with a battery earns approximately $960/year in SMART payments plus $2,270/year in net metering savings, for a combined annual benefit of $3,230.
SMART stands for Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target. Launched in 2018 by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), it is the state's primary incentive program for distributed solar energy. The program has a total capacity goal of 3,200 MW of solar generation across the state.
Unlike rebates or tax credits, SMART provides ongoing income. When your solar system generates electricity, your utility pays you a fixed dollar-per-kilowatt-hour rate for every kWh produced. This payment is guaranteed for 20 years and is completely separate from your net metering bill credits.
You do not receive a one-time check or discount on your installation cost. SMART is an ongoing payment stream based on how much electricity your system produces.
SMART payments are not dependent on your tax liability. Unlike the now-expired federal ITC, you do not need to owe taxes to receive SMART income. Payments come directly from your utility.
Every kWh your solar panels produce earns you a fixed payment. Your utility sends you a monthly SMART payment based on your meter readings, separate from your electric bill.
SMART 3.0 replaced the old declining capacity block model (Blocks 1-8) with a flat incentive rate structure. Residential systems now receive a straightforward $0.03/kWh incentive. Commercial rates are formula-based and vary by system size and utility territory. Adders can significantly increase your total rate.
| System Category | Base Incentive Rate | Low-Income Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential (≤25 kW) | $0.03/kWh | $0.06/kWh | Flat incentive for all residential systems |
| Small Commercial (25-250 kW) | ~$0.08-$0.10/kWh | N/A | Formula: Base Compensation Rate - Value of Energy + Adders |
| Medium Commercial (250 kW-1 MW) | ~$0.06-$0.08/kWh | N/A | Formula-based; varies by utility territory |
| Large Commercial (1-5 MW) | ~$0.06-$0.07/kWh | N/A | Competitive procurement may apply |
Flat incentive for all residential systems
Formula: Base Compensation Rate - Value of Energy + Adders
Formula-based; varies by utility territory
Competitive procurement may apply
Legacy enrollees: If you enrolled under SMART 1.0 or 2.0, your locked-in block rate (ranging from $0.115-$0.25/kWh depending on your block) remains guaranteed for the full 20-year term. The new flat-rate structure applies only to new SMART 3.0 enrollees.
Note: Commercial rates vary by utility territory (Eversource, National Grid, Unitil) and are calculated using a formula: Base Compensation Rate minus Value of Energy plus applicable Adders. Contact NuWatt for your exact rate based on system size and location.
Adders increase your base SMART rate based on specific project characteristics. These bonuses are added on top of your base incentive, so a residential base rate of $0.03/kWh with a battery adder of $0.04/kWh and a building-mounted adder of $0.03/kWh gives you a total SMART rate of $0.10/kWh for 20 years.
| Adder Category | Rate Bonus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-Use Agricultural | +$0.09/kWh | Solar combined with active agricultural use (agrivoltaics) |
| Canopy / Carport | +$0.08/kWh | Solar installed on parking canopy or carport structure |
| Community Shared Solar | +$0.07/kWh | Multi-subscriber community solar project |
| Low-Income | +$0.05/kWh | Verified low-income household or low-income community project |
| Battery Storage | +$0.04/kWh | Co-located battery energy storage system |
| Brownfield | +$0.04/kWh | Solar installed on a brownfield or contaminated site |
| Public Entity | +$0.04/kWh | System owned by or serving a public entity (municipal, school, etc.) |
| Building-Mounted | +$0.03/kWh | Rooftop or building-attached installation |
| Pollinator-Friendly | +$0.01/kWh | Ground-mount with pollinator-friendly habitat |
Solar combined with active agricultural use (agrivoltaics)
Solar installed on parking canopy or carport structure
Multi-subscriber community solar project
Verified low-income household or low-income community project
Co-located battery energy storage system
Solar installed on a brownfield or contaminated site
System owned by or serving a public entity (municipal, school, etc.)
Rooftop or building-attached installation
Ground-mount with pollinator-friendly habitat
A residential rooftop system with battery storage could earn: base rate ($0.03/kWh) + building-mounted adder ($0.03/kWh) + battery storage adder ($0.04/kWh) = $0.10/kWh total SMART rate for 20 years. On an 11kW system producing 13,200 kWh/year, that is $1,320/year in SMART payments alone.
Each SMART adder has specific eligibility requirements and stacking rules. Understanding these details helps you maximize your total SMART rate. Below is a breakdown of the seven most impactful adders with qualification criteria, annual value estimates, and stacking opportunities.
Who qualifies
Any SMART-enrolled system with a co-located battery energy storage system (BESS).
Requirements
Battery must be connected to the solar system and able to discharge to the grid. Minimum 2-hour duration at rated capacity.
Stacking note
Stacks with ConnectedSolutions demand response payments ($225-$1500/yr). The SMART battery adder is paid per kWh of solar generation; ConnectedSolutions pays per kW of battery dispatched during peak events. You earn both simultaneously.
Who qualifies
Households at or below 80% of area median income (AMI), or projects located in environmental justice communities.
Requirements
Income verification through MassCEC or project located in a designated EJ community. Low-income base rate ($0.06/kWh) applies automatically; the $0.05 adder stacks on top for a total of $0.11/kWh.
Stacking note
Total low-income SMART rate: $0.06 base + $0.05 adder = $0.11/kWh. This is the highest residential base+adder combination. Can further stack with battery (+$0.04) and building-mounted (+$0.03).
Who qualifies
Solar installed on elevated parking canopy or carport structures. Most relevant for commercial properties.
Requirements
Structure must be a purpose-built canopy or carport with solar panels integrated. Cannot be a standard ground-mount with parking underneath.
Stacking note
Highest single adder available at $0.08/kWh. Typically used by commercial projects (25+ kW) to achieve rates of $0.14-$0.18/kWh when combined with other adders.
Who qualifies
Multi-subscriber community shared solar projects serving three or more off-takers.
Requirements
Project must be registered as a Community Shared Solar facility with MassDOER. At least 50% of output must serve residential subscribers.
Stacking note
Community solar projects can stack this adder with brownfield (+$0.04) or low-income (+$0.05) for significantly higher rates. Subscribers receive net metering bill credits without owning panels.
Who qualifies
Solar installed on a brownfield or previously contaminated site as designated by MassDEP.
Requirements
Site must have a completed Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and be listed in the MassDEP brownfield database or have an Activity and Use Limitation (AUL).
Stacking note
Converts contaminated land into clean energy production. Stacks well with community solar (+$0.07) and public entity (+$0.04) adders for ground-mount projects.
Who qualifies
Ground-mount solar combined with active agricultural operations (agrivoltaics). Primarily commercial-scale.
Requirements
Must maintain active agricultural use under the panels (grazing, crops, pollinator habitat). Requires UMass Clean Energy Extension review and approval.
Stacking note
Highest-value adder at $0.09/kWh. Combined with commercial base rates, total SMART rates can exceed $0.15-$0.19/kWh. Massachusetts leads the nation in dual-use solar policy.
Who qualifies
Any solar system installed on a rooftop or attached to a building structure.
Requirements
System must be physically mounted on the building envelope (roof, wall, or integrated). Ground-mount systems do not qualify.
Stacking note
Most residential rooftop systems automatically qualify. Stacks with battery (+$0.04) for a combined residential rate of $0.10/kWh.
Before applying for the SMART program, confirm that your project meets all eligibility requirements. NuWatt verifies every item on this checklist during the design phase, so there are no surprises at application time.
Massachusetts utility customer
You must be a customer of Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil. Municipal utility customers (e.g., Holyoke, Braintree) are not eligible.
System size 25 kW AC or smaller
Residential SMART applies to systems up to 25 kW AC. Systems above this threshold fall under commercial SMART with formula-based rates.
Connected to participating utility grid
Your solar system must be interconnected to the distribution grid of a SMART-participating investor-owned utility (IOU).
Application submitted through MassCEC portal
Your installer submits the SMART application through the official MassCEC online portal. NuWatt handles this entire process.
Qualified solar installer
Your installer must be a SMART-qualified installer registered with MassCEC. NuWatt is a registered SMART installer.
Building permit obtained
A valid building permit from your local municipality must be obtained before system installation. NuWatt pulls all required permits.
How much SMART income can you expect? The table below shows annual SMART payments for three common system sizes across three scenarios: base rate only, low-income rate (with low-income adder), and base rate with battery + building-mounted adders. All figures use SMART 3.0 PY2026 rates and assume 1,200 kWh production per kW per year (MA average).
| System Size | Base Rate $0.03/kWh | Low-Income $0.11/kWh | Base + Battery + Building $0.10/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 kW 9,600 kWh/yr | $288/yr $5,494 over 20 yrs | $1,056/yr $20,146 over 20 yrs | $960/yr $18,315 over 20 yrs |
| 11 kW 13,200 kWh/yr | $396/yr $7,555 over 20 yrs | $1,452/yr $27,701 over 20 yrs | $1,320/yr $25,183 over 20 yrs |
| 15 kW 18,000 kWh/yr | $540/yr $10,302 over 20 yrs | $1,980/yr $37,774 over 20 yrs | $1,800/yr $34,340 over 20 yrs |
Calculation method: Annual kWh = system size x 1,200 kWh/kW. SMART income = annual kWh x applicable rate. 20-year total accounts for 0.5% annual panel degradation. All rates from SMART 3.0 PY2026 via MA_SMART_PROGRAM data module.
These are SMART payments only. Add net metering savings ($2,000-$4,000+/yr depending on system size and utility rate) plus ConnectedSolutions revenue ($225-$1,500/yr with battery) for your total annual benefit.
Your solar panels produce electricity every day. A production meter tracks every kWh generated.
Your utility reads your production meter monthly and records total kWh generated.
Monthly payment = total kWh generated x your locked-in SMART rate. Paid automatically.
Your SMART payment arrives independently. Net metering credits appear on your electric bill.
System Size
8 kW
Annual Production
9,600 kWh
1,200 kWh/kW
SMART 3.0 Base Rate
$0.03
per kWh (residential)
Annual SMART Payment
$288
base rate, per year for 20 years
8 kW x 1,200 kWh/kW x $0.03/kWh = $288/year = $5,760 over 20 years (base rate)
With battery + building adders: 9,600 kWh x $0.10/kWh = $960/year = $19,200 over 20 years
This is the key advantage of MA solar: you receive both SMART payments and net metering credits simultaneously. They are completely independent income streams. This stacking is why Massachusetts solar still makes strong financial sense despite $0 in federal tax credits.
$960
per year (with battery + building adders)
$0.03 base + $0.04 battery + $0.03 building = $0.10/kWh x 9,600 kWh. Fixed for 20 years.
$2,270
per year
Excess power sent to grid offsets your electric bill. Based on MA avg rate of ~$0.2365/kWh.
$3,230
per year
SMART ($960 with adders) + Net Metering ($2,270). For an 8kW system with battery.
SMART and net metering are often confused because both relate to solar income. They are fundamentally different programs that stack together. Here is exactly how they differ and why receiving both is the key to Massachusetts solar economics.
| Feature | SMART Program | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| What it pays for | ALL electricity your system generates (total kWh produced) | Only EXCESS electricity sent to the grid |
| Payment type | Fixed $/kWh incentive payment from utility (separate check or credit) | Bill credits at retail rate that offset your electric bill |
| Rate | $0.03/kWh flat (residential) — fixed for 20 years | ~$0.27-$0.28/kWh (current retail rate) — changes with utility rates |
| Duration | 20-year fixed term (guaranteed) | Ongoing as long as you have solar (no fixed term) |
| Rate adders | Yes — battery (+$0.04), building-mounted (+$0.03), low-income (+$0.05), and more | No adders. Credit rate = retail rate for your utility |
| Eligibility | Eversource, National Grid, Unitil customers only (no MLPs) | All MA utilities including municipal light plants |
| Application | Separate application through MassCEC portal (installer submits) | Automatic with grid interconnection approval |
| Stacking | Stacks ON TOP of net metering — both received simultaneously | Stacks with SMART — independent credit on your bill |
What it pays for
SMART
ALL generation (total kWh)
Net Metering
Only EXCESS sent to grid
Rate
SMART
$0.03/kWh fixed 20 years
Net Metering
~$0.27-$0.28/kWh (varies)
Payment type
SMART
Separate incentive payment
Net Metering
Bill credits on electric bill
Adders
SMART
Battery, building, low-income, etc.
Net Metering
None — flat retail rate
Eligibility
SMART
IOUs only (no MLPs)
Net Metering
All MA utilities
Stacking
SMART
Stacks with net metering
Net Metering
Stacks with SMART
Key takeaway: SMART is a bonus payment on top of net metering. A residential rooftop system receives SMART payments based on total generation plus net metering credits for excess power. For an 8kW system: ~$960/yr from SMART (with adders) + ~$2,270/yr from net metering = ~$3,230/yr combined.
The SMART program has a total capacity allocation of 3,200 MW across three utility territories. Under SMART 3.0, the old capacity block system (Blocks 1-8) was replaced with a flat-rate structure, but total program capacity still matters. Once a utility territory reaches its allocation, new enrollments may be paused until additional capacity is authorized.
Largest service territory in MA. Covers eastern and western MA including Boston, Springfield, and Cape Cod.
Serves central and southeastern MA including Worcester, Fall River, and parts of the South Shore.
Smallest IOU. Serves Fitchburg and surrounding north-central MA communities.
The MA DOER publishes a SMART capacity dashboard that shows remaining MW by utility territory. As of March 2026, all three utility territories are still accepting new SMART 3.0 applications, but capacity is filling. Historically, Unitil territory fills fastest due to its smaller allocation.
NuWatt monitors capacity in real time. When you request a solar quote, we verify that SMART capacity is available in your utility territory before submitting your application. If capacity is nearing limits, we prioritize your application to lock in your rate.
The SMART application process is handled by your solar installer. NuWatt manages the entire process from application to approval, so you do not need to navigate the paperwork yourself.
We assess your roof, energy usage, and design a system sized to maximize your SMART income and net metering savings.
NuWatt submits your SMART application to the MA DOER, locking in your SMART 3.0 rate and applicable adders at the time of submission.
The DOER reviews your application, confirms eligibility, and assigns your SMART tariff rate and adders.
Your utility (Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil) approves grid interconnection for your solar system.
NuWatt installs your solar system and battery (if applicable). Typical installation takes 1-3 days.
Once your system is operational and metered, SMART payments begin automatically. You receive monthly payments for 20 years.
NuWatt handles it all: From the initial SMART application through interconnection approval and system commissioning, our team manages every step. You do not need to contact the DOER or your utility directly.
The SMART 3.0 battery storage adder (+$0.04/kWh) rewards homeowners and businesses who pair solar with battery energy storage. This adder is applied to your base SMART rate for the full 20-year term, more than doubling the residential base rate from $0.03 to $0.07/kWh.
Crucially, the SMART battery adder is separate from ConnectedSolutions, Eversource and National Grid's demand response program. You can earn income from all three sources simultaneously:
Added to your SMART base rate for 20 years. Based on total solar generation.
Separate demand response payments for dispatching battery during peak events.
Bill credits for excess solar power sent to the grid. Independent of battery.
8kW solar + 13.5kWh battery system in Massachusetts:
Battery adds approximately $1,134/year in additional income (SMART battery adder + ConnectedSolutions) on top of the base SMART + net metering combination. The building-mounted adder adds another $288/year.
The SMART program has evolved through three major versions. Each iteration has adjusted rates, capacity, and adder structures. SMART 3.0, the current version, replaced the old declining block model with flat incentive rates and expanded adders to nine categories including brownfield, dual-use agricultural, and public entity projects.
| Feature | SMART 1.0 2018-2020 | SMART 2.0 2020-2023 | SMART 3.0 2023-Present |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 1,600 MW | 3,200 MW (doubled) | 3,200 MW (maintained) |
| Base Rate Range | $0.18-$0.25/kWh | $0.14-$0.20/kWh | $0.03/kWh residential flat rate |
| Adders | Basic set (low-income, storage) | Expanded (canopy, pollinator, community) | Expanded: 9 adder categories up to +$0.09/kWh |
| Key Change | Original program launch | Capacity doubled, adder improvements | Flat rate replaces declining blocks; new adders (brownfield, dual-use ag, public entity) |
See how SMART payments, net metering savings, and ConnectedSolutions battery income combine for your specific system size and utility. Adjust the inputs below to calculate your total solar ROI including SMART 3.0 incentives.
Estimate your solar return on investment with SMART income, net metering credits, ConnectedSolutions, and MA tax benefits.
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) Expired
Homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Eastern MA (Boston, South Shore, Cape Cod, MetroWest, Western MA)
Electric Rate
$0.28/kWh
Net Metering
1:1 retail credit (Class I ≤25 kW)
SMART 3.0 Rate
$0.03/kWh
Interconnection
2-4 weeks typical
20-year exemption — solar adds $0 to your property tax
Payback Period
7
years
25-Year Savings
$114,687
total
Monthly Benefit
$378
per month
Estimates based on average 2026 MA solar pricing, SMART 3.0 $0.03/kWh residential flat rate, 1:1 retail net metering, 6.25% sales tax exemption, 20-year property tax exemption, and 15% state tax credit (max $1,000). Section 25D residential ITC expired Dec 31, 2025 — $0 federal tax credit for cash/loan purchases.
The information on this page is sourced from official Massachusetts state resources and utility tariff documents. We recommend reviewing these sources for the most current rate schedules and program updates.
Official program information, block capacity status, application forms, and regulatory documents.
Current block status by utility, remaining capacity, and rate schedules for each block.
Eversource territory SMART tariff details, interconnection process, and billing information.
National Grid territory SMART rates, net metering policies, and interconnection requirements.
Disclaimer: SMART rates and block availability change as capacity fills. The rates on this page are approximate and based on the most recent publicly available data. Contact NuWatt for a real-time quote with your exact SMART 3.0 rate and applicable adders based on your utility territory and system details.
Explore these companion guides to get the full picture of Massachusetts solar in 2026.
How net metering credits work, retail rate offsets by utility, and how SMART stacks on top.
Read guideEarn $225-$275/kW summer demand response payments. Stacks with SMART battery adder.
Read guideCurrent $/W pricing by utility territory. How SMART income offsets system cost.
Read guideNo federal ITC, no sugarcoating. What solar really costs and earns in Massachusetts today.
Read guideSMART + net metering math proves MA solar still delivers 8-9 year payback without federal credits.
Read guideHow to spot inflated quotes, ghost ITC promises, and predatory contracts from bad installers.
Read guidePair solar + SMART with a heat pump to maximize Massachusetts incentive stacking.
2026 rebate tiers: whole-home $2,650/ton, partial $1,125/ton via Mass Save.
Read moreInteractive calculator: enter oil usage, see heat pump savings. Full conversion guide.
Read moreDo they work in MA winters? Performance data at -13F with 6-model comparison.
Read moreLock in your SMART 3.0 rate today. NuWatt handles the entire SMART application process and designs your system to maximize your 20-year SMART income plus net metering savings.
No federal ITC needed. SMART payments + net metering make Massachusetts one of the best states for solar in 2026.