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Get a Free QuoteTaunton Municipal Lighting Plant (TMLP) has served the city since 1897. Here's what solar really looks like for TMLP customers in 2026 — no hype, just honest numbers.
The 30% federal ITC for residential solar is gone. All cost and savings figures on this page reflect $0 federal tax credit. The MA state $1,000 income tax credit still applies.
Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant is one of Massachusetts' 41 municipal light plants (MLPs). Unlike Eversource or National Grid, it's publicly owned and locally governed. This means lower rates — but also different solar incentive eligibility.
How solar economics compare across the three utilities your neighbors may be on — just a few miles apart.
| Metric | TMLP | Eversource | National Grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Rate | ~$0.2225/kWh | ~$0.28/kWh | ~$0.32/kWh |
| SMART 3.0 | Not eligible | $0.03/kWh (20 yr) | $0.03/kWh (20 yr) |
| ConnectedSolutions | Not eligible | $275/kW summer | $225/kW summer |
| Net Metering | ~1:1 MLP policy | ~1:1 (MDPU) | ~1:1 (MDPU) |
| Payback Period | 16-18 years | 7-9 years | 6-8 years |
| 25-Year Savings | ~$60-65K | ~$85-100K | ~$95-115K |
The trade-off: TMLP customers pay ~40-50% less per kWh than IOU neighbors. You save money every month already. Solar payback is longer, but you're starting from a lower baseline — and 25-year savings are still $60-65K.
Here's what a typical 12 kW residential solar system costs and saves for a TMLP customer in 2026.
Even without the federal ITC or SMART incentives, solar is a sound long-term investment for Taunton homeowners. Here's why.
Even at $0.2225/kWh, rates rise over time. Solar locks in your generation cost at $0/kWh for 25+ years. TMLP has raised rates multiple times in recent years — solar hedges against future increases.
Taunton is a designated Massachusetts Gateway City with lower housing costs and larger lot sizes than Greater Boston. Bigger roofs and yards mean more solar potential, and lower home prices mean solar represents a larger percentage return on your property investment.
Since TMLP doesn't offer ConnectedSolutions, batteries are still valuable for power outage protection. Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ add ~$10,000-$14,000 but provide true energy independence during storms and grid outages.
A 12 kW system generates $60,000-$65,000 in savings over 25 years. With Taunton's lower property costs, solar adds meaningful percentage value to your home — studies show solar adds $15,000-$20,000 to MA home values.
The process is straightforward. MLP interconnection is often faster and simpler than IOU territory.
Confirm your roof has adequate south/southwest exposure, is structurally sound, and has minimal shading. Taunton's mix of single-family homes and larger lots offers excellent solar potential.
Obtain at least 3 quotes from MA-licensed solar installers. Compare $/watt, equipment (panels, inverters), warranties, and production estimates.
Notify Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant at (508) 824-3111 about your solar plans. They'll explain their interconnection process and net metering policy.
Your installer handles Taunton building permits and electrical inspections. Typical timeline: 2-4 weeks for permits, 1-3 days for installation.
After installation, TMLP inspects the system and installs a bi-directional meter. This is typically faster than IOU processes — often within 1-2 weeks.
Once interconnected, your system begins producing power and earning net metering credits on your TMLP bill immediately.
Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant
55 Weir Street, Taunton, MA 02780
Phone: (508) 824-3111
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
With the 25D tax credit gone, here are the three main ways to finance a Taunton solar installation in 2026.
Best for: Homeowners with available capital who plan to stay 10+ years.
Best for: Homeowners who want ownership benefits without large upfront cost.
Note: A third-party system owner may claim the Section 48 commercial ITC (available through mid-2026) — this can lower your lease/PPA rate.
Section 48 Commercial ITC Note: If you choose a lease or PPA, the third-party system owner (financing company) may claim the Section 48 commercial ITC — still available for projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026. This benefit is passed through as a lower lease/PPA rate for you.
Taunton homeowners who want solar with no upfront cost — but prefer ownership over a lease — can join the Propel waitlist for Massachusetts. Propel offers $0 down with fixed monthly payments and full ownership at year 5. As a Gateway City with lower housing costs and larger lots, Taunton is a strong fit for Propel's ownership model.
Common questions from Taunton homeowners considering solar.
TMLP is an independent municipal light plant (MLP) that has served the city of Taunton since 1897. It is publicly owned and locally governed — NOT part of Eversource, National Grid, or any investor-owned utility. TMLP sets its own rates, policies, and net metering rules independently. Their offices are located at 55 Weir Street, Taunton, MA 02780.
TMLP's rate is ~$0.2225/kWh, significantly lower than Eversource (~$0.28/kWh) or National Grid (~$0.32/kWh). Lower rates mean less savings per kWh you generate. Additionally, TMLP customers are NOT eligible for SMART 3.0 incentive payments, which adds $0.03/kWh for 20 years in IOU territory. Combined, these factors push payback from 7-9 years to 16-18 years.
No. The federal residential solar Investment Tax Credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025, under the OBBBA legislation signed July 4, 2025. This applies to ALL homeowners nationwide, regardless of utility. However, the MA state $1,000 income tax credit still applies.
Yes. TMLP offers net metering at approximately 1:1 for residential solar systems. Excess generation is credited on your bill. However, MLP net metering policies are set by the utility board (not the MDPU), so terms could change. Contact TMLP at (508) 824-3111 for current policy details.
Yes, but it's a longer-term investment. At current rates, a 12 kW system saves ~$2,000-2,300/year, paying back in 16-18 years with $60,000-65,000 in total 25-year savings. Solar also adds $15,000-20,000 to home value, protects against rate increases, and Taunton's lower housing costs mean solar represents a strong percentage return on property value.
SMART 3.0 (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) is funded by investor-owned utilities — Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil. Municipal light plants like TMLP are independent and do not participate in SMART. This is one of the key trade-offs of MLP territory: lower base rates but fewer state incentive programs.
Batteries make sense for backup power and resilience, but NOT for ConnectedSolutions income (TMLP doesn't participate). A Tesla Powerwall (~$10,000-12,000) or Enphase IQ Battery (~$12,000-14,000) provides 10-13 hours of backup. If power outages concern you or you want true energy independence, a battery is a solid investment.
As a designated Massachusetts Gateway City, Taunton offers lower housing costs and larger lot sizes compared to Greater Boston. This means bigger roofs with more solar potential, lower overall investment relative to property value, and a strong return on investment. The mix of residential housing stock — from historic homes near Taunton Green to newer developments — provides diverse solar installation options.
Explore more guides to understand the full Massachusetts solar landscape.
Statewide solar pricing, financing, and what to expect.
How SMART works for IOU customers (not MLP).
Battery demand response for Eversource & National Grid.
Compare IOU rates and solar economics.
Financing options compared for MA homeowners.
Where MA electric rates are heading and why.
See exactly what solar would cost and save for your Taunton home. We understand MLP territory and won't promise incentives you can't get.
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