2026 Solar Incentives for New England Homeowners

State programs, utility programs, net metering, and flexible financing can affect the cost of going solar. Explore options for Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine, then request a consultation for current availability.

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Sol NE Energy Savings & Financing Options

Solarize NE helps homeowners compare ways to move forward based on their property, energy use, and financial goals. Available paths may include cash purchases, solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Program availability, pricing, and eligibility can change. Request a consultation for current options and a project-specific estimate rather than relying on a published percentage or one-size-fits-all savings claim.

Ask Sol NE: We can review current energy savings programs and cash, loan, lease, and PPA options for your home.

Net Metering: Get Paid for Extra Solar Energy

Net metering allows you to send excess solar electricity back to the utility grid and receive credits on your electric bill. All five New England states offer some form of net metering, though the programs vary by state and utility.

During sunny hours, your solar panels may produce more electricity than your home uses. Instead of wasting that energy, it flows to the grid and your utility may issue credits under its current tariff. Credit values and terms vary by state, utility, system type, and enrollment date.

Net metering effectively turns the grid into a virtual battery, making solar economical even without physical battery storage. However, adding a battery provides backup power during storms and outages — a major benefit for New England homeowners who experience nor'easters and severe weather.

State-by-State Incentives

Massachusetts

  • SMART 3.0 Program: Eligible projects may receive production-based compensation under a 20-year utility tariff term. Rates, qualification, and payment timing depend on current program rules and utility approval.
  • State Tax Credit: Eligible residential renewable-energy expenses may qualify for a Massachusetts income tax credit equal to 15% of qualifying costs, up to the program's $1,000 limit.
  • Net Metering: Credits may be available for excess solar production, with terms set by National Grid, Eversource, Unitil, or the applicable municipal utility.
  • Sales Tax Treatment: Qualifying solar equipment may be exempt from Massachusetts sales tax; eligibility depends on the equipment and transaction.
  • Property Tax Treatment: Qualifying solar systems may receive a time-limited Massachusetts property-tax exemption under current law. Confirm eligibility and assessment treatment with the local assessor.
  • Battery Demand Response: ConnectedSolutions or another demand-response option may be available through participating utilities. Equipment, service territory, and enrollment rules apply.
Learn more about solar in Massachusetts

Connecticut

  • Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES): This tariff-based program offers a Netting option with bill credits or a Buy-All option with a fixed per-kWh production payment over a multi-year term. Rates are utility-specific; ask us for current Eversource or United Illuminating terms.
  • Property Tax Exemption: Eligible solar energy systems receive Connecticut's permanent property tax exemption.
  • Sales Tax Exemption: Solar energy systems are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
  • Solar Energy Adjustment: A small per-kWh grid charge applies to new systems enrolling in RRES beginning in 2026.
Learn more about solar in Connecticut

Rhode Island

  • Renewable Energy Fund (REF): Rhode Island's REF offers an upfront grant that can reduce your system cost. Ask us for current program details.
  • Property Tax Treatment: Qualifying renewable-energy systems may receive favorable property-tax treatment under current state law and local assessment rules.
  • Net Metering: Credits may be available through Rhode Island Energy, with terms set by the current utility tariff.
  • Sales Tax Treatment: Qualifying renewable-energy equipment may receive Rhode Island sales-tax treatment under current law; confirm that the equipment and transaction qualify.
  • ConnectedSolutions: Rhode Island Energy offers a demand-response program for qualifying batteries and other eligible devices. Availability and payments depend on current enrollment and performance rules.
Learn more about solar in Rhode Island

New Hampshire

  • Current State Program Status: Ask us about current New Hampshire solar program availability while the status of prior rebate programs is confirmed directly with the New Hampshire Department of Energy.
  • Local Property Tax Exemption: An exemption may be available where a New Hampshire municipality has adopted it. Local participation and assessment rules vary.
  • Net Metering: Credits for excess solar production sent to the grid, available through all major NH utilities.
  • No Sales Tax: New Hampshire has no state sales tax, so solar equipment is automatically tax-free.
Learn more about solar in New Hampshire

Maine

  • No State Solar Rebate: Maine does not currently offer a state rebate for solar panels. Efficiency Maine rebates are for eligible heat pumps, insulation, and other efficiency upgrades.
  • Net Energy Billing: Credits may be available for eligible excess solar production, with terms set by the applicable utility program.
  • Property Tax Treatment: Qualifying solar equipment may receive property-tax treatment under current Maine law; confirm eligibility and assessment with the local assessor.
  • Sales Tax Treatment: Maine's sales-tax treatment depends on the equipment and current law; confirm eligibility before relying on an exemption.
Learn more about solar in Maine

Incentive and tax information last reviewed September 9, 2026. Program rules and utility participation can change.

$0 Down Solar Financing

You do not need to pay anything upfront to go solar. Solarize NE offers $0 down financing options including solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most homeowners see immediate monthly savings — your solar payment is typically less than what you were paying the utility company.

State programs, utility rules, net metering, and financing terms vary by location and customer. Read our FAQ for detailed answers about financing, installation, and what to expect.

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