Solar Cost Per Watt in Massachusetts
Average $$3.70/W • Rank #$48 of 51 • 16.1-year payback • Updated 2026
Urgent tax credit deadlines
- Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
- Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
Cost Per Watt
$3.70
avg in Massachusetts
vs National
+$0.63
(+20.5%)
Payback (8kW)
16.1 yrs
avg
Sun Hours/Day
4.3
peak
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Cost Per Watt by System Size in Massachusetts
Cost per watt typically decreases for larger systems (economies of scale).
Bars show Massachusetts's $/W for each system size. Lower = better value.
| System Size | Cost Per Watt | Total Cost | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $4.07/W | $14,800 | +$1.00 |
| 5 kW | $3.89/W | $18,500 | +$0.82 |
| 6 kW | $3.77/W | $22,200 | +$0.70 |
| 7 kW | $3.70/W | $25,900 | +$0.63 |
| 8 kW | $3.63/W | $29,600 | +$0.56 |
| 10 kW | $3.52/W | $37,000 | +$0.45 |
| 15 kW | $3.40/W | $55,500 | +$0.33 |
Solar Cost Overview for Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the average installed cost for residential solar is $3.70 per watt, with typical systems ranging from $3.70/W to $3.70/W depending on the installer, equipment quality, and roof complexity. Massachusetts ranks #48 out of 51 states (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability — 47 states have cheaper solar.
Massachusetts is above the national average — get multiple quotes to find the best deal.
What's Driving Massachusetts's Solar Costs?
Massachusetts's $$3.70/W average reflects a combination of above average equipment costs, above-average local utility rates ($0.170/kWh vs national avg $0.1490/kWh), and below-average solar resource (4.3 sun hours/day vs national avg 4.7).
Note on panel pricing: Prices shown reflect AVL/DomCon-compliant panels that qualify for IRA bonus credits. Non-compliant panels (Mission, JA, Canadian) are available from $0.37/W panel-only but do NOT qualify for the 30% federal tax credit or IRA bonus credits. Learn about panel compliance costs →
Massachusetts Solar Incentives & Policies
Net Metering
Full retail net metering
State Tax Credit
Available
Property Tax Exemption
Yes
Sales Tax Exemption
Yes
⚠ 2026 Federal ITC Update
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025. Owned residential systems installed in 2026 no longer qualify. The 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.
States With Similar Solar Costs
| State | Avg $/W | vs Massachusetts | Payback | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $3.70 | — | 16.1 yrs | 4.3 |
| Alaska | $3.80 | +$0.10 | 15.7 yrs | 3.5 |
| California | $3.80 | +$0.10 | 18.1 yrs | 5 |
| Connecticut | $3.60 | $-0.10 | 16.7 yrs | 4.4 |
| New York | $3.60 | $-0.10 | 17.4 yrs | 4.4 |
| District of Columbia | $3.50 | $-0.20 | 16.2 yrs | 4.6 |
Massachusetts Solar Cost FAQs
How much do solar panels cost in Massachusetts?
Is Massachusetts a cheap or expensive state for solar?
What is the payback period for solar in Massachusetts?
Does Massachusetts have net metering?
What solar incentives are available in Massachusetts?
How many peak sun hours does Massachusetts get?
Related Tools
Massachusetts cost-per-watt data based on 5 ZIP code samples. Production estimates use NREL PVWatts V8 (azimuth 180°, tilt 30°, array_type 1, module_type 1, losses 14%). Utility rate averages from NREL Utility Rate API V3. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025.