Massachusetts solar policy planning
Solar savings depend on two values: electricity you avoid buying from the grid and exported solar energy your utility credits back. This page explains how SolarCalcNow models export value as a planning assumption, not a final utility-specific tariff.
Source coverage: Eversource · National Grid · Unitil
State-regulated net metering covers the listed investor-owned utilities. Municipal light plants have separate rules. Check facility class, cap exemption, tariff and credit allocation; SMART enrollment does not determine export credits.
Read the primary source — Massachusetts net-metering eligibilitySource checked: · Next review due: 2026-10-04
10%, 35% and 100% of retail are author-selected sensitivity scenarios, not this utility's tariff. Same inputs: 900 kWh/month, 100% annual energy target, 55% direct solar use, low shade, 400 W panels. Change only export value to see its effect on energy savings and gross-cost payback.
| Export / retail | Annual energy savings | Simple gross-cost payback |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $1,903 | 10.1 years–15.2 years |
| 35% | $2,263 | 8.5 years–12.8 years |
| 100% | $3,198 | 6.0 years–9.0 years |
Annual totals cannot reproduce hourly export prices, monthly credit expiry, demand charges or utility-specific minimum bills. Match the utility and interconnection date before selecting a scenario. For an actual proposal, request a bill simulation under that tariff.
After checking export value, compare the same assumptions against installer proposals and incentive claims.