Massachusetts Community Solar

Save 12.5% on electricity costs*

  • No rooftop panels
  • No sign-up fees
  • No long-term contracts
  • No cancellation fees
*Savings vary by state
What is Massachusetts Community Solar?

What is Massachusetts Community Solar?

Community solar in Massachusetts is a subscription-based service that enables National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil customers, residents and businesses alike, to tap into clean, renewable energy. Massachusetts community solar programs leverage local, large-scale solar arrays sited throughout the state, which generate clean energy for the local power grid. Massachusetts residents who subscribe to these solar farms see annual electricity cost savings on their electricity bills, while the grid is supported by an influx of clean, renewable energy.

How does community solar work in Massachusetts?

How does community solar work in Massachusetts?

Nexamp currently has community solar projects in the National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil utility service territories. Residents who get their power from these utilities can subscribe to a Nexamp community solar farm and save 12.5% annually on their electricity costs without changing electricity providers. Income-eligible households may qualify for a higher discount of 15%. Get in touch to see if you qualify!

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how it works!

Sign up to claim your spot

Provide some basic information and your utility account details.

Get assigned to a farm

As soon as a spot opens up, we’ll add you to a farm. We’ll subscribe you to the right amount of solar shares based on your electricity needs.

Save on electricity costs

You’ll get a discount on your utility bill in the form of credits. Pay Nexamp for these credits at a discount, helping you save.

Community solar vs. rooftop solar in Massachusetts

When considering which solar solution might be right for you, it's important to understand the differences between community solar and rooftop solar. The table below breaks down the key differences between these two options.

Nexamp Community Solar Massachusetts Rooftop Solar
Upfront cost No upfront cost High upfront cost
Cost savings Lower long-term savings Higher long-term savings
Maintenance No maintenance required; farms are maintained by Nexamp Homeowner is responsible for all maintenance
Accessibility Available to renters and homeowners Available only to homeowners with a suitable roof
Tax incentives Subscribers are not eligible for solar tax incentives Tax incentives are available

Property value impact

 No impact on property value for subscribers Can help increase property value

Who can sign up for community solar in Massachusetts?

Homeowners
Renters
Income eligible households
Businesses
Schools and universities
Hospitals
Religious Organizations
Municipalities

Customer Reviews

Why Nexamp?

Nexamp Community Solar doesn’t require a credit check to enroll, there are no upfront costs, and there is no fee to cancel. We make it easy for homeowners, renters, small businesses, and others to participate in our Community Solar program and save 12.5% on their annual electricity costs.

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FAQs: Community Solar in Massachusetts

What is the history of community solar and community solar legislation in Massachusetts? 

Massachusetts has been a national leader in solar energy thanks to strong policies like net metering and incentive programs that support both rooftop and community solar. The state’s push began with the Green Communities Act of 2008, which led to the launch of the SREC I and II programs—both designed to grow solar adoption through tradable solar renewable energy certificates. These programs helped accelerate solar development, including early community solar projects. 

What is the structure of Massachusetts community solar? 

In 2018, Massachusetts replaced SREC II with the SMART program, a tariff-based incentive structure that pays solar producers a fixed rate for energy generation. SMART includes adders that specifically incentivize community solar and projects serving income-eligible customers. Thanks to virtual net metering, subscribers to Massachusetts community solar projects receive bill credits for electricity generated off-site, making clean energy more accessible. While community solar currently makes up a smaller portion of the state’s solar mix, nearly 70% of SMART program applications have been for community solar—indicating strong future growth. 

How has Massachusetts community solar been growing? 

Massachusetts community solar has experienced steady growth, driven by strong state policy and incentive structures like the SMART program, which provides long-term, fixed payments for solar energy and includes adders for community solar projects. While community solar currently represents a smaller share of total solar capacity, nearly 70% of SMART program applications to date have been for community solar projects—a clear signal of developer and customer interest. 

Growth has been supported by the state’s virtual net metering policy, which allows customers to benefit from solar generation even if they can’t install panels on their own property. As more projects come online and awareness increases, community solar in Massachusetts is poised to expand significantly, especially as programs continue to prioritize access for income-eligible households and renters.