Community Solar in Massachusetts: How It Works and How Much You'll Save

If you live in Massachusetts, you’re paying some of the highest electricity prices in the country. Eversource and National Grid residential customers regularly pay 30+ cents per kilowatt-hour in the winter, with supply charges that spike 40-60% between summer and winter billing cycles.

Community Solar changes that.

Massachusetts has built one of the most mature Community Solar markets in the country, with more than 1 GW of shared solar capacity operating across the state. The SMART program, the state's flagship solar incentive framework, is backed by the 2021 Climate Roadmap Act, which commits Massachusetts to net zero by 2050.

If you're an Eversource or National Grid customer, there's a good chance you qualify. Signing up takes under 10 minutes, there's no equipment at your home, no upfront cost, and you can cancel anytime.

‍What Is Community Solar in Massachusetts?

Community Solar in Massachusetts is a state-supported cost savings program that lets residents and businesses subscribe to a local solar project and receive credits on their electric bill. The underlying incentive structure is called SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target), administered by the state's Department of Energy Resources.

A solar project in your utility territory generates clean electricity and sends it to your local utility grid. You subscribe to a “share” of that project, receive credits on your monthly utility bill, and pay a discounted rate for those credits. The difference is your savings.

Neither your utility nor your service change. The only thing that changes is your energy costs go down.

Massachusetts's program has matured over more than a decade, with the original state solar programs dating to 2008 and the current SMART framework launched in 2018.

‍How Does Community Solar Work in Massachusetts?
‍

1. A solar project is built in your utility territory — from a warehouse in Western Mass to capped landfills on the South Shore.

2. You subscribe to a share of a project. Your share is sized to your historic electricity usage.

3. The project generates electricity. Massachusetts uses "virtual net metering" to credit subscribers for their share of the solar production.

4. You receive solar credits on your utility bill. Each month, you’ll receive credits on your Eversource or National Grid bill.

5. You pay Altus Power a discounted rate for the credits. All Altus Power Massachusetts projects offer 10-15% guaranteed savings.
   ‍

The signup process with Altus Power Community Solar takes under 10 minutes.

‍What Stays the Same

• Your utility stays the same (Eversource or National Grid)

• Your service, meter, and outage response stay the same.

• Your billing cycle stays the same.

• You can cancel anytime with no penalty.

‍Want to see what's available? Check your Massachusetts eligibility.

‍How Much Can You Save?

Altus Power Massachusetts subscribers save 10-15% on the portion of their electricity offset by solar credits.

In real numbers: If you spend $180 per month on electricity in the Eversource territory and subscribe to a share that offsets 80% of usage, a 15% discount delivers roughly $20 per month or $250+ per year.

Massachusetts rates rise often. Winter supply charges can swing 40-60% higher than summer charges. The MA Clean Energy Center has documented sustained upward pressure on residential rates.

‍Savings by Utility Territory
‍

• Eversource (Eastern MA, including Boston, Cambridge, and much of Worcester County): Highest rates in the state, 10-15% savings typical.

• National Grid (Central and Western MA, plus parts of the North Shore): Mid-range rates, 10-15% savings typical.
  ‍

A Typical Apartment Subscriber in Massachusetts

‍Picture a renter in Somerville opening their electric bill in the middle of winter — more than $250 in peak heating season. A few weeks later, a friend mentions Community Solar. They sign up online in under ten minutes and don't think much more about it.

By early summer, a line for solar credits appears on their Eversource bill, often $100 or more in a sunny month, depending on how much the solar farm produced. Those credits reduce what they owe Eversource. Then, they pay their Community Solar provider for those credits at their contracted 15% discount and keep the difference. On a $100 credit, that's about $15 off their final electricity bill that month.

There's no equipment to install, nothing to pay upfront, and nothing to manage after signing up. Just a few dollars saved month after month, adding up over time into consistent savings — all from a 10-minute sign-up.

‍Who Is Eligible?

• Eversource (Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, the Cape, and much of Worcester County)

• National Grid (Central and Western Massachusetts, including Worcester, Springfield, Pittsfield, and the North Shore cities like Salem and Gloucester)

Both renters and homeowners qualify.

‍Access for Everyone

Massachusetts has built equity provisions into SMART, including a low-income adder that provides additional financial support to projects serving lower-income subscribers.

‍Why Massachusetts Is a Leader

Policy: The Climate Roadmap Act commits Massachusetts to net zero by 2050.
Scale: More than 1 GW of Community Solar operational as of early 2026.
Market maturity: Programs have evolved through multiple iterations over a decade.
Equity focus: Low-income adders.

‍Ready to see what's available? Start with a quick eligibility check.

‍How to Sign Up

1. Check eligibility. Confirm your utility is Eversource or National Grid MA.

2. Pick a project and provider. Altus Power offers Community Solar across Eversource and National Grid with no long-term commitment.

3. Gather your info. Copy of a recent utility bill and basic contact info.

4. Enroll online. Under 10 minutes.

5. Wait for activation.

6. Watch the credits appear. 2-3 billing cycles
   

Can I Cancel If I Move?

Yes, you can usually transfer your Community Solar subscription to your new home if you move within the same utility territory. If you are moving to a different utility or out of state where you are no longer eligible, you can cancel without penalty.  

‍Commercial Solar in Massachusetts

While Community Solar serves renters, homeowners, and small businesses, Altus Power also operates commercial solar installations across Massachusetts. You can learn more about our commercial offerings here.

‍Frequently Asked Questions

Is Community Solar available in Massachusetts?
Yes. The SMART program serves Eversource and National Grid customers. More than 1 GW of Community Solar capacity is operational. Altus Power Community Solar is available to customers serviced by both Eversource and National Grid.  

How much does Community Solar save in Massachusetts?
Most subscribers save 10-15% on the portion of their electricity offset by solar credits.

Do I need to own a home to subscribe?
No. Both renters and homeowners qualify.

Will Community Solar affect my utility service?
No. Your current utility company still delivers your electricity.

Is Community Solar a scam?
No. SMART is a state-approved program with consumer protections. Altus Power has been in business since 2010 and operates 1.3+ GW of solar across 30 states.

Can I cancel Community Solar anytime?
With Altus Power, yes. No long-term contract, no cancellation fee.

What about municipal light plant customers?
Municipal utility customers (Concord, Belmont, Reading, Wellesley) typically can't participate in SMART-program Community Solar. Check with your local MLP for separate programs.

Does Community Solar work in Boston and Cambridge?
Yes. Altus Power Community Solar is available to customers serviced by Eversource, which participates fully in the SMART program.

The Bottom Line
Massachusetts has built one of the most mature Community Solar markets in the country. Signup takes under 10 minutes, costs nothing, and can be cancelled anytime.

See Community Solar options available in your Massachusetts utility territory →

Altus Power is one of the largest owners and operators of commercial-scale solar in the United States, with 1.3+ GW of operating solar assets across 30 states and Washington, DC. Altus Power serves more than 40,000 Community Solar subscribers across nine states including Massachusetts. Learn more about Altus Power or explore our Community Solar FAQ.