Solar savings & payback in Boston
30¢ electricity and the SMART incentive outweigh the northern latitude.
This calculator uses Boston's own sun (~3.8 kWh/kW/day) with Massachusetts's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 6.9 years.
- Boston sun
- ~3.8 kWh/kW/day
- MA average sun
- ~3.8 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 30¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Massachusetts page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Boston solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Boston?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Boston system pays for itself in about 6.9 years, using local sun (~3.8 kWh per kW per day), Massachusetts's average 30¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). 30¢ electricity and the SMART incentive outweigh the northern latitude.
How much do solar panels generate in Boston?
Roughly 3.8 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,387 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 8300 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Boston?
SMART program production incentive plus a state income-tax credit; very high rates. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.