Massachusetts Solar Laws
Understanding how federal, state, and local solar laws work together is essential for homeowners and businesses considering solar energy in Massachusetts. The state has one of the strongest clean-energy policy frameworks in the country, but compliance still depends on navigating building permits, utility programs, HOA guidelines, and interconnection procedures. Familiarity with Massachusetts solar policy helps ensure that installations meet code requirements, qualify for incentives, and avoid project delays caused by unclear solar panel installation regulations or local zoning restrictions.
Federal Regulations and Policies Affecting Solar Installation in Massachusetts
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) remains the cornerstone of U.S. solar energy laws, allowing property owners to claim 30% of eligible solar installation costs on their federal taxes through 2032. In Massachusetts, this federal benefit often stacks with state-level incentives and renewable energy credits, significantly lowering upfront costs for homeowners and businesses. While it does not affect permitting, it directly impacts the financial viability of most Massachusetts solar projects.
National Electrical Code (NEC)
Massachusetts has adopted and enforces the National Electrical Code (NEC), which governs all photovoltaic (PV) system wiring, grounding, overcurrent protection, labeling, and rapid shutdown requirements. Licensed electricians must follow NEC standards when designing and installing solar systems, and local building inspectors rely on these rules during plan review and field inspection.
International Fire Code (IFC) / State Fire Regulations
Fire-safety regulations for rooftop solar installations are based on the International Fire Code and adapted into Massachusetts building and fire codes. The Massachusetts Fire Code (527 CMR 1.00) requires specific roof access pathways, setbacks, and labeling for PV arrays to ensure firefighter safety. These rules form part of the solar panel roof regulations enforced by local fire and building departments.
Massachusetts Solar Regulations and Policies
Massachusetts Solar Rights and HOA Restrictions
Massachusetts does not have a single “solar rights” statute like some western states, but homeowner associations (HOAs) and local governments are still limited in their ability to unreasonably restrict rooftop solar. Under Chapter 40A, Section 3 of the Massachusetts General Laws, zoning bylaws or ordinances cannot prohibit or unreasonably regulate solar energy systems except where necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare. This effectively provides similar protection to formal HOA solar laws by ensuring residents can install solar panels without arbitrary aesthetic bans.
Net Metering and Interconnection Rules
Massachusetts has a robust net-metering program under Mass General Law (G.L) c. 164, § 138, which allows solar system owners to receive credits for excess energy exported to the grid. Credits offset future electric consumption at nearly the retail rate, depending on utility classification and system size. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) oversees interconnection procedures, which standardize engineering review, application timelines, and approval conditions for residential, commercial, and community-shared solar installations.
Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
One of the most influential Massachusetts solar energy policies is the SMART Program, administered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). It provides long-term, declining block incentives for qualifying solar installations based on size, location, and technology type. The SMART Program replaced the state’s earlier Solar Renewable Energy Certificate II (SREC II) system and continues to drive residential and small-commercial solar adoption. Systems participating in SMART must comply with solar panel installation regulations, electrical codes, and metering standards to qualify for monthly incentive payments over a 10- to 20- year term.
Senate Bill 2819 (2024 Clean Energy and Climate Act)
In 2024, Massachusetts enacted a law, a major clean-energy omnibus law strengthening renewable energy mandates. Among other provisions, the bill expands municipal authority to streamline residential and commercial solar permitting, directs DOER to modernize interconnection procedures, and requires investor-owned utilities to adopt a unified online interconnection platform. It also expands consumer-protection requirements for residential solar leases and power purchase agreements, modeled after federal consumer-finance rules. These new solar laws in Massachusetts aim to reduce project delays, increase transparency, and ensure equitable access to renewable-energy programs.
Property-Tax Exemption for Solar Systems
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 45, renewable-energy systems, including solar PV, are exempt from local property-tax assessments for 20 years following installation. This incentive encourages property owners to invest in clean energy without fear of increased assessments due to added property value from solar panels.
Does Massachusetts Have Solar Access Laws?
Massachusetts does not have an explicit statewide “solar access” statute, but it recognizes solar easements through voluntary agreements recorded in property deeds. A solar easement allows a property owner to secure the right to unobstructed sunlight across neighboring parcels. Such agreements are enforceable under Mass. G.L. c. 187, §§ 1–3.
While the state does not grant automatic solar access rights, local zoning laws and the general solar-protection clause in Chapter 40A § 3 help ensure that solar energy systems cannot be unfairly restricted. For homeowners in densely developed areas, a recorded solar easement offers the best long-term safeguard against future shading or construction that could block sunlight to an existing PV system.
Do You Need Permits for Solar Installation in Massachusetts?
Yes. Nearly every solar project in Massachusetts requires at least electrical and building permits, plus potential zoning and utility approvals.
- Electrical Permit: Required statewide and issued by the local wiring inspector. Only licensed electricians can perform electrical work on PV systems
- Building Permit: Required for roof or ground-mounted installations to ensure proper structural loading and compliance with local codes
- Zoning Review: Some municipalities require a zoning determination for ground-mount arrays exceeding a certain height or footprint
- Fire Department Review: Local fire departments may inspect rooftop systems for pathway clearance and rapid-shutdown compliance
- Utility Interconnection Agreement: Must be secured from your electric utility (e.g., Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil) before activation
- HOA Approval: If you live in a community association, submit a design application. Associations can request aesthetic adjustments but cannot prohibit installations without valid safety justification
How to Obtain Permits for Solar Installation in Massachusetts
Before installation, determine which authorities have jurisdiction: the local building department, wiring inspector, fire department, and utility company. Massachusetts is a home-rule state, so each municipality may have its own process, but most follow similar steps.
Begin with a site evaluation and design by a licensed solar contractor. They assess roof condition, electrical capacity, shading, and fire-access requirements, ensuring compliance with NEC and local codes.
If your property is in an HOA, submit your design for pre-approval before applying for permits. State law prevents HOAs from unreasonable restrictions, but early coordination avoids disputes.
Next, apply for building and electrical permits through your local town or city hall. Applications typically include structural letters, line diagrams, and equipment specifications. Most cities now accept online applications to speed up review times.
If applicable, request fire department or zoning clearance for rooftop pathways, height limits, or historic district visibility. Municipal staff may coordinate this during permit review.
After permits are issued, proceed with installation and inspection. Inspectors verify proper grounding, labeling, and structural attachment before final sign-off.
Once inspections are complete, submit your interconnection request to the utility through the state’s online interconnection portal. The utility will review technical documents, install a net meter, and issue Permission to Operate (PTO), allowing the system to export power and receive net-metering or SMART payments.
Finally, consider recording a solar easement if nearby properties might one day cast shadows on your panels. This legal document ensures long-term sunlight access and preserves energy production.