The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program is the state’s primary solar incentive initiative designed to encourage cost-effective solar development. Launched by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), this tariff-based program provides fixed payments to solar system owners through participating utility companies: Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil.
Latest Updates (2024–2025)
- SMART Land Use Technical Session (Dec 10, 2024): Introduced updated siting policy and collected stakeholder feedback.
- 2024 SMART Straw Proposal (Published July 10, 2024): Based on detailed analysis by Sustainable Energy Advantage, LLC, suggesting program improvements and evaluating solar cost trends through 2030.
- Floating Solar Guideline Draft (Jan 2025): New guideline in development to address eligibility and design requirements for floating solar systems.
How the SMART Program Works
- Declining Block Structure: The program has a total cap of 3,200 MW. Incentives are paid on a per kWh basis, with rates declining as blocks fill up.
- Tariff Payments: Payments go directly from the utility to the solar owner once the system is qualified.
- Eligibility: Must be interconnected with one of the three investor-owned utilities in Massachusetts.
Application Process
- System Design and Agreement – Work with a certified installer.
- Application Submission – Installer applies via the SMART Program Portal managed by CLEAResult.
- Statement of Qualification – Upon approval, DOER issues a qualification locking in your incentive rate.
- Installation and Interconnection – Solar system is installed and connected to the grid.
- Begin Payments – Incentive payments begin based on utility-specific effective dates.
Incentive Enhancements: Adders
The SMART Program includes “Adders” to increase incentives for projects with:
- Energy storage systems
- Low-income households
- Agricultural land (ASTGU)
- Brownfield redevelopment
- Floating solar
- Community Shared Solar
Tools like the Energy Storage Adder Calculator and the BTM Value of Energy Workbook help estimate benefits.
Notice: $0.00 Incentive Rates
Due to rising energy prices and block exhaustion:
- Some solar-only projects may now receive $0.00/kWh incentives.
- Pairing solar with battery storage still qualifies for significant compensation (e.g., $487/year for a 10kWh battery with 8kW solar system).
The SMART Program remains a leading model for solar adoption in the U.S., even as base incentive rates decline. With evolving guidelines, a focus on equitable energy access, and new technologies like floating solar and energy storage, Massachusetts continues pushing boundaries in clean energy.
If you’re considering solar in Massachusetts, now is the time to act—before incentives shrink further. Work with an installer to lock in your rate and maximize available “Adders.”
