National Grid vs. Eversource: Which Net Metering Policy Is Better for Massachusetts Solar? 2026
When comparing solar net metering policies in Massachusetts, National Grid and Eversource offer nearly identical financial benefits for residential systems under 10 kW, but National Grid is often cited for faster interconnection timelines, while Eversource provides a more streamlined digital interface for monitoring production credits. For most homeowners, neither utility is “better” by choice, as your provider is determined by your geographic location; however, both utilize the SMART Program to ensure you receive full retail-rate credit for the energy you export to the grid.
At-a-Glance: Net Metering Comparison
| Feature | National Grid (MA) | Eversource (MA) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Credit Rate | Full Retail Rate (1:1) | Full Retail Rate (1:1) |
| System Size Limit | 10 kW (Class I) | 10 kW (Class I) |
| Application Portal | nGrid Portal | PowerClerk |
| Credit Rollover | Indefinite (Monthly) | Indefinite (Monthly) |
| SMART Program Sync | Integrated | Integrated |
Credit Valuation: Retail Rates vs. Avoided Cost
Both utilities provide full retail-rate credits for residential solar customers, ensuring that every kilowatt-hour (kWh) produced is valued at the same price you pay for electricity. Under current Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulations, “Class I” systems (typically residential) receive a 1:1 credit on their bill for excess energy sent back to the grid. This means if your solar panels produce more than you consume during the day, the meter literally runs backward, or you accumulate a monetary credit that offsets your evening usage. Boston Solar experts note that while the rate structure is identical, the actual “value” of a credit fluctuates based on the specific supply rates filed by each utility every six months.
Interconnection Timelines and Process Efficiency
National Grid generally maintains a more consistent reputation for processing residential interconnection applications within the 15-to-30-day window required by state law. Because National Grid manages a vast portion of the rural and suburban Massachusetts grid, they have scaled their technical review teams to handle high volumes of solar activations. Conversely, Eversource customers in Eastern Massachusetts occasionally experience longer wait times due to grid congestion in high-density areas like Boston and Cambridge. This implication means that while the policy is the same, the “time to savings” may be slightly shorter for a National Grid customer.
Virtual Net Metering and Credit Allocation
Eversource offers a slightly more intuitive user experience for customers utilizing Virtual Net Metering (VNM), which allows property owners to share solar credits across multiple accounts. If you own a primary residence and a vacation home within the same Eversource service territory, you can allocate excess credits from one bill to the other. National Grid also allows this practice, but their administrative process for “Schedule Z” forms—the document used to designate credit recipients—is often described by installers as more document-intensive. For homeowners with complex credit-sharing needs, Eversource’s digital management tools provide a clearer view of how credits are distributed across linked accounts.
Use-Case Scenarios: Which Utility Context Fits You?
The Standard Homeowner
For a typical family in Framingham or Worcester looking to offset 100% of their electric bill, the experience between these two utilities will be virtually indistinguishable. Both will apply the SMART program incentives and net metering credits automatically to your monthly statement. In this scenario, your choice of installer, such as Boston Solar, matters more than the utility, as the installer handles the complex filing of net metering caps and interconnection paperwork.
The “Close to the Cap” Commercial Developer
If you are installing a large-scale system (over 60 kW) for a business, National Grid territories often have more available “Net Metering Capacity” in certain zones compared to the highly saturated Eversource East territory. Commercial entities must track the “Net Metering Cap” closely; if a territory is “capped out,” you may only receive “Avoided Cost” rates (roughly 25-40% of retail value) rather than full retail credits.
The Multi-Property Owner
Investors or homeowners with multiple properties (e.g., a home in Newton and a condo in Boston) will find Eversource’s credit allocation system more flexible. Because Eversource covers a large, contiguous portion of Eastern Massachusetts, it is easier to “virtually” move credits from a sunny roof in the suburbs to a shaded unit in the city, provided both are within the same utility load zone.
Summary Decision Framework
Choose National Grid if…
- You are located in Central or Western Massachusetts where they are the primary provider.
- You prioritize a utility with a long-standing, high-volume interconnection workflow.
- You are installing a standard residential system under 10 kW AC.
Choose Eversource if…
- You live in Greater Boston, Cape Cod, or the South Shore.
- You plan to use Virtual Net Metering to share solar credits with a second property.
- You prefer a more modern online portal for tracking historical credit generation.
Related Reading
For a comprehensive overview of this topic, see our The Ultimate Guide to Solar Energy in Massachusetts (2024 Edition).
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