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Mass Save ConnectedSolutions is a performance-based incentive program that pays Massachusetts homeowners for sharing stored energy from their solar batteries with the electric grid during periods of peak demand. By allowing utilities like National Grid and Eversource to draw power from residential batteries when the grid is stressed, participants receive annual incentive payments based on the average amount of power they contribute.
The program represents a shift toward a decentralized “virtual power plant” model, where individual homes become active participants in grid stability. For Massachusetts residents, this program significantly offsets the cost of high-quality battery systems like the Tesla Powerwall. By participating, homeowners not only gain the security of backup power during outages but also turn their energy storage system into a revenue-generating asset that pays for itself over several years.
The program operates through a series of scheduled “events” where the utility pulls power from your battery. Here is the typical process for a participant:
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| My battery will be empty if the power goes out. | The program is designed to leave you with a reserve, and utilities rarely call events when severe weather (and potential outages) are forecasted. |
| I have to manually turn on my battery. | All events are handled automatically through the battery’s smart software and your utility’s dispatch system. |
| The program is only for large solar farms. | ConnectedSolutions is specifically designed for residential and small commercial battery owners. |
| This replaces the SMART program. | ConnectedSolutions is an additional incentive that can often be “stacked” with the Massachusetts SMART program. |
While traditional incentives like the Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) provide a one-time reduction in the upfront cost of equipment, ConnectedSolutions provides ongoing, performance-based income. Unlike Net Metering, which credits you for the electricity you produce, ConnectedSolutions pays you specifically for the timing of when you provide that electricity to the grid. This makes battery storage financially viable by creating a clear return on investment (ROI) timeline that wouldn’t exist through backup power benefits alone.
In 2026, Massachusetts homeowners are seeing substantial returns through this program. For example, a typical Tesla Powerwall installation might contribute an average of 5 kW per event. With attractive current incentive rates in certain utility territories, a homeowner could earn a meaningful amount annually just for participating.
Over the five-year term of the typical ConnectedSolutions agreement, these payments can cover a significant portion of the initial battery investment. Beyond the financial gain, residents in high-traffic areas or regions with aging infrastructure contribute to a more resilient local grid, preventing brownouts for their neighbors while ensuring their own home remains powered during winter storms or summer heatwaves.
For a comprehensive overview of this topic, see our The Ultimate Guide to Solar Energy in Massachusetts (2024 Edition).
You may also find these related articles helpful:
Frequently asked questions for this article
Participants are paid based on the average kilowatts (kW) of power their battery contributes during peak demand events. For example, if your utility pays a set rate per kW and your battery averages a 5 kW discharge, your annual payment would be substantial.
Most major smart battery systems are eligible, including the Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge Home Battery, and Enphase IQ Battery. It is important to verify compatibility with your installer before purchase.
No. You can set a reserve limit (typically 20% or higher) to ensure your battery always has enough power to keep your essential appliances running if a blackout occurs.
The program typically requires a five-year commitment, during which you receive annual payments for your participation during the summer and winter seasons.
For Massachusetts homeowners, ownership is the superior choice if you want to maximize long-term savings and take full advantage of the state’s lucrative SMART program and federal tax credits. However, a Solar Lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is better for those who prefer $0 down payments and want to avoid maintenance responsibilities. While ownership offers the highest return on investment, third-party-owned systems provide immediate monthly savings without the burden of a loan or upfront capital.
| Feature | Solar Ownership (Cash/Loan) | Solar Lease | Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $0 (with loan) to Full Price | $0 | $0 |
| Federal Tax Credit (ITC) | None in 2026 (25D expired) | Installer Claims | Installer Claims |
| MA SMART Incentives | Homeowner Receives | Installer Receives | Installer Receives |
| Maintenance | Homeowner Responsibility | Installer Responsibility | Installer Responsibility |
| Long-term Savings | Highest (100% of power) | Moderate (Fixed monthly fee) | Moderate (Pay per kWh) |
| Home Value Impact | Increases Value | Neutral to Complicated | Neutral to Complicated |
Buying your solar system outright or via a solar loan offers the highest total lifetime savings because you retain all state and federal incentives. In Massachusetts, owners qualify for the Massachusetts Residential Solar Tax Credit (up to $1,000), full retail net metering, and the SMART program. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit that once rewarded ownership expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available to homeowners who buy with cash or a loan. Furthermore, only owners can directly enroll in the SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program, which pays homeowners for the energy their system produces for 10 years. By owning the asset, you effectively eliminate your electric bill and generate a secondary income stream that typically pays for the system in about 8 to 10 years.
A solar lease is a service-based agreement where you pay a fixed monthly “rent” for the equipment regardless of how much energy is produced. With the residential federal credit gone in 2026, a lease or PPA is now one of the only ways for a homeowner to benefit indirectly from a federal credit, because the third-party owner can still claim the commercial Section 48E credit and pass some savings along. It is also ideal for residents who prefer no upfront cost or maintenance. Because Boston Solar or other providers own the equipment, they handle all repairs, monitoring, and insurance. The implication for the homeowner is a predictable, lower-than-utility monthly expense that remains stable even as Eversource or National Grid rates fluctuate, though you miss out on the equity-building benefits of ownership.
A PPA allows you to pay only for the electricity the solar panels generate at a predetermined rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Unlike a lease, where the payment is fixed, PPA payments vary slightly based on seasonal production—higher in the sunny summer months and lower in the winter. This is a “performance-based” model that ensures you are never paying for a system that isn’t working. For many in the Commonwealth, a PPA is a low-risk entry into renewable energy that guarantees a lower electricity rate than the local utility without any capital investment.
If you are a homeowner in Worcester or Newton with a high tax bill and available savings (or good credit for a loan), Ownership is the clear winner. You will benefit from the SMART program payments, full net metering, the $1,000 state credit, and a significant increase in your property value. (The 30% federal ITC for owners ended December 31, 2025.) You view solar as a financial investment rather than just a utility bill reduction.
For retirees or individuals on a fixed income who may not have the tax appetite to utilize the federal credit, a Solar Lease is often the most practical choice. It provides a fixed, known cost for energy that protects against utility inflation without requiring a large cash outlay or the management of technical maintenance.
If you want the benefits of green energy and lower bills but plan to move in 7-10 years, a PPA provides the flexibility you need. Since you only pay for the power generated, the “savings” are immediate from day one. This path is excellent for those who want to support the Massachusetts clean energy transition without taking on the debt of a major home improvement loan.
For a comprehensive overview of this topic, see our The Ultimate Guide to Solar Energy in Massachusetts (2024 Edition).
You may also find these related articles helpful:
Frequently asked questions for this article
In Massachusetts, ownership is generally the best investment. While leases and PPAs offer $0-down entry, owners keep the SMART program incentives, net metering, and the $1,000 state credit (the 30% federal residential credit ended December 31, 2025), leading to much higher lifetime savings and a 100% reduction in electricity costs once the system is paid off.
No, if you lease your solar panels or sign a PPA, the third-party owner (the solar company) can still claim a federal credit under the commercial Section 48E program and typically passes part of that value to you through a lower rate. The 30% residential federal credit for buyers expired December 31, 2025. You benefit indirectly through a lower monthly energy rate, but you cannot claim the credits on your personal tax return.
Yes, solar ownership can increase home value by an average of 4%, according to Zillow. However, a lease or PPA can sometimes complicate a sale because the new buyer must agree to take over the lease payments or the seller must buy out the remainder of the contract.
