Eversource vs. National Grid: Which Net Metering Policy Is Better for Massachusetts Solar? 2026

Eversource and National Grid offer nearly identical net metering frameworks in Eastern Massachusetts, but Eversource generally provides a slightly higher credit value due to its higher basic service rates. In 2026, both utilities credit residential solar owners at 100% of the retail rate for electricity exported to the grid, provided the system is under 10 kW AC. While the mechanics of net metering are standardized by state law, the actual monetary value of your credits fluctuates based on your specific utility's current supply and delivery charges.

According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), residential net metering customers in 2026 continue to receive "Class I" status for systems up to 10 kW on single-phase power [1]. Research indicates that while National Grid has historically had more "congested" load zones in certain MetroWest areas, Eversource's infrastructure in Greater Boston often allows for faster interconnection timelines [2]. Current 2026 rate filings show that Eversource customers often see a 3-5% higher per-kWh credit value compared to National Grid, primarily driven by regional transmission adjustments.

Understanding these nuances is critical for maximizing your return on investment. As a vertically integrated installer with 13 years of experience, Boston Solar has navigated over 6,000 installations across both utility territories, ensuring systems are sized correctly to maximize these specific credit values. Whether you are in an Eversource-dominated area like Boston or a National Grid pocket in the North Shore, the financial impact of your solar array depends on how these utility-specific tariffs interact with the SMART incentive program.

Comparison of Net Metering Features: Eversource vs. National Grid

How Do Net Metering Credit Values Differ Between Utilities?

Net metering credit values are tied directly to the "Basic Service" and delivery rates set by each utility, meaning your solar savings fluctuate with market prices. Since Eversource and National Grid procure energy at different times and manage different physical infrastructures, their "Price to Compare" is rarely the same. In 2026, Eversource customers in Eastern Massachusetts often see higher credit values because the utility's delivery charges—which are included in the net metering credit—reflect the higher costs of maintaining the dense urban grid in the Greater Boston area.

Data from 2026 utility filings shows that while both utilities follow the same "Net Metering 2.0" rules, the volatility in natural gas prices affects their supply rates differently. When supply rates rise, the value of every kWh your solar panels export increases proportionally. This means an identical 8 kW solar system will often generate more "dollars" in credits on an Eversource bill than on a National Grid bill, simply because Eversource’s retail electricity price is higher.

What Are the Capacity Limits for Residential Solar in 2026?

Massachusetts law dictates that private residential systems up to 10 kW AC (alternating current) are exempt from net metering caps, ensuring homeowners in both territories receive full retail credit. For systems larger than 10 kW, both Eversource and National Grid apply "Market Net Metering," which typically reduces the credit value to approximately 60% of the retail rate. This threshold is a primary reason why professional designers at Boston Solar emphasize right-sizing your system to stay within the 10 kW AC limit whenever possible.

The implication for homeowners is that "bigger" isn't always "better" if it pushes the system into a lower credit tier. By staying under the 10 kW limit, you ensure that every excess kilowatt-hour produced in the sunny summer months offsets your expensive winter heating or cooling bills at a 1-to-1 ratio. If you require a larger system for EV charging or heat pumps, our team often recommends high-efficiency panels to maximize production while keeping the inverter capacity within the favorable net metering "Safe Harbor" limits.

Does Interconnection Ease Vary by Utility Territory?

Interconnection is the process of getting your utility's permission to turn your solar system on, and the experience can vary significantly between Eversource and National Grid. National Grid's territory includes many "Group Study" areas where the local grid is saturated with solar, which can sometimes lead to additional costs for transformer upgrades or longer wait times. Conversely, Eversource has invested heavily in grid modernization in Eastern Massachusetts, which has streamlined the simplified interconnection path for most residential projects in 2026.

According to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the average time from installation to "Permission to Operate" (PTO) ranges from 3 to 6 weeks, but localized grid congestion is the biggest wild card. Working with an experienced local partner like Boston Solar is advantageous here, as we have dedicated interconnection coordinators who manage the specific portal requirements and engineering reviews for both utilities daily. This expertise prevents administrative delays that can keep your system dormant for weeks.

Use-Case Scenarios: Which Utility Context Fits You?

The Urban Homeowner (Eversource Territory)

A homeowner in Newton or Cambridge with high electricity rates and a small roof footprint will benefit most from Eversource's higher per-kWh credit value. Because the retail rate is higher, each square foot of solar generates more financial offset, leading to a faster internal rate of return (IRR).

The Suburban All-Electric Home (National Grid Territory)

A homeowner in the North Shore or MetroWest using heat pumps and an EV may require a system near the 10 kW limit. While National Grid's rates might be slightly lower than Eversource's, the stability of their net metering program allows these high-usage homes to effectively "bank" massive amounts of summer credits to cover heavy winter heating loads.

The Small Business Owner (Commercial Net Metering)

For commercial entities, the 60 kW AC limit is the critical threshold for both utilities. A business in an Eversource zone may find it easier to qualify for "Public" net metering credits if they are located near municipal buildings, whereas National Grid commercial customers often utilize "Virtual Net Metering" to share credits across multiple properties.

Summary Decision Framework: Maximizing Your Solar Value

Choose Eversource for Solar if:

• You live in Greater Boston or the MetroWest area and want to maximize the "Price to Compare" credit value.
• You are looking for a utility with a generally more streamlined online interconnection portal for residential systems.
• You want to take advantage of specific urban grid modernization incentives that may be available in 2026.

Choose National Grid for Solar if:

• You are located in the North Shore or central Massachusetts where National Grid is the sole provider.
• You are participating in specific community solar programs that are more prevalent in National Grid's service territory.
• Your property is in a rural or semi-rural area where National Grid has expanded its capacity for larger residential arrays.

Related Reading

For a comprehensive overview of this topic, see our The Complete Guide to Massachusetts Solar in 2026: Everything You Need to Know.

You may also find these related articles helpful:

• How to Navigate Massachusetts Tree Removal Bylaws and Shade Analysis: 5-Step Guide 2026
• Why Is My Solar Inverter Showing a Grid Overvoltage Error? 5 Solutions That Work
• What Is the Brownfield Adder? The Massachusetts SMART Solar Incentive for Contaminated Land

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Eversource and National Grid net metering?

In 2026, both Eversource and National Grid offer 1-to-1 retail net metering for residential systems up to 10 kW AC. The primary difference lies in the total credit value, which is determined by each utility’s specific retail electricity rate. Generally, Eversource customers receive a slightly higher monetary value per credit because their basic service and delivery rates are often higher than National Grid’s.

Do I get paid the full retail rate for solar exports in 2026?

Yes, if your solar system is under 10 kW AC, you are entitled to “Class I” net metering, which credits you for the full retail value of the electricity you export. This includes the supply, transmission, and distribution components of your bill. For systems larger than 10 kW, the credit value may be reduced to ‘Market Net Metering’ rates, which are roughly 60% of the retail rate.

Do my solar credits expire at the end of the year?

Net metering credits in Massachusetts do not expire at the end of the year. They roll over from month to month indefinitely. This allows homeowners to accumulate excess credits during the high-production summer months and use them to offset higher electricity bills during the winter when solar production is lower.

Can I transfer my solar credits to a different property?

Both utilities allow “Virtual Net Metering,” which lets you assign your excess solar credits to another account within the same utility territory and ISO-NE load zone. This is commonly used by property owners with multiple accounts or by participants in community solar projects. However, you cannot transfer credits between Eversource and National Grid.