National Grid Solar Overview
National Grid is a major utility serving approximately 3.5 million electric customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York (Long Island, Upstate). All three states have strong solar policies and high electricity rates, making solar economics favorable.
Customers: ~3.5 million electric
Electric rates: $0.22-$0.30+/kWh (high)
Net metering: Strong in all states
Solar rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great
SREC programs: MA SMART, RI REG, NY VDER (Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly)
National Grid Solar by State
Massachusetts
Massachusetts National Grid customers benefit from the SMART program and strong net metering:
| Feature | Massachusetts Policy |
|---|---|
| Net metering | Full retail rate (~$0.25-$0.30/kWh) |
| SMART Program | $0.06-$0.12/kWh for 10 years |
| State tax credit | 15% up to $1,000 |
| Property tax exempt | Yes (20 years) |
| Sales tax exempt | Yes |
| Solar rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
Rhode Island
| Feature | Rhode Island Policy |
|---|---|
| Net metering | Full retail rate (~$0.23-$0.27/kWh) |
| REG Program | ~$0.26/kWh for 15 years (if available) |
| State incentive | Renewable Energy Growth (REG) |
| Property tax exempt | Yes |
| Solar rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great |
New York (Long Island / Upstate)
| Feature | New York Policy |
|---|---|
| Net metering | Retail or VDER (depends on system) |
| NY-Sun rebate | $0.20-$0.40/W |
| NY state tax credit | 25% up to $5,000 |
| Property tax exempt | Yes (15 years) |
| Solar rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great |
Net Metering Comparison
| State | Export Credit | Credit Rollover | Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Full retail | Monthly, annual | 25 kW residential |
| Rhode Island | Full retail | Monthly, annual | 25 kW residential |
| New York | Full retail / VDER | Monthly, annual | 25 kW simplified |
All three states currently offer full retail net metering for residential systems, making exports as valuable as the power you buy. This is increasingly rare nationally.
State-Specific Incentives
Massachusetts SMART Program
- What: Production-based payment for all solar generated
- Rate: ~$0.06-$0.12/kWh depending on capacity block
- Duration: 10 years from interconnection
- Adders: Battery storage, low-income, community shared
- Availability: Capacity-limited, apply through installer
Rhode Island REG
- What: Fixed-rate contract for solar production
- Rate: ~$0.26/kWh (varies by year)
- Duration: 15 years
- Availability: Limited enrollment periods
New York Incentives
- NY-Sun: Upfront rebate ($0.20-$0.40/W)
- State tax credit: 25% up to $5,000
- Property tax exemption: 15 years
Solar Economics by State
For a typical 8kW system with $175/month electric bill:
| State | Net Cost | Year 1 Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (w/ SMART) | $14,000-$18,000 | $2,500-$3,200 | 4-7 years |
| Rhode Island (w/ REG) | $15,000-$19,000 | $2,200-$2,800 | 5-8 years |
| New York | $12,000-$16,000 | $2,000-$2,500 | 5-8 years |
Why Northeast Economics Work
- High electric rates: $0.22-$0.30+/kWh makes each kWh valuable
- Strong incentives: State programs offset significant cost
- Full net metering: Exports credited at retail
- Moderate sun: Less sun than Southwest, but rates compensate
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is National Grid for solar?
Excellent. National Grid territory across MA, RI, and NY has some of the best solar economics in the country. High rates ($0.25+/kWh) combined with strong incentives and full net metering deliver 4-8 year payback periods.
Is the SMART program still available in Massachusetts?
SMART has capacity blocks that fill over time. As of early 2026, capacity is available but rates decrease as blocks fill. Check with your installer for current block and rate. Locking in sooner means better rates.
Do I need a battery with National Grid?
Not for financial reasons—full retail net metering means exports have good value. Batteries are valuable for backup power during nor'easters and outages. Some incentive programs (like MA SMART) offer battery adders that can improve economics.
What's the difference between SMART and net metering?
They work together. Net metering credits you for exports at retail rate. SMART pays you extra for all production (whether you use it or export it). Combined, you get bill savings PLUS SMART payments—double benefit.
Can I switch from National Grid to community solar?
If you can't install rooftop solar (renter, shaded roof, etc.), you can subscribe to community solar in all three states. You stay with National Grid but receive bill credits from an off-site solar farm—typically 5-15% savings with no installation.
Questions About National Grid Solar?
Our AI can help with state-specific questions for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New York—incentives, programs, and economics.
Ask About National Grid Solar