Plug-In Solar in Massachusetts — Legislation Pending
Bill: H 4744 / H 5151 / H 5175 — An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power and Economic Competitiveness
Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Roy (H 4744); House Ways & Means Committee (H 5151/H 5175)
Legislative Status: Passed the House 128–27 on Feb 26, 2026 (as H.5175). Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means on March 2, 2026. Senate vote pending.
Current Status: Passed House 128–27 · In Senate Ways & Means (March 2026)
Last Updated: May 14, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 33¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $395/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 14¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.2 |
| Retail Choice | full |
Key Provisions
Exempts certified plug-in solar devices (up to 1,200W) from utility interconnection requirements. Prohibits utilities from charging extra fees or requiring prior approval. Allows self-installation. Landlord cannot prohibit installation.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Emergency law — effective immediately upon signing |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts AC |
| UL 3700 | not_mentioned — UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required (UL 3700 not named specifically) |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Renter Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Utility Approval | Waived (no prior approval, no fees, no additional equipment required) |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Exempt from net metering program requirements; excess generation is not compensated. |
| Key Differences | Passed the Massachusetts House 128-27 with strong bipartisan support. Defines a portable solar generation device as connecting through a single standard electrical outlet. Requires anti-islanding feature certified by UL or equivalent. |
| Notable Omissions | Does not address HOA restrictions or renter rights. Does not specify building permit requirements. Does not reference UL 3700 by name. |
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install a certified plug-in solar device (up to 1,200W) without Eversource or National Grid approval. Landlords cannot prohibit installation.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Massachusetts utilities currently require interconnection agreements for any solar installation.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Massachusetts SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program provides monthly incentive payments for solar generation. Massachusetts Renewable Energy Source Credit: 15% state tax credit on solar costs (up to $1,000). Sales and property tax exemptions apply to solar equipment. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Massachusetts SMART Program — Mass.gov — Monthly incentive payments for solar generation; small systems under 25 kW eligible.
- Massachusetts Renewable Energy Source Credit — 15% state income tax credit on solar costs, up to $1,000.
- DSIRE — Massachusetts Solar Incentives — Full list of Massachusetts state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 7,136,171 |
| Total Households | 2,785,042 |
| Owner-Occupied | 1,750,615 |
| Renter-Occupied | 1,050,369 |
| Single-Family Homes | 1,542,390 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 687,672 |
| Median Household Income | $103,960 |
| Median Home Value | $562,100 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.66 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1048 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | April–September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Eversource | ~177416 customers | Yes |
| National Grid | ~242019 customers | Yes |
| Unitil | ~2241 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
- 28 states and DC could legalize 'balcony solar' — Planetizen (February 2026)