Massachusetts

MA

H 4744 / H 5151 / H 5175 — An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power and Economic Competitiveness

Pending
Current Status
Last verified: May 14, 2026

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.

Sponsored by: Rep. Jeff Roy (H 4744); House Ways & Means Committee (H 5151/H 5175)

Legislation Progress

Passed One Chamber

65%

pipeline complete

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Committee
One Chamber
Both Chambers
Gov. Desk
Enacted

Passage Likelihood

80%

Passed the House 128–27 on Feb 26. Now in Senate Ways & Means. Massachusetts has the highest electricity rates in the continental US (~$0.33/kWh). Strong consumer and environmental advocacy. Gov. Healey is a strong clean energy advocate. No fixed session deadline — can pass any time.

Session Deadline

Year-round (no fixed adjournment)

Legislative calendar cutoff

Expected Timeline

Senate vote expected May–July 2026. Governor Healey (D) expected to sign if passed.

Massachusetts Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate33¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
14¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$355/yr
Last UpdatedMay 14, 2026
Calculate MA Savings
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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.

Effective DateEmergency law — effective immediately upon signing
Wattage Limit1,200 watts AC
UL 3700Not mentioned
PermitNot addressed
Utility ApprovalWaived (no prior approval, no fees, no additional equipment required)
UL 3700 DetailsUL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required (UL 3700 not named specifically)
HOA / DeedNot addressed in the bill text.
RentersNot addressed in the bill text.
Net MeteringExempt from net metering program requirements; excess generation is not compensated.
What Makes This State Unique

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 Gaps

Does not address HOA restrictions or renter rights. Does not specify building permit requirements. Does not reference UL 3700 by name.

What This Means for You

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.

Current Limitations

Law not yet enacted. Massachusetts utilities currently require interconnection agreements for any solar installation.

Official Bill Reference

Passed House 128–27 · In Senate Ways & Means (March 2026)
View Full Bill Text — H 4744 / H 5151 / H 5175

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Massachusetts State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours4.66 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt20°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,048 kWh/yr
Best MonthsApril–September

The PVWatts energy estimate is based on an hourly performance simulation using a typical-year weather file that represents a multi-year historical period for Boston, MA for a Fixed (open rack) photovoltaic system. The kWh range is based on analysis of a nearby data site.

Major Utilities
Eversource
~177416 customers
Net metering
National Grid
~242019 customers
Net metering
Unitil
~2241 customers
Net metering

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 Income
$103,960
Median Home Value
$562,100

38% of Massachusetts households are renter-occupied — approximately 1,050,369 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

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.

Massachusetts has a fully deregulated electricity market. You may be able to get plug-in solar bundled with your electricity plan through a Retail Energy Provider (REP) — potentially at lower cost than buying hardware outright.

Learn about REP partner offers →

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