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Is plug-in solar legal in Massachusetts?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (Simplified: UL 1741 inverter <=10 kW single-phase / <=25 kW three-phase), typical fee $225.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on H.5175 sec. 19 (orig. H.4744) / S.3143-S.3166 this year: House passed 128-27 (2/26/2026); Senate passed 32-8 (7/1/2026); conference committee (Cusack/Barrett) since 7/29/2026; no report as of 10/18/2026.
What the rules say
Massachusetts' plug-in provisions passed both chambers inside larger energy bills and are stuck in conference; Eversource/National Grid interconnection rules still apply.
Before you plug in: Massachusetts checklist
- The rule that applies is Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities's interconnection process: DPU Standards for Interconnection of DG (Simplified/Expedited/Standard).
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (Simplified: UL 1741 inverter <=10 kW single-phase / <=25 kW three-phase). $225 per-project fee covering up to $10,000 of upgrades (D.P.U. 26-57, 2026; secondary).
- Permits: Licensed electrician required for all electrical work; wiring permit; 2026 NEC.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Class I net metering near-retail credits.
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch H.5175 sec. 19 (orig. H.4744) / S.3143-S.3166: House passed 128-27 (2/26/2026); Senate passed 32-8 (7/1/2026); conference committee (Cusack/Barrett) since 7/29/2026; no report as of 10/18/2026.
The rules in detail
Massachusetts has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is H.5175 (from H.4744) / S.3143). Average residential electricity price: 30.49¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Bill status: passed both chambers in different versions; conference committee.
- Sponsor: Rep. Jeff Roy (H.4744).
- Effective-date note: Would be immediate (emergency) if enacted.
- Utilities: House 128-27 Feb 26, 2026; Senate 32-8 Jul 1, 2026; conference first met Jul 29, 2026; no outcome found by Oct 17, 2026.
Your utility's rules in Massachusetts
No utility in Massachusetts publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Eversource (NSTAR Electric) | 1,303,076 | No specific statement. source |
| National Grid (Massachusetts Electric) | 1,210,113 | No specific statement. source |
| Unitil (Fitchburg) | 26,290 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | DPU Standards for Interconnection of DG (Simplified/Expedited/Standard). |
| Smallest tier | Simplified: UL 1741 inverter <=10 kW single-phase / <=25 kW three-phase. |
| Application fee | $225 per-project fee covering up to $10,000 of upgrades (D.P.U. 26-57, 2026; secondary). |
| Electrician / permit | Licensed electrician required for all electrical work; wiring permit; 2026 NEC. |
| Export compensation | Class I net metering near-retail credits. |
| Electrical code | 2026 NEC with MA amendments (eff. 4/24/2026). |
- Only in-scope state with plug-in language passed by both chambers (awaiting conference).
- No homeowner electrical exemption in MA.
Plug-in solar bills in Massachusetts, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.5175 sec. 19 (orig. H.4744) / S.3143-S.3166 | Rep. Jeffrey Roy (House TUE chair); Senate energy bill | House passed 128-27 (2/26/2026); Senate passed 32-8 (7/1/2026); conference committee (Cusack/Barrett) since 7/29/2026; no report as of 10/18/2026. | <=1,200 W AC per meter, UL/NRTL, exempt from interconnection/net metering, self-install without permit, landlords may not prohibit. |
State incentives
- 15% state credit up to $1,000 (c.62 s.6(d)).
- Sales-tax exemption c.64H s.6(dd).
- SMART/Mass Save require contractors.
Who is pushing for a law
- Environment Massachusetts
- Mass Municipal Association
- MAPC
- Bright Saver
Savings preview: 800 W kit in Massachusetts
Adjust for your setup →≈ $258/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in Massachusetts?
Not yet. A plug-in solar bill (H.5175 (from H.4744) / S.3143) has been introduced in Massachusetts but has not become law.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has not spelled this out clearly for plug-in kits (not addressed). Ask your utility and local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in Massachusetts?
Proposed: no approval/fees; default now: interconnection agreements required. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in Massachusetts?
Roughly 845 kWh and about $258 per year at Massachusetts's average residential rate of 30.49¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.