National Grid & Eversource Massachusetts SMART Program & ConnectedSolutions Guide
Massachusetts combines 31¢–36¢/kWh retail net metering (up to 10 kW AC single-phase) with the nation’s most lucrative battery VPP: ConnectedSolutions pays $275 per kW of average summer battery dispatch ($1,375 to $2,750/year in cash) plus 0% APR Mass Save financing.
1. 24-Hour Import Cost vs. Export Credit Visualizer
Schedule: MA Net Metering (<10kW AC 1:1) + SMART Energy Storage Adder + ConnectedSolutions VPPCompare what National Grid & Eversource Energy (Massachusetts) charges you to import 1 kWh vs. what they pay you when you export 1 kWh during each time window—and how your battery inverter should be programmed:
2. Forensic Tariff & Battery Arbitrage Math
- 1The Strict 10.0 kW AC Massachusetts Cap: Under Massachusetts DPU rules, single-phase residential systems with an inverter nameplate ≤10.0 kW AC receive 100% Cap-Exempt 1:1 Retail Net Metering. If your inverter is 10.1 kW AC (even with the same panels!), your exported credits are slashed by 40% to the "Market Net Metering Credit" (60% value)!
- 2How to Build a 14 kW DC System Under the 10 kW AC Cap: Pair 14 kW of DC solar panels with a DC-coupled hybrid inverter capped at 10.0 kW AC output + a 14.3 kWh–28.6 kWh LFP battery. You keep 100% 1:1 retail net metering AND collect $1,500+/year from ConnectedSolutions!
10.0kW AC Capped Hybrid Inverter + 14.3kWh–28.6kWh LFP Battery
Estimated Payback under MA Net Metering (<10kW AC 1:1) + SMART Energy Storage Adder + ConnectedSolutions VPP: 3.8 – 4.5 Years (With $1,000 MA State Tax Credit + ConnectedSolutions)
National Grid & Eversource Energy (Massachusetts) Solar Tariff FAQ
Why must my inverter be 10.0 kW AC or less on National Grid and Eversource in Massachusetts?
Single-phase residential systems ≤10 kW AC are "Cap Exempt" and receive 100% retail net metering credits that never expire. Crossing 10 kW AC triggers a 40% reduction on exported net metering credits unless you obtain a scarce Cap Allocation.
How much does ConnectedSolutions pay for a home battery in Massachusetts?
ConnectedSolutions pays $275 per kW of average battery contribution during summer peak events for 5 years guaranteed—meaning a battery that dispatches 7 kW average during events earns $1,925/year ($9,625 over 5 years).