Solar comparison
Massachusetts vs Rhode Island Solar: SMART vs REG Programs Compared
Compare Massachusetts and Rhode Island residential solar incentives (SMART vs REG), electricity rates, installation costs, and payback.
Quick answer
What this comparison means
Massachusetts has the SMART program (fixed $/kWh incentive for 10 years), while Rhode Island has the REG program (fixed-price solar tariff). Both states have very high electricity rates ($0.25+/kWh), strong net metering, and solar payback of 5–8 years. MA is a larger market with more installer competition, but both states offer excellent solar economics.
Comparison table
| Factor | Option A | Option B | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity rate | $0.30/kWh | $0.3/kWh | Both states have among the highest US rates — strong solar savings per kWh. |
| Solar cost | $3.00-$3.70/W | $3.2/W | New England install costs are above national average. Competitive bidding helps. |
| Payback | 6-9 years | 7-9 years | Both repay in 5–8 years driven by high rates + strong incentives. |
| Main incentive | SMART program — fixed $/kWh payment for 10 years (rate varies by block/utility) | REG program — fixed-price tariff for solar generation (15–20 year term) | Both programs provide predictable solar income on top of bill savings. |
| Net metering | Full retail net metering (residential) | Net metering at avoided-cost rate for excess (not full retail) | MA net metering is more favorable. RI homeowners should size for self-consumption. |
| Property tax | Full property tax exemption for solar (20 years) | Property tax exemption for solar | Both protect solar-added value from property tax reassessment. |
Data Sources
This comparison uses state electricity-rate ranges, local incentive context, net-metering rules, and solar production assumptions informed by NREL PVWatts-style modeling. Final quotes, utility tariffs, and interconnection rules can materially change the economics.
Assumptions
Payback and ROI are directional estimates, not financial advice. They assume typical residential roof conditions, stable household usage, currently available incentives, and separate treatment of battery backup value, financing costs, and installer-specific add-ons.