Can I install solar if I lease my building?

Yes, with landlord approval. Many of our clients work with their property owners to share benefits or opt for a PPA or roof lease model.

What type of roof is best suited for solar panels?

Flat or low-slope roofs are ideal, but solar can be installed on metal, membrane, TPO, and shingle roofs with proper mounting hardware. We'll inspect and assess your roof as part of our process.

Will I still get an electric bill?

Yes, but it may be significantly reduced. You'll still be connected to the grid for backup and night-time use, but solar will offset much of your usage. In many cases, businesses achieve net-zero usage.

Can I monitor how much my system is saving me?

Absolutely. We provide real-time monitoring tools for both performance and financial reporting. Know precisely what your system is generating and saving, whether it's day or night.

How long does commercial solar installation take?

Most projects take 4 to 8 weeks from initial consultation to final inspection, depending on permitting and system size.

Net Metering Programs: A Complete Guide to Saving More with Solar in 2026

Name: Intelligent Solar
Address: 917 Flat Hill Rd, Lunenburg, Massachusetts, 01462, US
Telephone: (978) 472-2865

Switching to solar energy isn’t just about powering your home or business with clean, renewable energy. It’s also about maximizing your financial return. One of the most effective ways solar customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut save money is through net metering programs.

At Intelligent Solar, we’ve seen how powerful these programs can be for both homeowners and businesses. By pairing your solar system with net metering, you can offset up to 100% of your electricity bill, all while reducing your carbon footprint and increasing your energy independence.

In this guide, we’ll break down how net metering programs work, what they look like across our service states, and why now is the perfect time to take advantage.

What Are Net Metering Programs?

Think of net metering as the utility company’s way of saying, “Thanks for the extra solar power.”

When your solar panels generate more energy than you need, that excess electricity doesn’t go to waste; it flows back into the grid. In return, your utility provider gives you bill credits. Later, when your home or business needs more electricity than your panels are producing (like at night or on cloudy days), those credits help offset the cost.

The result? A much smaller bill, or in some cases, no bill at all, aside from a small service fee.

How Net Metering Programs Work in Simple Terms

Daytime: Your solar panels may generate more energy than you use. Extra power goes back to the grid.
Nighttime or High Use: You pull electricity from the grid. Instead of paying full price, your credits cover the cost.
Billing Cycle: Your monthly statement displays your net usage, which is the amount you used minus the amount you produced.

It’s like having the grid act as your virtual battery, storing value instead of physical energy.

Net Metering in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut

Because Intelligent Solar serves multiple states, it’s essential to understand how net metering programs differ by location.

Massachusetts

Systems under 25 kW AC (most homes) are typically exempt from net metering caps.
Credits can offset supply, distribution, and transmission charges, usually worth around 25–28¢ per kWh.
Extra credits roll over indefinitely and can even be assigned to other accounts (great for businesses with multiple sites).

New Hampshire

Systems up to 1 MW qualify.
Credits are based on retail rates minus certain charges.
Excess credits carry forward from month to month with no expiration.

Maine

Offers net energy billing programs that allow customers to offset their usage.
Excess credits roll over to the next month.
Solar customers benefit from policies that encourage the adoption of solar energy in residential and small commercial settings.

Connecticut

Transitioning from traditional net metering to tariff-based credits and the Energy Storage Solutions program.
Solar still helps customers save by crediting excess generation at a set rate.

No matter where you are in our service area, net metering programs help ensure your solar panels are working 24/7 to save you money.

How Much Can You Save with Net Metering Programs?

Let’s look at a real-world Massachusetts example (Eversource East, Aug. 2024):

Basic Service: 15.77¢/kWh
Distribution: 7.82¢/kWh
Transmission: 4.05¢/kWh
Transition: -0.04¢/kWh
Total Credit Value: ~27.6¢/kWh

If your solar system produces 8,000 kWh annually, that’s over $2,200 in annual credits. And because credits never expire, your sunny summer days can help cover your cozy winter nights.

For businesses, savings can be even larger. With systems up to 2 MW qualifying for net metering in Massachusetts, some companies offset tens of thousands of dollars annually. Adding the ability to share credits across multiple accounts makes the financial impact hard to ignore.

Benefits of Net Metering Programs Beyond Savings

Energy Independence: Reduce Your Reliance on Utility Rate Hikes.
Predictable Bills: Know precisely what to expect each month.
Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint and align with green initiatives.
Business Value: For companies, solar and net metering improve ESG scores and brand reputation.

Common Questions About Net Metering Programs

Do net metering credits expire?

No. In Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, credits roll over indefinitely. Connecticut customers may see tariff-based structures, but credits are still applied to future bills.

Can I eliminate my electric bill?

In many cases, yes. Net metering can offset 100% of usage charges, though some utilities charge a small fixed monthly fee.

Do I need solar batteries to use net metering?

Not at all. Batteries are great for backup power, but net metering lets the grid serve as your “virtual battery.”

Can businesses benefit from net metering programs?

Absolutely. In fact, businesses often benefit even more because they can offset large energy bills and assign credits across multiple sites.

What happens if my solar system produces more energy than I use all year?

Credits keep rolling over. You’ll never lose them. In some cases, special cash-out options exist.

Why Now is the Best Time to Join a Net Metering Program

Rising utility costs make every kilowatt-hour you generate more valuable.
Federal tax incentives like the 30% Solar ITC make going solar more affordable.
Many states are reviewing net metering policies; locking in today ensures you benefit from favorable terms.

Think of it as getting a membership deal before the price increases. You’ll be grandfathered into savings for decades to come.

Smarter Solar + Net Metering = Maximum Savings

At Intelligent Solar, we believe in more innovative solutions for homes and businesses. Net metering programs are one of the best tools to help you save more, and we’ve helped hundreds of families and companies across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut take advantage of them.

If you’re ready to cut your energy costs by up to 100%, we’re here to guide you every step of the way from design and installation to net metering enrollment. You can contact us today by calling (978) 472-2865 to speak directly with our team or by emailing us at sales@intelligent.solar for more information. Alternatively, you can schedule a complimentary solar consultation through our website at your convenience.

With Intelligent Solar, you’ll get honest advice, high-quality installation, and long-term support. Switching to solar is smart. Doing it with Intelligent Solar is smarter.