STATE SOLAR LAWS
Massachusetts has some of the strongest solar incentives and consumer protections in the nation. Here is what MA law says about your rights as a solar consumer.
Updated March 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
Massachusetts is widely regarded as one of the most solar-friendly states in the country, with strong incentive programs, favorable net metering rules, and robust consumer protections. However, the state's active solar market has also led to contract disputes. This guide covers the key Massachusetts laws that protect solar consumers, your cancellation rights, and practical steps for getting out of a solar agreement in the Bay State.
If you signed a solar contract in Massachusetts through a door-to-door or in-home sales transaction, you generally have a right to cancel within a specific timeframe under both federal and state law.
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule (16 CFR Part 429) provides a 3-business-day cancellation right for sales made at your home. This covers most in-home solar sales presentations. The cancellation period runs until midnight of the third business day after signing.
Massachusetts law provides its own right to cancel for home solicitation sales under M.G.L. Chapter 93, Section 48. This statute requires that any contract resulting from a home solicitation sale include a clear notice of the buyer's right to cancel within 3 business days. The seller must provide:
Key detail: Under Massachusetts law, if the seller failed to provide the required cancellation notice, the cancellation period may not have started. This is particularly significant because Massachusetts courts have historically been protective of consumer rights. If you did not receive proper notice, consult a Massachusetts attorney — your right to cancel may still be open.
Massachusetts has specific regulations for home improvement contractors that may apply to solar installations. Under M.G.L. c. 142A, home improvement contractors are required to register with the state, provide written contracts for work over certain amounts, and comply with various consumer protection provisions. Solar installation may qualify as a "home improvement" under this statute, which could provide additional cancellation or rescission rights if the contractor failed to comply with registration or contract requirements.
Act immediately: If you are within the cooling-off period, send your cancellation notice via certified mail right away. Do not depend on phone calls or email alone. Keep copies of everything you send. Pre-installation cancellation guide →
Massachusetts Chapter 93A is one of the most powerful consumer protection statutes in the United States. It prohibits "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce." For solar consumers, Chapter 93A is exceptionally important because it provides:
In the solar context, Chapter 93A violations may include:
In our assessment, Massachusetts Chapter 93A is one of the strongest tools available to any solar consumer in the country. The combination of treble damages and attorney's fee recovery creates significant leverage in negotiations with solar companies and makes it economically feasible for attorneys to take these cases.
The Massachusetts Attorney General has promulgated detailed consumer protection regulations under 940 CMR that further define unfair and deceptive practices. These regulations cover door-to-door sales, home improvement contracts, and general business practices. Solar companies operating in Massachusetts must comply with these detailed regulatory requirements in addition to Chapter 93A itself.
Massachusetts requires home improvement contractors to register with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. If your solar installer was not properly registered, this may constitute a separate violation that strengthens your legal position. You can verify registration status through the state's online contractor database.
Massachusetts has relatively strong net metering rules, though they have evolved over time. Key aspects of net metering in Massachusetts include:
Credits for excess electricity. Rate varies by system size and utility. Regulated by the DPU. Credits may roll over monthly.
Per-kWh incentive payments for solar generation. Declining block structure. Replaced SREC program. Administered by utilities.
The combination of net metering and SMART incentives makes Massachusetts one of the most financially attractive states for solar, but also means that misrepresented incentive values are a common source of disputes.
The SMART program provides per-kWh incentive payments to qualifying solar installations. Key aspects include:
If a solar company made specific promises about your SMART incentive rate that have not materialized, this may support a Chapter 93A claim. Sales representatives sometimes overstate expected SMART payments or fail to explain the declining block structure.
Massachusetts has established interconnection standards through the DPU that govern how solar systems connect to the grid. The three major investor-owned utilities — Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil — administer the interconnection process. Issues with interconnection delays or technical requirements can affect system activation and economics.
Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 40A, Section 3) limits the ability of local zoning bylaws to restrict solar energy systems. While municipalities may impose reasonable regulations, they generally cannot prohibit residential solar installations. This protection can be important if HOA or local government restrictions are contributing to your solar dispute.
Based on our research, the most common solar contract disputes in Massachusetts typically involve the following issues:
Some sales representatives in Massachusetts have overstated the SMART incentive payments homeowners would receive, failing to accurately explain the declining block structure or the specific rate the homeowner would qualify for. When actual SMART payments are lower than promised, this can significantly affect the economics of the solar installation.
With Massachusetts net metering credits varying by system size and utility, some solar companies have overstated the expected credit value. This is particularly common with larger residential systems that may receive credits at a lower rate. If savings projections were based on inflated net metering credits, this may constitute a deceptive practice.
Solar companies that fail to register as home improvement contractors in Massachusetts or fail to comply with the written contract requirements under M.G.L. c. 142A may be subject to additional penalties and rescission claims. This is a common violation that can significantly strengthen a consumer's legal position.
Solar leases and PPAs in Massachusetts may involve UCC-1 financing statements filed with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Undisclosed UCC filings can complicate home sales and refinancing. If the lien was not disclosed during the sales process, this may support a Chapter 93A claim. UCC lien removal guide →
Solar PPAs and leases with annual escalators of 1-3% can eventually result in payments that exceed utility rates, particularly in Massachusetts where utility rates have historically been volatile. If the escalator was not clearly disclosed or if savings projections did not account for it, you may have grounds for relief under Chapter 93A. PPA exit guide →
Dealing with a solar contract issue in Massachusetts? Get a free preliminary review of your contract and options.
If you need to get out of a solar contract in Massachusetts, the state's strong consumer protection laws provide more leverage than most states. Here is a general step-by-step framework. Results vary by individual situation.
Read your entire solar agreement, including all exhibits and addendums. Identify the agreement type (lease, PPA, or loan), cancellation provisions, buyout terms, escalator clauses, SMART incentive provisions, and any performance guarantees. Note all deadlines and required notice procedures.
If you signed within the last 3 business days through a door-to-door sale, cancel immediately in writing via certified mail. If the seller failed to provide the required cancellation notice under Massachusetts law, consult an attorney — your cancellation rights may still be open. Cancellation guide →
Gather all documentation related to your solar purchase:
Massachusetts is a two-party consent state for recording conversations. This means you generally cannot secretly record phone conversations without the other party's knowledge. Focus on written documentation.
Before filing a lawsuit under Chapter 93A, you are required to send a 30-day demand letter to the solar company. This letter should describe the unfair or deceptive practices, the harm you suffered, and the remedy you are seeking. The demand letter is a legal requirement — filing a lawsuit without first sending a proper demand letter may limit your ability to recover attorney's fees and treble damages. An attorney can help you draft an effective demand letter.
Important: The 30-day demand letter is not just a procedural formality — it is one of the most effective tools in a Massachusetts consumer's arsenal. Many solar companies will negotiate seriously once they receive a properly drafted 93A demand letter, because they know that if the case goes to court, they face treble damages and attorney's fees. This is often where disputes get resolved.
Common legal grounds for solar contract exits in Massachusetts include:
File complaints with the Massachusetts Attorney General and other relevant agencies. Even if this does not directly resolve your dispute, it creates an official record and may prompt investigation. The MA AG's office has been active in pursuing deceptive business practices.
Based on your circumstances, your primary exit options in Massachusetts include:
Given the strength of Chapter 93A and the potential for treble damages and attorney's fees, Massachusetts is one of the best states for solar consumers to pursue legal action. We strongly recommend consulting a Massachusetts-licensed attorney experienced in consumer protection law. Many will evaluate 93A cases on a contingency basis because of the attorney's fee recovery provision. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Important: We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Missing payments may damage your credit, trigger collection actions, or accelerate the full contract balance. Continue making payments while you explore your legal options.
Massachusetts provides a 3-business-day right to cancel for door-to-door sales under both the FTC rule and state law (M.G.L. c. 93, Section 48). Massachusetts also has home improvement contractor regulations under M.G.L. c. 142A that may provide additional protections for solar installation contracts. The seller must provide written notice of your cancellation rights. If notice was not provided, the cancellation period may be extended. Cancellation guide →
After the cooling-off period, direct cancellation typically requires a buyout, transfer, or legal action. Massachusetts has one of the strongest consumer protection statutes in the country — Chapter 93A — which allows for treble damages and attorney's fees for unfair or deceptive practices. If you were misled during the sales process, a 93A demand letter is typically the first step. Full exit guide →
Massachusetts has strong net metering rules. Solar customers generally receive credits for excess electricity sent to the grid, with the credit value varying based on system size and utility. Massachusetts also has the SMART incentive program providing additional per-kWh payments. Net metering is regulated by the Massachusetts DPU. Contact your utility (Eversource, National Grid, or Unitil) for your specific credit rate.
The SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program provides per-kWh incentive payments to qualifying solar installations. Incentive rates are set through a declining block structure, with earlier participants receiving higher rates. Rates vary by utility territory. SMART replaced the previous SREC program. If your solar company made specific promises about your SMART rate that have not materialized, this may support a Chapter 93A claim.
File complaints with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at (617) 727-8400. For utility issues, contact the DPU at (877) 886-5066. The Office of Consumer Affairs handles Home Improvement Contractor complaints. We recommend filing with all relevant agencies and sending a Chapter 93A demand letter to the solar company.
Get a free preliminary contract review or see which companies our editorial team recommends for solar exits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Solar contract terms and exit options vary by contract, company, and individual circumstances. Results vary by individual situation. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. Consult a qualified Massachusetts-licensed attorney before taking action. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.