Massachusetts SMART 3.0 solar program doubles launch capacity to 900MW

Massachusetts Solar

The Massachusetts SMART 3.0 solar program will open this autumn with a doubled 900MW cap. The Massachusetts SMART 3.0 solar program expands capacity to offset tighter federal incentives. The Massachusetts SMART 3.0 solar program also compresses the 2025 window to 15 October–31 December.

Rates, adders, and exemptions for 2025

SMART 3.0 sets five base compensation tiers by system size. Base rates for larger projects will range from 17¢–28¢/kWh. Adders run from 0.2¢–8¢/kWh by location or beneficiary. Terms last 20 years and remain fixed. Systems under 25kW receive a flat 3¢/kWh payment. Low-income projects receive 6¢/kWh. However, systems ≤25kW and behind-the-meter 25–250kW are exempt from the 2025 cap.

Utility allocations and carve-outs

Each utility receives at least 5% of annual capacity. Eversource gets about 441MW in 2025. National Grid receives roughly 406MW. Unitil receives around 53MW. The state reserves 10% for 25–250kW standalone and 250–500kW projects. Another 10% supports low-income properties. A further 15% goes to community solar. Therefore, carve-outs total 90MW, 90MW, and 135MW, respectively, in 2025.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The higher cap and fixed 20-year rates should stabilize near-term development. Watch interconnection timelines and adder availability, which will likely determine queue velocity and project bankability under SMART 3.0.