Hampshire County is home to the Five College area — Amherst, Northampton, and their surrounding communities — where a highly educated, sustainability-conscious population, National Grid electricity rates, and a strong culture of environmental investment have made the county one of western MA's most active solar markets per capita.
Hampshire County is home to the Five College area — Amherst, Northampton, and their surrounding communities — where a highly educated, sustainability-conscious population, National Grid electricity rates, and a strong culture of environmental investment have made the county one of western MA's most active solar markets per capita.
Primary utility: National Grid — eligible for MA net metering and SMART program enrollment. Average monthly bills: $120–$155/month. Typical payback: 5–8 years.
HomeRateMap connects Hampshire County homeowners with licensed MA solar installers. Free quotes, no commitment.
Excess solar production is credited to your National Grid account at the retail rate. Your installer handles the interconnection application.
Gross cost: $21,000–$35,000 before incentives. After 30% ITC: $14,700–$24,500. SMART program and net metering reduce effective cost further over 10–25 years.
2 minutes. No commitment. Licensed MA installers only.