Massachusetts Solar Fraud 2026: Common Scams, Consumer Laws & How to Report

Massachusetts is a top-10 national solar market, with over 130,000 residential installations statewide and some of the highest electricity rates in the country — well above 30 cents/kWh from Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil. The combination of SMART incentive payments, high utility rates, and strong net metering makes solar financially compelling — and makes Massachusetts homeowners a prime target for fraud.

Massachusetts Solar Market at a Glance

Metric	Massachusetts Data
Residential installations	130,000+ statewide
Key utilities	Eversource, National Grid, Unitil
Key incentives	SMART program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target); net metering; MA personal income tax credit (15%, up to $1,000)
Electricity rate	~33 cents/kWh — among highest in U.S.
Growth regions	Greater Boston, Worcester, Pioneer Valley, Cape Cod
AG involvement	MA AG has been aggressive on solar enforcement

Top 3 Solar Scam Types in Massachusetts

1. SMART Incentive "Guaranteed Rate" Misrepresentation

The SMART program pays solar owners a fixed incentive rate per kilowatt-hour produced, but rates step down as capacity blocks fill. Scammers tell homeowners they can "lock in" the highest SMART rate at $0.30+/kWh regardless of current block status. When the actual SMART rate turns out to be lower, the promised savings evaporate and the homeowner is underwater on their financing.

2. Eversource/National Grid "Delivery Charge Elimination" Lies

Massachusetts has some of the nation's highest electric delivery charges. Scammers promise solar will "eliminate your delivery charges entirely," implying that solar eliminates all charges including the fixed customer charge and distribution costs. In reality, solar reduces supply charges and can offset delivery charges via net metering credits, but fixed charges remain. The savings are real but not as total as promised.

3. Cape Cod and Senior Community High-Pressure Targeting

Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and senior-heavy communities are inundated with door-to-door solar sales. Scammers exploit the combination of high electricity rates and retirement incomes with "today only" specials that pressure seniors into signing without family consultation. Massachusetts has seen a sharp increase in elder solar fraud complaints.

Your Rights Under Massachusetts Law

Massachusetts protects homeowners through M.G.L. c. 93A — the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act — one of the broadest and most powerful consumer protection laws in the nation.

Protection	Detail
Statute of limitations	4 years from discovery
Damages	Actual damages; double or treble damages for willful/knowing violations + attorney fees
Door-to-door cancellation	3 business days (FTC rule + MA Home Solicitation Sales Act)
MA contractor licensing	HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) registration required; electrical license from Board of State Examiners of Electricians
93A demand letter	Required 30-day demand letter before filing suit; can result in settlement offers

Massachusetts Reporting Agencies

Agency	Contact	What to Report
Massachusetts Attorney General (Andrea Campbell)	mass.gov/ago / 617-727-8400	93A violations, consumer fraud
Massachusetts DPU (Department of Public Utilities)	mass.gov/dpu	Eversource/National Grid/utility issues
MA Office of Consumer Affairs	mass.gov/consumer	HIC registration complaints
FTC	ReportFraud.ftc.gov	Interstate fraud
CFPB	consumerfinance.gov/complaint	Financing complaints

Red Flags for Massachusetts Homeowners

Promise of a specific SMART rate that can't be verified on the MassACA website
"Your delivery charges will be eliminated" — fixed charges remain
No MA HIC registration number on the contract — all home improvement contractors must register
High-pressure "today-only" pitches, especially targeting seniors
Salesperson cannot explain how SMART block allocations actually work

What to Do Next

Verify the SMART rate: Visit massaca.org to check the current SMART block allocation and rate for your utility territory
Send a 93A demand letter: If you've been defrauded, a properly drafted 93A letter can trigger settlement offers before litigation
Check HIC registration: Every Massachusetts home improvement contractor must be registered. Verify at mass.gov.
Contact the AG's Office: Massachusetts has one of the most active consumer protection divisions for solar fraud
Get an independent review: Have a third-party installer review your contract and savings projections

FAQ

How does the Massachusetts SMART program actually work?

The SMART program pays solar owners a fixed incentive per kWh based on the capacity block in effect when you apply. As blocks fill, the rate steps down. Your rate is set by your application date and block assignment — not by what a salesperson tells you. Always verify at massaca.org.

What is a Chapter 93A demand letter and do I need one?

Under M.G.L. c. 93A, before filing a consumer protection lawsuit, you must send a 30-day demand letter to the business describing the unfair practice and the damages. If the business fails to make a reasonable settlement offer within 30 days, you may be entitled to double or treble damages plus attorney fees. This is a powerful tool unique to Massachusetts.

Do I need a HIC registration for solar work in Massachusetts?

Yes. Solar installers in Massachusetts must register as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the Office of Consumer Affairs and hold appropriate electrical licenses. Always verify both before signing a contract.

Can I get my money back if a solar company lied about SMART rates?

Yes. If the SMART rate you received is materially lower than what was promised, you likely have a strong 93A claim. Document the promised rate (ideally in writing) and consult a consumer protection attorney. Massachusetts' attorney fee provision makes private enforcement economically viable.

Massachusetts has some of the strongest consumer protections in the nation. If a solar company misled you, Chapter 93A is on your side.

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