Leading Commercial Solar Provider in Massachusetts

SMART 3.0 rates vary by system size, project type, and utility territory (Eversource, National Grid, Unitil), and are calculated using the DOER’s official Value of Energy and Incentive Calculator. That formula factors in system size, behind-the-meter vs. front-of-meter, your service territory, customer rate class, and any applicable adders. For commercial behind-the-meter systems, Program Year 2026 base compensation runs approximately $0.24–$0.28/kWh before adders, though final rates depend on your specific project configuration. We calculate your exact rates as part of our free SMART 3.0 analysis.

Yes. Behind-the-meter projects can receive both SMART incentive payments and net metering credits, running in parallel. SMART pays you for every kWh your system produces, while net metering credits you for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The SMART formula subtracts the “Value of Energy” (what you’d save through net metering) from the base compensation rate, so you’re not double-compensated for the same kWh. The result is bill savings from offsetting your usage plus a separate monthly SMART payment — typically the best overall return for commercial systems.

Program Year 2026 has 600 MW of capacity for projects subject to the cap. If it fills before December 31, 2026, new applications go on a waitlist with priority when Program Year 2027 opens — but you’d lock in at 2027 rates, not 2026 rates, and those can adjust up to 20% in either direction. Behind-the-meter systems under 250 kW and all systems under 25 kW are not subject to capacity caps. For larger commercial projects, applying early in the program year secures your spot and locks in current rates.

Plankton Energy is a turnkey solar development firm. We originate, engineer, interconnect, procure, install, commission, own, and operate commercial solar energy systems to improve property net operating income.

PPA (onsite energy at a fixed discount), Solar Site Lease (offsite sales with rental payments), or Direct Purchase (own the system for tax benefits and onsite generation).

Large electricity users with big open rooftops (typically over 10,000 square feet) and properties with large parking lots (over 25,000 square feet) are ideal candidates for commercial-scale solar.

REITs, private equity firms, and individual owners across all asset classes — retail, office, industrial, self-storage, multi-family, manufacturing, education, and houses of worship.

System components are warranted for 25 years, and Plankton provides ongoing operations and maintenance on every system it builds.

We won’t install on a roof with less than 20 years of remaining life, but in some cases we can finance a roof replacement.

All major roof manufacturers permit solar with warranty-preserving procedures; our systems deliver measurable, long-term carbon reduction.