COMMERCIAL SOLAR — Low Upfront Cost

Turn Your Property Into a Profit Center

Commercial solar systems provide steady revenue through reduced energy bills, net metering, and power sales agreements. For many commercial properties, properly sized systems yield a 3–7 year return on investment and then produce long-term passive income. Low or zero upfront options are available to accelerate cash flow.

Trusted by commercial property owners

THE OLD WAY VS. THE NEW WAY

Why Pay For A
Roof?

SOLAR + ROOF BUNDLE

Bundle a Premium Roof With Your Solar Project

$0 upfront options when bundled

  • Bundle a new roof to maximize system life and energy production

  • Capture federal tax credits and incentives — enhanced credit expiring end of 2026

  • Accelerated commercial ROI: typically 3–7 years when bundled

2026 is the last major window to secure:
Full 30% federal ITC
Plus all bonus adders


After that:
Incentives become more restrictive, uncertain, or reduced
Economics shift more toward state + utility incentives.

GET PAID FOR YOUR POWER

How SMART 3.0 Pays You Through The Utility

SMART 3.0 is a performance-based incentive where your solar system earns money based on how much energy it produces. Payments come directly from the utility, turning your roof into a predictable income-generating asset.

You Get Paid For Every kWh

You get paid for every kWh your system produces. At its core, SMART 3.0 is a performance-based incentive, where payments come directly from the utility. Once your project is approved and turned on, you earn a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity your system generates. Payments are made continuously over time (not one lump sum), creating a stable monthly income stream from your solar production.

WHO PAYS YOU

  • Payments (or bill credits) are issued by Eversource.
  • Payments (or bill credits) are issued by National Grid.
  • Payments (or bill credits) are issued by Unitil.
  • These are the same utilities your system connects to.

HOW YOU GET PAID

  • Monthly payments or bill credits based on actual production (metered output).
  • Predictable revenue and bankable cash flow, which is important for financing.
  • Commercial systems typically earn higher SMART 3.0 rates than smaller systems.

SMART 3.0 Compensation Tiers

SMART 3.0 uses size-based compensation tiers. Larger commercial systems, especially around 250 kW and above, can earn roughly $0.17–$0.28+ per kWh depending on system size, project location, and any applicable incentive adders.

Stack Multiple Revenue Streams

SMART 3.0 payments can be combined with other incentives to create layered, long-term value from a single solar investment.

  • SMART Payments (state program): Paid per kWh produced.
  • Net Metering: Credits for excess energy sent to the grid that reduce the electric bill or can sometimes be sold or transferred.
  • Federal Tax Incentives: 30% ITC and accelerated depreciation, improving project returns.

3 SIMPLE STEPS

Your Path To Zero-Down

Getting a new roof and solar system shouldn't be complicated. Here is exactly what happens when you apply for the program.

01

Remote Roof Assessment

We use satellite imagery to evaluate your roof's condition and solar potential before anyone even steps foot on your property.

02

Custom Solar Design

Our engineers create a high-efficiency energy system tailored to your home's unique layout, optimizing for maximum long-term savings.

03

Zero-Down Installation

Once approved, we bundle your new roof and solar panels into one seamless installation project—with absolutely $0 upfront cost.

CLARITY BEFORE YOU COMMIT

Answers To Your Questions

We believe in complete transparency. Here's exactly how the $0 roof and solar bundle works.

Is a $0 roof too good to be true?

It sounds like a catch, but it's simple math. By bundling a new roof with solar, the energy savings and federal tax incentives offset the cost of the roof. You're simply redirecting money you already pay your utility company into a fixed, predictable investment that covers both.

How does the zero-down financing work?

We offer flexible, zero-down financing options designed so your new combined monthly payment is typically lower than your current average electric bill. You start saving from day one, with absolutely no upfront out-of-pocket costs.

Are there tax credits available for this bundle?

Yes. The solar portion of your project qualifies for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Depending on your tax liability, this can significantly reduce the net cost of the system. We recommend consulting a tax professional to understand your exact benefits.

What happens to the roof warranty if you install solar?

You receive a premium, industry-leading warranty on both the roof installation and the solar panels. Because we handle both, you never have to worry about a solar installer voiding your roof warranty - we guarantee the integrity of the entire system.

NESI Logo

New England Solar Initiative is not a government agency. The $0 upfront cost solar and roof bundle is subject to credit approval, system sizing, and local utility policies. Savings estimates are based on 20-year projections and vary by location, energy usage, and utility rate fluctuations. State and federal tax credits are not guaranteed; consult a tax professional to determine your eligibility.

© 2026 New England Solar Initiative. All rights reserved.

NESI Logo

Location

8 Forrest St Plaistow, NH 03865

New England Solar Initiative is not a government agency. The $0 upfront cost solar and roof bundle is subject to credit approval, system sizing, and local utility policies. Savings estimates are based on 20-year projections and vary by location, energy usage, and utility rate fluctuations. State and federal tax credits are not guaranteed; consult a tax professional to determine your eligibility.

© 2026 New England Solar Initiative. All rights reserved.