ConnectedSolutions: Get Paid Monthly for a Battery You'd Want Anyway

If you're adding a battery to an existing solar system in Massachusetts, ConnectedSolutions is one of the best deals in the state — and a lot of homeowners don't even know it exists. It pays you, every year, for capacity you weren't using. Here's how it works and what it's actually worth. You can also read the full Massachusetts solar incentives guide to see how it stacks with other programs.

Does ConnectedSolutions Pay for Battery Storage in Massachusetts?

Yes. ConnectedSolutions is a utility demand-response program that pays you for letting your utility draw stored energy from your home battery during a limited number of peak-demand events, mostly on hot summer afternoons. You're not selling your battery's backup function — you're renting out capacity you'd otherwise leave sitting idle.

How Does It Work?

During the summer, the grid hits peak demand on the hottest afternoons. Instead of firing up expensive power plants, the utility signals enrolled batteries to discharge a bit to help cover that peak. These dispatch events are short, limited in number, and your system automatically participates. You get paid based on how much capacity you contribute across the season.

How Much Does ConnectedSolutions Pay Per Year?

Payments are based on your average contribution during summer events and add up to a meaningful annual amount — for many homeowners it's a few hundred dollars a year, and in Hingham's HMLP version it runs around $30/month. Over the life of the battery, that's a real chunk taken off your effective cost. I'll calculate your specific expected payment against your battery cost so you see the true net.

Will It Drain My Backup Power?

This is the most common worry, and the answer is no — not in a way that leaves you exposed. Events are scheduled, short, and seasonal, and your system is configured to keep a reserve. When a storm knocks out power, your battery is there for you. ConnectedSolutions only uses surplus capacity during planned grid peaks, not during outages. Learn more about what keeps your power on during an outage.

Which Batteries and Utilities Qualify?

ConnectedSolutions is available through National Grid and Eversource, and Hingham's HMLP runs its own equivalent, the Connected Homes program in Hingham. Qualifying batteries include the major brands I install — Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, FranklinWH, and others. The exact enrollment path depends on your utility, which I handle as part of the install.

How Do I Enroll?

Enrollment happens through your utility's program after your battery is installed and commissioned. It's a separate sign-up from your solar paperwork, and it's easy to miss if no one walks you through it. I set up ConnectedSolutions enrollment for every battery I install so you don't leave that money on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ConnectedSolutions pay for battery storage in Massachusetts?

Yes. ConnectedSolutions is a utility demand-response program that pays you for letting your utility draw stored energy from your battery during a limited number of peak summer demand events.

How much does ConnectedSolutions pay per year?

Payments are based on your average summer contribution and add up to a meaningful annual amount — often a few hundred dollars a year, and around $30/month in Hingham's HMLP version.

Will ConnectedSolutions drain my backup power?

No. Events are scheduled, short, and seasonal, and your system keeps a reserve. During an actual outage your battery is fully available for backup; the program only uses surplus capacity during planned grid peaks.

Which batteries qualify for ConnectedSolutions?

Major brands like Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, and FranklinWH qualify. Availability runs through National Grid and Eversource, with Hingham's HMLP offering its own version.

Can Hingham HMLP customers enroll in ConnectedSolutions?

Yes. Hingham is served by HMLP, which runs its own ConnectedSolutions-style battery program paying roughly $30/month. You can read more about the Hingham HMLP rebate.