fbpx
Homepage» Blog» Commercial Solar» Community Solar» Solar Policy» Massachusetts’ Opportunity To Get SMART About Solar
oya-renewables-massachusetts-smart-solar

Massachusetts’ Opportunity To Get SMART About Solar

In this op-ed Vote Solar takes a look at what it will take to keep up the momentum of Massachusetts’ solar market.

by Sean Garren, Vote Solar

Massachusetts has long led the nation in solar development and jobs. The Commonwealth ranks seventh in the nation in solar installations, second in solar jobs, and first in solar jobs per capita. This solar leadership has translated to hundreds of businesses, thousands of jobs and healthier communities and environment.

The Commonwealth’s solar growth is built primarily on two bedrock policies – net metering and the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC). Right now, Governor Baker is working to replace one of these central solar policies, SREC, with a new Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. Whether the SMART program is effective or not, along with whether caps on net metering are removed or raised, will determine whether Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in solar power.

The SMART program has a good aim – to nearly double the Commonwealth’s solar – and a strong underlying structure, but the proposed tariffs that will implement SMART need several key improvements to work.

learn more

power up your knowledge

What is a Community Solar Program?

A community solar program is when multiple parties share the same power and financial benefits of a solar energy project. Learn all about community solar, how it works, its benefits, and the signup process.

Read More

How Can Low-to-Moderate Income Households Participate In Community Solar Programs?

New York State introduced community solar energy policies in 2021 that are designed to support the adoption of solar by underserved and disadvantaged communities. How can you take advantage?

Read More

Leasing Your Commercial Property For Solar: Should You Do It?

Aside from the additional income, why should business owners enter into a solar lease for a rooftop or parking lot?

Read More

Affordable Housing Solar Programs in New York

Giving low-income families the equitable benefits of solar.

Read More