Massachusetts Solar Advocates Welcome SMART Program Launch
Massachusetts solar advocates are pleased to see that the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued its Order on the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. This will not only enable the launch of the program, it will allow the Massachusetts’ solar industry to begin to invest in new projects and return much-needed solar jobs to the Commonwealth. We look forward to reviewing the Order and working with the Department of Energy Resources, our members, and other stakeholders to work out final details and ensure the program is implemented successfully and to the greatest economic and environmental benefit of all Massachusetts residents and businesses.
“While historically a national leader on solar, the Massachusetts solar industry has slowed over the past two years. The issuance of the SMART Order is the critical step needed for solar to ramp up in the Commonwealth again,” said Janet Gail Besser, NECEC executive VP. “SMART is expected to save ratepayers 4.7 billion dollars and create thousands of jobs. This is certainly an exciting time for solar in Massachusetts.”
Today’s decision allows community solar companies to move forward and expand access to the 75 percent of residents in the Commonwealth who can’t place solar on their roofs,” said Brandon Smithwood, policy director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “We will continue to work with the Baker Administration to ensure the SMART program delivers on its promise of making affordable local community solar available to all residents and businesses who want it.”
“Renewable energy projects have been stalled across the Commonwealth for more than a year now awaiting the launch of the SMART program, which will still be weeks from now. These projects will mean local investment, new jobs and property taxes, as well as a cleaner and more resilient energy system,” said Sean Garren, senior director, Northeast for Vote Solar. “We are still examining the details of this order, but are happy to see it moving forward and hope the SMART program will be implemented as quickly as possible.”
“The release of the SMART Order from the DPU, and the program’s implementation, will help get the Massachusetts solar market moving again,” said David Gahl, director of state affairs, Northeast for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “Although we are still reviewing the Order details, we are pleased to begin this new chapter. We look forward to working with the Baker-Polito Administration to help Massachusetts reclaim its place as one of America’s leading solar states.”
“After many delays, this order from the DPU will help solar energy regain momentum across the Commonwealth,” said Mark Sylvia, president of the Solar Energy Business Association of New England. ‘“As always, details matter; we are still reviewing the specifics, but are encouraged by this critical step in putting the Massachusetts solar industry back on track through the SMART program.”
power up your knowledge
Private: Massachusetts Floats New Solar Tariff Structure in Incentive Program Redesign
Massachusetts is the fourth largest solar power market in the U.S., with such rapid growth in recent years that the state has been forced to raise its net metering caps multiple times.
Massachusetts Solar Advocates Welcome SMART Program Launch
Massachusetts solar advocates are pleased to see that the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued its Order on the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program.
Private: That’s SMART: Massachusetts Solicits 100MW Of Solar Under New Program
For the first time since regulators started designing the program in 2016, Massachusetts will finally get a chance to see how SMART regulators were in their efforts to keep the Bay State’s nascent solar industry growing.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.