Solar Panel Laws in Massachusetts

Many people assume that, because Massachusetts is located in the northern part of the United States, solar energy is ineffective. However, solar systems work very well in the state. In fact, despite its diverse climate, Massachusetts was one of the first states in the country to utilize solar energy systems.

The following is a brief guide detailing the various types of solar energy, how the energy is used in Massachusetts, and the different incentives and programs available to property owners who install solar panels in Massachusetts on their buildings.

Key Takeaways

• Despite its northern location and diverse climate, solar energy is effective in Massachusetts, making it a significant part of the state’s clean energy portfolio.
• There are two main types of solar energy: passive solar energy, which utilizes building design to collect and store solar heat, and photovoltaics (PV), which converts solar radiation into electricity for homes and businesses.
• Massachusetts has programs like the SMART Program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program) and Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to incentivize solar panel installation and promote using renewable energy sources in the state.

Solar Energy Is A Clean Energy Source For Massachusetts

Solar energy is a renewable energy source found in abundance anywhere that receives radiation from the sun. It is a clean energy source and an important part of Massachusetts’s clean energy portfolio.

As mentioned, the weather conditions in the region have not affected solar energy’s popularity in the state. Many energy and environmental experts agree that the state is ideal for utilizing solar resources.

The Different Types Of Solar Energy

The first type of solar energy is known as passive energy. Some buildings can be built so they can collect solar energy, store it, and then distribute it as heat when necessary. These buildings are known as passive solar structures.

They can maximize their absorption of the sun by having south-facing windows installed. Thick and dark-colored materials are installed in the building to create a thermal mass. In simpler terms, the sunlight is stored in the building as solar heat.

Photovoltaics is another type of solar energy, and it is a module that consists of an array of cells. Each cell contains semiconductor material capable of transforming solar radiation into electricity directly used in a home or a business.

This type of system does not pollute the environment, and it can also help customers cut costs on their electricity bills. In Massachusetts, PV systems are very affordable.

Is Using Solar Energy Possible In Massachusetts?

Even with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ yearly average of isolation, enough solar energy still reaches the state to produce sufficient energy for PV systems. Also, solar panels and modules typically work more efficiently when the weather is cooler. They are also not affected by snow or ice.

The solar panels are installed at angles in Massachusetts. This is necessary because it prevents snow from blocking the sunlight while ensuring the panels absorb the radiation from the sun.

With that said, what are the state’s laws regarding solar panels?

The SMART Program

The state has a solar energy program in place known as SMART. This stands for ‘Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program.’ The DOER (Department of Energy Resources) regulation of 225 CMR 20.00 serves as the foundation for the regulatory framework for the solar energy program.

The program is based on tariff incentives, which are paid out by the utilities directly to the system’s owner. However, each incentive application must be brought before the Solar Program Administrator before they are approved.

The program is a 1600MW reduced block incentive solar program. For solar projects to be approved for the program, they must be connected with one of the privately owned utility companies in the state. These companies are:

• National Grid
• Eversource
• Until

All of these utility companies have blocks that are established. These blocks have declining incentive rates.

As of 2018, to qualify for the SMART program, an applicant had to meet the following qualifications:

• Facilities that use up to 25 kW AC must be reviewed. They are then placed in Capacity Blocks by the order in which their contract was accepted and executed.
• Facilities that use more than 25 kW AC will be reviewed. The order in which they are placed in Capacity Blocks depends on when the Interconnection Services Agreement was approved and executed.

Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard

The state averages a B on its RPS. The renewable portfolio standard is a law mandated by the state legislature. It states that a certain percentage of the total energy generation for an area from a renewable source is completed by a specific date.

The utilities in the state have to meet these standards by generating renewable energy on their own or purchasing energy from customers when they use solar panels.

The RPS currently in Massachusetts is a two-tiered plan that establishes standards for Class I and II energy production. Class I is a new solar energy resource, and Class II is an existing resource.

Massachusetts is known for much more than the Red Sox, outstanding universities, and pilgrims. It is also a pioneer in the solar energy sector. As the state continues to make incentives and rewards more attractive for residents, more residents will use solar panels to generate renewable, clean solar energy.

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Map image by Wikimedia Commons User: TUBS / CC-BY-SA-3.0