Bill > S2180

This bill aims to support and accelerate the deployment of solar energy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It establishes several key provisions: 1. The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs must ensure that at least 550 megawatts of solar capacity are installed in the Commonwealth in 2023, with a minimum annual increase of 50 megawatts thereafter until 2027, reaching a total of 3,250 megawatts. Beyond 2027, the pace of solar installation must continue to increase to maintain progress towards the Commonwealth's 2050 net-zero emissions target. 2. The Department of Public Utilities is required to establish alternative rate structures for different solar project sizes and customer types, designed to enable the financing and deployment of new residential, commercial, and community solar projects. These rates must consider various benefits of distributed generation, including avoided costs, environmental impacts, and equity considerations. 3. The bill mandates that all new buildings constructed in the Commonwealth after January 1, 2023, must incorporate solar generation facilities to serve at least 50% of the building's expected electrical load. Similarly, all existing commercial buildings with large flat roofs must install such solar facilities by 2025. 4. The Department of Energy Resources is directed to implement new programs to address barriers to clean energy adoption, such as increasing low-income participation, balancing solar development with agricultural and open space needs, and addressing environmental justice concerns. 5. The Division of Green Communities is tasked with establishing "Solar Opportunity Zones" across the Commonwealth to facilitate and incentivize the deployment of ground-mounted solar, while balancing various land use considerations. Overall, this bill aims to significantly increase the adoption of solar energy in Massachusetts through a comprehensive set of policy mechanisms and regulatory changes.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2180