Bill > H3559

This bill aims to encourage solar energy development on existing built structures and disturbed lands by making several key changes to Massachusetts energy regulations. The bill expands the definition of "Class III net metering facility" to allow solar installations on built land to have a generating capacity between 1 and 5 megawatts, and defines "built land" and "disturbed land" to include areas like parking lots, brownfields, landfills, and urban areas with compacted or barren soils. It provides regulatory exemptions for solar facilities located on built land, removing certain restrictions on net metering and capacity limits. The bill also directs the Department of Energy Resources to create additional incentives for solar projects on built land, including adjusting solar incentive programs to better reflect market conditions. Additionally, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is tasked with developing an incentive program to support roof repairs or replacements as part of rooftop solar installations, with priority given to environmental justice communities. The legislation requires various state agencies to implement these changes by December 31, 2025, and mandates a report investigating the use of federal funds to support equitable solar deployment on built land.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3559