Compromise Proposal to Raise Massachusetts Net Metering Caps Reopens State for Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – State legislators reached a much-needed end to the solar impasse in Massachusetts, when the House and Senate agreed on legislation to raise the state’s net metering caps by 3 percent. Following is a statement on the agreement from Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). 

“Massachusetts has been one of the leading solar energy markets in the U.S. for the last decade. By raising the caps, the Commonwealth is showing it values the well-paying local jobs that solar provides and the energy independence of its residents. Bay Staters have made it abundantly clear they want access to clean, affordable, reliable renewable power.

“Reminiscent of my beloved Red Sox, after a down year, the solar industry is back this spring and in business and we applaud the lawmakers who pushed the legislation forward.

“While the compromise proposal includes cuts to the rates at which some customers are credited for solar power, it gets the industry moving again. We urge lawmakers to move quickly to approve this proposal and we look forward to continuing to work with the legislature and Gov. Baker to craft long-term, sustainable policies for the solar industry in Massachusetts.”

According to an analysis conducted by SEIA and Vote Solar, inaction on raising net met metering caps in Massachusetts, resulted in 551 stalled solar projects. These projects account for nearly $618 million in investment and more than 241 megawatts of installed capacity.

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Press Officer & Communications Manager, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886