Clean Energy Advocates Welcome Improvements to Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target Program Regulations

BOSTON, Mass. – The following is a joint statement from the listed solar organizations:

The undersigned solar organizations thank Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Commissioner Judith Judson and her team at the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for improvements made to the final regulations in the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. Several positive changes were made to critical program details for which we are grateful. Specifically, DOER eliminated the hard cap on adders, increased the competitive procurement ceiling price and made positive changes related to environmentally responsible siting of solar projects. At the same time, we are concerned about the shift away from the use of a clearing price to set base solar compensation rates and we continue to have concerns about auction mechanics. In addition, concerns with the small and residential solar program remain. We look forward to continuing to work together to improve the SMART program during its implementation and at the Department of Public Utilities.   
 
Massachusetts has been one of the strongest solar markets in the United States, creating over 15,000 solar jobs in the Commonwealth.  Implementing supportive solar programs is an important part of maintaining that strong foundation. It is also critical that the governor and legislature act to raise net metering caps to continue solar growth and protect thousands of jobs.  We stand ready to work together in these efforts.

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About SEIA®:
Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America.  SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

About Vote Solar:
Vote Solar is a non-profit organization working to foster economic development and energy independence by bringing solar energy to the mainstream nationwide. Learn more at www.votesolar.org

About CCSA:
Founded in February 2016, CCSA is a business-led trade organization that works to expand access to clean, local, affordable energy nationwide through community solar. Community solar refers to local solar facilities shared by individual community members, who receive credits on their electricity bills for their portion of the power produced. Community solar projects provide American homeowners, renters and businesses access to the benefits of solar energy generation unconstrained by the physical attributes of their home or business, like roof space, shading, or whether or not they own their residence or building. These programs can also expand access to solar energy to low-income households. For more information on CCSA, visit the website at www.communitysolaraccess.org, follow the Coalition on Twitter at @solaraccess and like the Coalition on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/communitysolaraccess.

About SEBANE:
The Solar Energy Business Association of New England (“SEBANE”) is an organization established to promote and broaden the use of solar technologies and to improve business conditions in the solar energy industry.  Our membership is comprised of companies that are actively engaged in the field of solar energy in New England as well as those involved or interested in the field of solar energy. Visit us at sebane.org to learn more. You can also follow us on social media.
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/solarenergybusinessassn-ne
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sebanesolar
LinkedIn: http://www2.seia.org/e/139231/company-sebane/241xzn/167437137

About NECEC:
NECEC is the premier voice of businesses building a world-class clean energy hub in the Northeast, helping clean energy companies start, scale and succeed with our unique business, innovation and policy leadership. NECEC includes the Northeast Clean Energy Council (a nonprofit business member organization), and NECEC Institute (a nonprofit focused on industry research, innovation, policy development and communications initiatives). NECEC brings together business leaders and key stakeholders to engage in influential policy discussions and business initiatives while building connections that propel the clean energy industry forward. www.necec.org

About MassSolar:
MassSolar is working to establish a renewable energy economy, ensure fair compensation for solar owners and provide equitable access to solar for everyone in the Commonwealth. Visit MassSolar online at www.SolarIsWorking.org Twitter: @SolarIsWorking

Media Contacts:

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

Zadie Oleksiw, Vote Solar Communications Manager, zadie@votesolar.org (202) 836-5754

Ben Finzel, CCSA Communications Director, ben@communitysolaraccess.org (202) 277-6286

Mark Sylvia, SEBANE President, msylvia@bluewavesolar.com (508) 858-7123

Kate Johnson, NECEC Senior Director, kjohnson@necec.org (617) 500-9993

Mark Sandeen, MassSolar President, mark.sandeen@solarisworking.org (781) 863-8784