Massachusetts Relaxes Net Metering Caps for Residential Solar in Major Climate Bill

BOSTON and Washington, D.C. — Yesterday Governor Baker signed H5060, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, into law. This wide-sweeping climate legislation relaxes the net metering cap for residential solar projects up to 25 kilowatts, establishes incentives for pollinator-friendly community solar and commercial and industrial projects and creates a new council that will proactively work to improve the state’s transmission and distribution grid planning. 

Following is a statement from Valessa Souter-Kline, Northeast regional director for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on the bill enactment:

“Massachusetts just enacted groundbreaking climate legislation that will help the Commonwealth invest in the clean energy economy and decarbonize the grid. 

“For over a year now, the Solar Energy Industries Association has been working with the state legislature on climate legislation that will help to jumpstart Massachusetts’ stalled solar economy. Under the new law, residential solar projects up to 25 kilowatts are eligible for the state’s net metering program, which is double the size of the previous limit. This will drive demand for larger residential solar and storage projects and help even more homeowners and small businesses realize the full value of their solar energy systems.  

“We are also excited to see the legislature codify incentives for pollinator-friendly solar projects and support the Commonwealth’s efforts to more thoughtfully consider grid modernization updates and the transmission planning process. 

“This bill will help to make a serious dent in carbon emissions in Massachusetts, and we commend Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chairman Jeff Roy and Chairman Mike Barrett for championing H5060. We also want to thank Governor Baker for signing this bill into law, without his leadership, this wouldn’t be possible.”  
 

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Media Contact: 

Jen Bristol, SEIA’s Senior Director of Communications, jbristol@seia.org (202) 556-2886