The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the extension of the Investment Tax Credit have been dominating solar news this past summer, but the IRA isn’t the only clean energy bill that was signed into law in 2022. In August, Governor Charlie Baker signed H5060: An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind in Massachusetts. The new Massachusetts clean energy legislation will help decarbonize the grid and make a serious dent in state-wide carbon emissions.
Highlights from the law include:
The new Massachusetts climate and clean energy law also lifts restrictions that were limiting solar installations in the state. Keep reading for a breakdown of what the new Massachusetts climate legislation of 2022 means for solar installation.
Net metering is a solar incentive structure that allows solar users to earn credit with their utility when they send the excess solar energy their system produces to the grid. It’s one of the best solar incentives available in Massachusetts, but it’s limited by system size. Previously, 10 kW systems and smaller received a full kW hour credit for every kW of power they sent to the grid; larger systems received a much smaller credit amount.
Under the new Massachusetts climate law, solar energy systems up to 25 kW are now eligible for full net metering credits. This is double the size of the previous limit and will drive demand for larger residential and commercial solar panel installations throughout the state. Thanks to the new law, homeowners and small businesses will be able to get more value out of their solar energy systems.
The new Massachusetts climate law has removed restrictions that previously banned solar installation on land that is primarily used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. Now, farmers can take advantage of on-site solar installation. The law also established a commission to study the development of these new dual-use sites and minimize their impact on agriculture and the ecosystem.
Previous restrictions limited properties in Massachusetts to one net metering solar facility per land parcel. Now, those restrictions have been lifted, allowing for multiple net metering facilities on the same property.
Boston Solar is the leading solar provider near you serving residential and commercial customers throughout the state. As a Massachusetts-based company, we are especially invested in Massachusetts' clean energy future and are proud to install solar panel and battery systems that will help the state meet its clean energy goals. We’ve installed over 5,000 solar energy systems and can help you maximize your solar benefits with a custom system that qualifies for net metering and additional incentives like the 30% federal solar tax credit.
Schedule a free solar consultation with the leading solar installer near you! Call 617-858-1645 or contact us to get started.
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