Going Solar in Massachusetts

Commonwealth Solar: A Clean Energy Success Story

Going Solar in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is making solar photovoltaic (PV) power a cornerstone of its clean energy economy.

The Commonwealth initiated its first program for solar PV rebates and partnerships in 2001, funded through a small renewable energy charge on electric utility bills.  But solar really took off when, in April 2007, Governor Deval Patrick announced a goal of 250 MW of installed solar power by 2017 – up from 3.5 MW statewide at the time – and launched the Commonwealth Solar (CommSolar) program in January 2008.
 

By October 2009, CommSolar had allocated $68 million of existing renewable energy funds to solar PV rebates for residents, businesses, and public buildings – and the Massachusetts solar boom was under way.
Unlike solar programs in some other states, which provide incentives only to small-scale PV systems, CommSolar provided funding for systems up to 500 kW, encouraging the development of a robust and competitive installation industry. This contributed to the decline in installed costs. Since 2007, average installed costs in Massachusetts have decreased 35 percent, with costs under $4.50 per watt for some systems.
 

In 2010, the Commonwealth Solar II program was launched to provide rebates to residential and small commercial systems. Also, federal stimulus funds were dedicated to further the development of solar power. The Commonwealth Solar Stimulus Rebate program, as well as portions of the State Revolving Fund and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants are all working together to continue to fund large solar projects across Massachusetts. In all, the Commonwealth has dedicated over $160 million of renewable energy and federal funds to support investment in solar energy totaling almost $330 million.
 

Solar Generating Capacity

The installed capacity of solar PV in Massachusetts has grown rapidly, especially in the past four years. As of mid-2010, more than 2,200 systems were installed. By the end of 2010, there will be more than 2,600 installations statewide, providing more than 45 MW of solar power, which is enough to power almost 7,000 homes. Based on current commitments, more than 60 MW of solar power will soon be installed or under contract – nearly 20 times the amount of solar statewide in January 2007.
 

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Solar power is making an important and growing contribution to the Commonwealth’s goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and lessening the state’s dependence on fossil-fuels. The solar capacity installed in Massachusetts to date saves 22,500 metric tons of CO2 annually. During their lifetimes, the installed and proposed solar PV systems in Massachusetts will save over 1 million metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to the annual emissions of 200,000 cars.
 

Moving Forward

Massachusetts is committed to maintaining the momentum for solar power in the years to come. The Green Communities Act of 2008 established a Solar Carve-Out in the Commonwealth’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, which will now serve as the primary incentive for solar development. The RPS Solar Carve-Out, or Solar Credit program, is a market-based incentive designed to support development of 400 MW of solar PV – well beyond Governor Patrick’s 250 MW goal – across the Commonwealth through the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, or “SRECs.” 
In addition to SRECs, the MassCEC will continue to support small solar installations (<10kW) with rebates through its Commonwealth Solar II program, serving residential, non-profit, and commercial projects.
 

Click Here For a Map of Massachusetts Solar Manufacturers   Click Here For a Map of Massachusetts Solar Installers