Massachusetts reaches halfway mark on 1600 MW solar target
A press release issued today by the Governor's office announces that Massachusetts has reached the halfway mark for the 1600 MW solar target. This is great news! Legislators need to raise net metering caps to ensure we can get the rest of the way. The press release is included below.
Press Release
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Solar Milestone for Massachusetts
WORCESTER – May 7, 2015 – Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today announced that Massachusetts has installed more than 841 megawatts of solar electricity, bringing the Commonwealth more than halfway to the Baker-Polito Administration’s goal of 1,600 megawatts by 2020. Secretary Beaton made the announcement during a solar event hosted by the Worcester Business Journal.
“Today’s announcement further supports the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to a vibrant clean energy sector that creates jobs and economic prosperity for the Commonwealth,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Continuing to diversify Massachusetts’ energy portfolio through the development of solar generation will work to strengthen the state’s growing clean energy economy while supporting new innovative technologies.”
The 841 megawatts of installed solar electricity is enough to power more than 128,000 average Massachusetts homes, and is responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking over 73,000 cars off the road.
“Under the Baker-Polito Administration, Massachusetts will continue to harness solar power to protect the environment, save on energy costs, and create jobs,” said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Judith Judson. “This is an exciting milestone toward the year when we meet our solar goal of 1,600 megawatts and generate 3 to 4 percent of today’s electric demands with local, available solar power.”
According to the Solar Foundation, Massachusetts ranks No. 2 in the U.S. for solar jobs, while every dollar invested in solar in the Commonwealth creates $1.20 in economic benefits to the local economy, according to the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University. Last year, solar electricity capacity installed was the fourth highest in the country.
“Solar energy is an economic driver here in Massachusetts, employing more than 12,000 workers in high-quality clean energy jobs,” said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Alicia Barton. “Working together across government and in partnership with industry and communities, we’re well on our way to meeting our goal.”
There are solar installations in 350 of Massachusetts 351 cities and towns, with at least 175 local communities hosting projects that directly benefit the municipality. There are more than 25 megawatts of solar at over 180 schools across Massachusetts, 30 megawatts on farms and eight megawatts on state buildings and lands.
Massachusetts offers incentives through the Solar Carve-Out Program II (SREC II), which is designed to support at least an additional 950 megawatts to help the Commonwealth achieve its goal of reaching 1,600 megawatts by 2020, as well a menu of solar programs for residents, businesses and public facilities including: Solarize Mass, Mass Solar Connect, and the upcoming Mass Solar Loan.
