The state of Massachusetts has been continuing to reduce the amount of fossil fuels emitted. This summer, the commonwealth is implementing a “Clean Peak Standard” program, which is meant for renewable electricity generation resources arrive at the right time on the grid. Now, Massachusetts is doubling the size of its SMART(Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) program.
Modifications to the SMART Program
The emergency regulation changes include:
- The target has been doubled from 1,600 MW to 3,200 MW of new solar generation capacity
- Energy Storage Systems are now required to be co-located with solar projects over 500 kW in size, with some exceptions
- Stakeholders and proponents need to review the categories of land use
- There are limitations to certain areas of land under Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape when it comes to solar energy use
- Changes to Low Income Eligible Areas
- The expansion of Public Entity Projects
- See Pope Energy’s Comment letter to regulators about how to improve the land use restrictions currently in place.
There are much more updates and changes. Massachusetts continues to set the standard for renewable energy projects. One of the leaders in the nation for solar, Massachusetts has over 100,000 projects and 2,500 megawatts installed all over the state.
COVID-19 and Solar Energy
Even in the middle of the pandemic crisis, the doubling of the SMART program will stabilize the solar industry in the Massachusetts economy. Providing job and career opportunities, as well as meeting clean energy goals will improve the economy and environment.
Pope Energy provides large-scale photovoltaic solar projects in New England for landowners, real estate owners, commercial building owners, and farmers.
Contact Pope Energy at 855-767-3363 today to be a part of an amazing investment in solar energy.