How Will Massachusetts New Climate Bill Impact Solar?
December 6, 2024
Massachusetts has taken a big step forward with the passage of Senate Bill 2967, “An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers”. The climate bill is aimed at stimulating the state’s solar industry and was just signed into law this November.
It addresses long-standing barriers to clean energy development, including siting and permitting bottlenecks. This bill is set to improve the state’s renewable energy landscape while providing much-needed support for solar installers.
What Senate Bill 2967 Accomplishes
SB 2967 was written to accelerate clean energy adoption across Massachusetts. The legislation includes several provisions that will shape the state’s solar market:
- Siting and Permitting Reform
Simplifies and streamlines the permitting process for solar and other renewable energy projects. This measure reduces delays and lowers administrative costs for solar developers, making it easier to bring projects online. - Community Solar Enhancements
Expands net crediting for community solar programs, allowing more residents (especially renters and low-income households) to access the benefits of solar power without owning rooftop systems. - Interconnection Improvements
Sets clear timelines and accountability measures for utility interconnection, addressing a major bottleneck that has slowed the deployment of solar installations. - Energy Equity Initiatives
Establishes provisions to ensure that the benefits of clean energy reach underserved communities who need Solar’s perks the most.
MA Leaders are Optimistic
The bill’s passage was lauded in a statement from Kate Daniel, Northeast Regional Director for Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA):
“After months of negotiation, we are thrilled to see Massachusetts pass Senate Bill 2967 and Gov. Healey sign it into law—a landmark step toward clean energy progress. This bill streamlines clean energy siting and permitting, authorizes vital clean energy procurement, and adopts net crediting for community solar.
“With net crediting, ratepayers will see immediate savings from community solar credits directly on their electricity bills—eliminating the hassle of a second bill and making clean energy more accessible, especially for low-to-moderate income households. The Act’s permitting reforms will unlock stalled community solar projects, accelerating the deployment of renewable energy critical for meeting the state’s 2030 decarbonization targets.”
Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, also expounded on the bill’s benefits:
“By overhauling outdated state permitting and siting processes, the Commonwealth aims to secure an equitable, accelerated buildout of clean energy generation and infrastructure that we need to reach our climate goals and power our electrified clean energy future. These reforms are coupled with measured steps to promote solar energy system development, ensure that our gas companies comply with climate targets, procure more clean energy and storage solutions, and use grid-enhancing technologies and advanced meters to increase efficiency, while ensuring that this transition balances consumer safety and system reliability with protections for union workers.”
Growing Opportunities for Massachusetts Contractors
With simplified permitting and interconnection as a result of SB 2967, installers can complete more projects within a shorter time frame. Loosening up permitting and incentive access will also push more customers to explore solar as a viable option, which will only be more appealing as administrative costs fall.
Installers have a great shot to build on the bill’s new momentum. With the right strategies, such as partnering with a solar lead provider like Grid Freedom, contractors can connect with homeowners eager to take advantage of the new reforms and incentives right away.
By offering exclusive pre-set appointments, Grid Freedom helps contractors lock down more installations without any extra time investment. Our agency is one of the only solar lead generators that delivers pre-scheduled consultations with customers who’ve been fully screened by a live agent, and never shared with other contractors.
Grid Freedom’s services allow contractors to focus on closing sales while we handle the heavy lifting of customer acquisition. As the Massachusetts market sees big changes coming its way, having the help of America’s best solar leads company can help contractors stay ahead.