Massachusetts Solar to See Growth with New Net Metering Expansion

While many states have recently made large cuts to their net metering programs, Massachusetts is forging ahead with growth.

The state’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued an order in February revising its Net Metering Program regulations, announcing sweeping changes that will stimulate solar adoption across all sectors.

MA’s 2024 NEM Changes

DPU has shown a serious commitment to supporting solar’s expansion throughout the state, calling for a number of policy revisions that would make solar more accessible to residential, commercial, and municipal customers.

Key changes include:

• Broader Eligibility for Municipal and State-owned Assets: Qualification is now extended to Municipal or state-owned facilities that generate 60 kilowatts (kW) or less. By including municipal and state-owned solar assets in the net metering program, the state is leveraging public properties to increase its renewable energy output.
• Cross-Utility Credit Transfers: This enables the transfer of excess solar energy credits across different utility territories, enhancing the flexibility and economic value of solar investments.
• Exemptions for Large Commercial Facilities: NEM now exempts facilities that serve on-site load and are larger than 60 kW, and less than or equal to 2,000 kW (if private) or 10,000 kW (if public). Removing caps for these projects paves the way for continued solar infrastructure development, encouraging large-scale private and public sector participation.
• Restructured Cost Recovery Plan: Estimated to save ratepayers $10 million, this plan calls for energy distributors to remove the Net Metering Recovery Surcharge (NMRS) from distribution charges. DPU assessment concluded that “the circular mathematical calculation for factoring in the NMRS into the value of Net Metering Credits, which were then used to establish the NMRS, resulted in an unnecessary addition to the costs of net metering services”. The NMRS must now be assessed as a new line item on customer bills.

The Expected Boost in Solar Adoption

With these new regulations in place, Massachusetts is maintaining its commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Solar leaders expect the NEM expansion to broadly increase the installation of solar panels across the state, both through direct incentives and the buzz around solar’s rising presence.

As a result, solar contractors in Massachusetts can anticipate a swell in customer interest. That, however, will come with its own challenges.

Any expansion to solar incentives is always going to drum up curiosity among potential customers. Contractors get flooded with inquiries, left to figure out how they can quickly and effectively identify which leads are worth pursuing, and which aren’t seriously committed. Much time and opportunity can be lost to this process, unless contractors have the right support.

How a Solar Lead Provider Can Maximize ROI in Times of High Activity

Top solar lead generation companies, like Grid Freedom, act as an essential partner for contractors who want to cut through the noise and get straight to the most valuable customers. Grid Freedom provides direct bookings with customers who have completed a full pre-qualification screening and demonstrated a clear determination to install. Contractors get to bypass the entire marketing, generation, and nurturing process, fast-forwarding to the first consultation.

Grid Freedom is an expert in navigating the solar market through regulatory changes and other dynamic shifts. As one of the nation’s most trusted solar lead generators, we serve as an invaluable ally for contractors aiming to expand their operations or enter the Massachusetts market.

By leveraging our resources, contractors can effectively target the customers that will grow their revenues, laying the way for long-term business success.

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