An Act to promote solar energy development consistent with the commonwealth’s 2050 next generation roadmap

This bill aims to accelerate solar energy development in Massachusetts to meet the state's 2030 goal of 10,000 megawatts of solar capacity. It requires the Department of Energy Resources to create or modify incentive programs that specifically support solar canopies, environmental justice communities, pollinator habitats, municipal installations, and agrivoltaic projects. The legislation also mandates that state-protected lands cannot prohibit new solar facilities without holding public hearings and demonstrating that such a ban would hinder the state's renewable energy targets. Additionally, the bill directs the department to simplify administrative reporting for small residential and commercial solar systems and to establish a loan program funded by existing renewable energy compliance payments. Finally, it requires the department to work with municipal electric corporations to help local power plants meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and to report on program effectiveness by the end of 2023.