Energy (Solar) in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 3996: An Act relative to Massachusetts Solar Access Law

By Representative Badger of Plymouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3996) of Michelle L. Badger relative to zoning restrictions for solar systems. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2026

H 2312: An Act regarding municipal zoning powers

By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2312) of Paul McMurtry and Ryan C. Fattman relative to municipal zoning powers in relation to the installation of solar energy systems. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 610: An Act to encourage solar development on buildings and disturbed land

HD 610 expands opportunities for solar energy development by allowing larger solar projects (up to 5 megawatts) on already developed sites like parking lots, landfills, and brownfields. It defines "built land" to include paved areas and disturbed land, enabling solar installations on these sites without exceeding municipal net metering capacity limits. The bill also creates new financial incentives for solar projects on such land and requires state agencies to adjust solar incentive programs by December 2023 to support these developments. This directly affects solar developers, property owners with suitable land, and municipal utilities managing grid capacity.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 411: An Act providing solar energy to state agencies

SD 411 requires Massachusetts state agencies to install solar energy systems on new state buildings or major renovations costing over $25,000 that affect energy systems, starting January 1, 2026. The law mandates that solar systems must meet 100% of a building’s annual electricity demand if sufficient roof space exists, or use ground-mounted systems (without harming natural/historic resources) if roof space is limited. Agencies may also use substitute renewable energy systems (like wind or geothermal) that meet equivalent electricity needs or seek exemptions for very small solar areas (<80 sq ft) or when equivalent renewable systems are planned. This bill directly affects state agencies managing public buildings and aims to increase renewable energy use in government operations.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 751: An Act to promote low-income access to solar

This bill (SD 751) requires Massachusetts' Department of Energy Resources to expand access to solar incentive programs for low-income renters and customers. It creates a verification process to confirm eligibility based on income thresholds (80% of area median income or 200% of federal poverty level) and includes renters in low-income housing buildings or qualifying small businesses. The law prohibits credit checks and early termination fees for residential customers, mandates monthly updates for on-bill solar credits, and exempts multi-unit low-income building owners from program participation limits. These changes aim to make solar energy benefits more accessible to historically underserved communities through concrete administrative requirements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Solar Affordable Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2750: An Act to promote solar panel installations on school property

This bill establishes a state program to promote solar panel installations at Massachusetts K-12 public schools. It directly affects school districts by offering financial incentives (like grants, tax breaks, or loans), technical assistance, and streamlined permitting to cover installation costs and maximize energy savings. Key provisions include requiring roof evaluations before installation, expanding solar-powered EV charging infrastructure at schools, and creating an advisory group with input from energy experts, labor, solar industry, and utilities. The program also mandates reviewing other states' models and federal funding opportunities like the Inflation Reduction Act. The Department of Energy Resources will design and implement the program through regulations and public hearings.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2789: An Act increasing opportunities for peak energy storage

HD 2789 modifies Massachusetts' Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) rules to require renewable energy facilities seeking credit toward clean energy goals to include energy storage. It directly affects existing and new renewable energy projects (like solar or wind farms) that want to count toward RPS compliance. The bill mandates that facilities must either have installed storage at their site or contractually pair with storage that provides at least 25% of the facility's power capacity for four hours. Existing facilities operating before January 1, 2019, can qualify by adding storage after that date or entering a contractual agreement for storage. This changes eligibility rules but does not create new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3180: An Act to advance energy solutions

This bill amends state law to expand opportunities for group purchasing of energy and renewable projects. It allows state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and public entities (excluding areas served by municipal light departments) to join competitively run state energy programs for electricity, natural gas, and renewable projects like solar or efficiency upgrades. The bill removes competitive bidding requirements when leasing state property for renewable energy projects under these programs and clarifies that such projects count as "public construction" subject to standard state building laws. This directly affects state agencies, local governments, and renewable energy developers by streamlining how public entities can access and implement clean energy solutions.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1885: An Act relative to solar energy grants at posts of veterans' organizations

This bill establishes a $500,000 annual grant program to install solar energy systems at local veterans' organization locations (headquarters, halls, or posts) in Massachusetts. It requires that all solar energy generated benefits the recipient organization, with grants limited to $50,000 per organization, at least 10 grants awarded yearly across diverse geographic areas. The program is funded through a dedicated trust managed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, with annual reports to the legislature detailing grant recipients and amounts. The bill directly affects qualifying veterans' organizations by providing funding for renewable energy infrastructure at their physical locations.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3288: An Act relative to clarifying property tax exemptions for solar and wind systems

This bill clarifies property tax exemptions for solar and wind energy systems in Massachusetts. It allows automatic property tax exemptions for systems producing up to 125% of a property's annual electricity needs, directly affecting residential and commercial property owners with qualifying renewable energy systems. For larger systems exceeding this threshold, owners must pay "payment in lieu of taxes" to their municipality through a negotiated agreement, with municipalities required to follow standardized billing procedures. The bill also mandates annual declarations from system owners about capacity and energy production, and directs state agencies to create guidance for valuing larger systems. These changes take effect July 1, 2023.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind

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