Massachusetts solar advocates are pleased to see that the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued its Order on the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. This will not only enable the launch of the program, it will allow the Massachusetts' solar industry to begin to invest in new projects and return much-needed solar jobs to the Commonwealth. We look forward to reviewing the Order and working with the Department of Energy Resources, our members, and other stakeholders to work out final details and ensure the program is implemented successfully and to the greatest economic and environmental benefit of all Massachusetts residents and businesses.

"The release of the SMART Order from the DPU, and the program's implementation, will help get the Massachusetts solar market moving again," said David Gahl, Director of State Affairs, Northeast for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). "Although we are still reviewing the Order details, we are pleased to begin this new chapter. We look forward to working with the Baker-Polito Administration to help Massachusetts reclaim its place as one of America's leading solar states."

"While historically a national leader on solar, the Massachusetts solar industry has slowed over the past two years. The issuance of the SMART Order is the critical step needed for solar to ramp up in the Commonwealth again," said Janet Gail Besser, NECEC Executive Vice President. "SMART is expected to save ratepayers 4.7 billion dollars and create thousands of jobs. This is certainly an exciting time for solar in Massachusetts."

"This decision allows community solar to move forward and expand access to the 75% of residents in the Commonwealth who can't place solar on their roofs," said Brandon Smithwood, policy director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access. "We will continue to work with the Baker Administration to ensure the SMART program delivers on its promise of making affordable local community solar available to all residents and businesses who want it."

"Solar projects have been stalled across the Commonwealth for more than a year now awaiting the launch of the SMART program, which will still be weeks from now. These projects will mean local investment, new jobs and property taxes, as well as a cleaner and more resilient energy system," said Sean Garren, Senior Director, Northeast for Vote Solar. "We are still examining the details of this order, but are happy to see it moving forward and hope the SMART program will be implemented as quickly as possible."  

"After many delays, this order from the DPU will help solar energy regain momentum across the Commonwealth," said Mark Sylvia, President of the Solar Energy Business Association of New England. "As always, details matter; we are still reviewing the specifics, but are encouraged by this critical step in putting the Massachusetts solar industry back on track through the SMART program."

SEIA | www.seia.org

Vote Solar | www.votesolar.org

Coalition for Community Solar Access | www.communitysolaraccess.org

Solar Energy Business Association of New England | www.sebane.org

NECEC | www.necec.org