Energy (Solar) in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 6, 2026

H 5641: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the town of Becket

This bill authorizes the town of Becket to place a six-month pause on approving new large-scale solar power projects and battery storage systems. During this time, the town will conduct a study to review zoning rules and determine how to regulate these installations while protecting local ecological resources. The temporary halt applies to all large-scale projects except for small battery systems used as accessories to individual homes. This measure gives the town planning staff time to analyze the issue before making permanent changes to local zoning laws.

Topics ✗ Energy

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 5291: An Act to promote low-income access to solar

This bill modifies Massachusetts solar incentive programs to ensure renters and low-income customers can participate more equitably. It defines low-income multi-residential buildings as eligible for incentives if they meet state low-income housing standards or receive federal low-income housing tax credits. Under the new rules, each qualifying building counts as a single customer regardless of how many units or utility meters it contains, simplifying billing and incentive distribution for electric companies. The legislation aims to increase access to solar benefits for economically disadvantaged households without changing the underlying incentive program structure.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Solar Affordable Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SD 3721: Department of Energy Resources 2025 Annual Report

This bill requires the Department of Energy Resources to submit its 2025 annual report, documenting the agency's activities and expenditures for that fiscal year. The report covers various energy programs including electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency standards, renewable energy initiatives, and technical assistance provided to Green Communities. It details financial allocations across multiple conservation and climate action programs, totaling millions of dollars in funding for projects like solar energy targets and building energy reporting. The bill serves as a transparency measure to inform the public and legislature about the department's performance and resource usage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Solar Conservation Electric Vehicles Tags Data Reporting

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 8, 2026

H 5294: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems in the town of Worthington

This bill establishes a one-year temporary pause on approving new large-scale ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage systems in the town of Worthington, while allowing residential solar projects to continue. During this moratorium period, the town must conduct a planning study to review and update its zoning rules for industrial solar installations, ensuring any future regulations protect local ecological resources and align with community planning goals. The pause ends either after one year or when the town adopts new zoning amendments, whichever happens first.

Topics ✗ Energy

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 4827: An Act Communication from the Department of Energy Resources of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (under the provisions of section 12 of Chapter 25A of the General Laws) submitting proposed amendments to regulations 225 CMR 29.00 – governing Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facility Siting and Permitting

This bill proposes amendments to Massachusetts regulations (225 CMR 29.00) governing how local governments permit small clean energy infrastructure projects, such as solar or storage facilities. It establishes standardized processes for local governments to issue consolidated permits, requiring applicants to submit a single comprehensive application and include community benefits plans. The changes aim to streamline permitting by setting clear criteria for site suitability, defining terms like "abutter" (neighbors within 300 feet), and requiring emergency response plans. These updates directly affect local municipalities, clean energy developers, and nearby residents by clarifying approval timelines and community engagement requirements. The regulations apply specifically to facilities qualifying as "small clean energy infrastructure" under state law.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 25, 2026

S 2780: An Act facilitating distributed energy resources in the commonwealth

Senate, December 8, 2025 -- The committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2269) of James B. Eldridge, Jason M. Lewis and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to implement the Smart Residential Solar Permitting Platform to issue permits instantly and issue permit revisions instantly for residential solar photovoltaic systems, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2780)

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 11, 2025

H 904: An Act relative to solar and battery decommissioning and recycling

By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 904) of Natalie M. Blais, Joanne M. Comerford and Mindy Domb relative to solar and battery decommissioning and recycling. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar Recycling

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 11, 2025

S 550: An Act relative to solar and battery decommissioning and recycling

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 550) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to a statewide plan for the management of solar panels and batteries. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar Recycling

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 11, 2025

S 2569: An Act relative to solar and battery decommissioning and stewardship

Senate, July 31, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 550) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to a statewide plan for the management of solar panels and batteries; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 556) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Michael D. Brady and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2569).

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar Recycling

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 450: An Act relative to protections for solar customers

By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Sylvia of Fairhaven, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 450) of Steven Owens relative to protections for solar customers. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

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