Energy (Solar) in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 14, 2025

H 2331: An Act allowing municipalities to reasonably regulate solar siting

By Representative Saunders of Belchertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2331) of Aaron L. Saunders relative to zoning ordinances for the regulation of the installation of solar energy systems. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 13, 2025

H 3469: An Act relative to solar permitting

By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3469) of Mark J. Cusack relative to solar energy storage permit applications and inspections. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2082: An Act to provide a tax credit for electric landscaping equipment for small yard care businesses

HD 2082 creates a 40% tax credit for small Massachusetts landscaping businesses that convert gas-powered equipment to qualifying low-emission electric alternatives. The credit covers 40% of the equipment purchase cost, capped at $10,000 per business annually, and applies to equipment meeting specific electric power criteria (solar, batteries, or grid-powered). It directly affects small, independently owned yard care businesses operating within Massachusetts that replace gas equipment with eligible electric models. The Department of Revenue must establish this program to reduce eligible businesses' tax liability for qualifying equipment purchases.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2481: An Act transferring the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center

This bill transfers the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank's assets, staff, and ongoing projects to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center. The Center will now serve as the state's official Green Bank, responsible for financing clean energy projects across residential, municipal, small business, and commercial sectors. Key provisions include providing loans, grants, and investments to reduce greenhouse gases, with priority given to projects advancing climate goals, lowering emissions, and ensuring equitable access to clean energy. This directly affects residents, local governments, small businesses, and clean energy companies seeking financing for projects like solar installations, building decarbonization, and electric vehicle programs.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Solar Climate Change

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3529: An Act relative to large-scale solar energy installations on agricultural or recreational land of the Commonwealth

HD 3529 requires that any large-scale solar energy installation (over 5 acres) on agricultural or recreational land in Massachusetts must be accompanied by the dedication of an equivalent amount of land for agricultural or recreational use. The bill mandates that the state commissioner certifies this replacement land before installation, recording the certification in the registry of deeds at least 30 days in advance. This directly affects solar developers and landowners seeking to install solar projects on designated farmland or recreational areas like parks and trails. The key mechanism is a land-for-land requirement to ensure the loss of agricultural or recreational use is offset by new dedicated land. The bill does not alter existing land use rules but adds this certification step for new large-scale solar projects on specific land types.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2412: An Act establishing a resilient electric vehicle charging system pilot program and river restoration fund and veterans and emergency responders’ fund

This bill establishes a pilot program for resilient electric vehicle (EV) charging systems that maintain power during extended outages (24+ hours). It requires participating EV charging systems to use small-scale hydroelectric power with specific environmental standards (like LIHI certification) and includes a "resilience adder" for net metering. The program mandates that participants allocate 5% of EV charging revenue to a River Restoration Fund managed by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), which will fund projects like river cleanups, fish passage improvements, and climate resilience initiatives. The bill also requires EV microgrids to support emergency communications during outages. Note: The veterans and emergency responders' fund mentioned in the title is not detailed in the provided bill text.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Hydroelectric Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2579: An Act relative to consumer protection for residential solar customers

This bill creates new consumer protections for homeowners who purchase solar energy systems. It directly affects residential customers buying solar panels or power through leases, power purchase agreements, or direct sales, as well as the companies selling these products. Key provisions require the state department to establish standard disclosures, mandate paper contracts with immediate customer copies, verify companies comply with local permits and licensing, and create a licensing system for solar sellers and installers. The department can also enforce fines for violations, provide support for customers facing financial hardship from contracts, and limit pricing in power purchase agreements.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1671: Resolve relative to a feasibility report on solar rooftop energy on new buildings

SD 1671 establishes a 12-member legislative commission to study solar energy requirements for new buildings. The commission, including representatives from real estate, solar industry, labor, environmental groups, and local government, will review current building codes and policies to assess the feasibility of requiring rooftop solar systems and battery storage on new construction. Its report, due by January 1, 2026, will evaluate how such requirements could support Massachusetts' greenhouse gas goals and include specific policy recommendations. This bill creates a study process, not a direct policy change.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar Climate Change

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 555: An Act relative to Massachusetts Solar Access Law

This bill (HD 555) strengthens solar access rights for Massachusetts homeowners by limiting unreasonable restrictions from homeowners' associations (HOAs). It amends Chapter 40A to require local authorities to prove public health/safety concerns in court before restricting solar systems, and adds Section 25 to Chapter 183A explicitly prohibiting HOAs from unreasonably refusing or delaying solar installations on roofs. HOAs may still impose reasonable restrictions, but cannot block installations based on aesthetics or other non-essential concerns. The law directly affects homeowners seeking solar panels and HOAs governing residential communities across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Energy

Sub-Topics Solar

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3393: An Act relative to solar panel recycling

HD 3393 establishes a Solar Panel Recycling Advisory Group within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The group, composed of state officials, industry representatives, researchers, and legislative appointees, will review and advise the legislature on policies for recycling solar panel infrastructure sold and used in Massachusetts. It must submit final recommendations to state agencies and the legislature within one year of the bill's passage. The bill directly affects Massachusetts' solar industry, recyclers, and state environmental policy development, but does not create new regulations or requirements.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar Recycling

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