The Massachusetts market is driven by an incentive program and community solar programs, in addition to a renewable portfolio standard and accompanying SREC market. The state has set a goal of reaching 400 MW through the SREC program by 2017.
Facts on the Massachusetts Solar Industry
- There are currently more than 235 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Massachusetts, employing 4,500.
- 44 MW of solar were installed in Massachusetts in the fourth quarter of 2012. This marks a 8% increase over the last quarter and a 291% increase over the same quarter last year. Massachusetts ranked 7th nationally in Q4 installations. See more solar state rankings.
- In 2012, Massachusetts installed 129 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking it 6th nationally.
- The 198 MW of solar energy currently installed in Massachusetts ranks the state 7th in the country in cumulative installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 32,000 homes.
- In 2012, $476 million was invested in Massachusetts to install solar on homes and businesses. This represents a 210% increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year.
- Average installed residential and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Massachusetts continue to fall--by 29% from last year. National prices have also dropped steadily--by 14% from last year and 31% since 2010.
View more solar data.
Notable Solar Installations in Massachusetts
- William Stanley Business Park in Pittsfield, MA is a 1.8 MW photovoltaic system that came online in 2010. This facility will bring approximately $150,000 in annual property tax revenue to the City of Pittsfield.
- The Indian Orchard Solar Facility in Springfield, MA represents a $12 million investment in the region and will contribute $400,000 in annual property tax revenue to the City of Springfield. This 2.3 MW photovoltaic system came online in 2011.
- Many major retailers in Massachusetts have installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their locations across the state.
- Whole Foods Market has over 300 kW of solar PV capacity spread across four locations in Bellingham, Cambridge, Dedham and Framingham.
- Kohl’s Department Stores has a 358 kW system installed in Plymouth. REI has also added a 201 kW system in Framingham. These retailers combine to provide 887 kW of solar electric capacity in Massachusetts.
See our solar installations maps.
SEIA Massachusetts State Policy Priorities
- Expand solar carve out from 400MW to 800GW or more
- Defend current net metering programs and ensure future access to net metering for solar customers.
- Implement a new interconnection tariff and ensure solar carve-out can be met
- Improve current solar renewable energy credit regulations via the Division of Energy Resources process
- Maintain and expand of solar heating and cooling programs
Solar Companies in Massachusetts
There are currently more than 235 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Massachusetts. These companies provide a wide variety of solar products and services ranging from solar system installations to the manufacturing of components used in photovoltaic panels. These companies can be broken down across the following categories: 55 manufacturers, 28 manufacturing facilities, 99 contractor/installers, 13 project developers, 13 distributors and 56 engaged in other solar activities including financing, engineering and legal support.
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Massachusetts State Solar Policy Resources
Department of Public Utilities - Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Massachusetts public utilities
Department of Energy Resources - Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
State Legislature - Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center - Learn about the state agency dedicated solely to facilitating the development of the clean energy industry
DSIRE incentives database - Massachusetts - Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Massachusetts and across the United States
U.S. Energy Information Administration - Massachusetts State Profile - Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government