WESTPORT, Mass. - The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) commended the Baker Administration’s proposal to double solar energy development in Massachusetts today at a community solar project dedication hosted by Clean Energy Collective.

“For the last decade, Massachusetts has been one of the leading solar energy markets in the nation and with forward-looking policies, like the one Gov. Baker has proposed, that leadership will be cemented,” said Dave Gahl, SEIA’s Director of State Affairs, Northeast. “While there are many details yet to be worked out, the new incentive proposal will put the Bay State on a path to having 5 gigawatts of solar installed by the year 2025. That's enough to power 800,000 homes."

The Baker administration’s proposal, which is currently in a formal public comment process, would add another 1,600 megawatts (MW) of solar development in the Commonwealth through an incentive program that would reduce over time.

Massachusetts is currently ranked 6^th in the country with 1,243 MW of solar energy installed.

“There is a solid foundation here upon which to build and we’re looking forward to working with the state’s leadership to craft a final proposal that includes an extension of the SREC II program so solar projects and the thousands of jobs supporting them do not slip through an unintentional policy gap,” Gahl said.

Today, there are 416 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Massachusetts, employing more than 15,000 people, including manufacturers, contractors, project developers, distributors and installers.

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Senior Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2886