Is MA Solar Power On The Rise?
Last month, DPU announced several big changes to Massachusetts net metering rules. These changes could provide huge benefits to solar power and the 2050 carbon-zero plan. But they could also make it far easier to find cheap green electricity rates! Let’s talk about how the new MA net metering rules could expand solar power.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering credits solar system owners for putting the extra power their solar panels make onto the grid. Figuratively speaking, their electric meter “runs backwards” for as long as they send out power. This creates a bill credit that helps offset the power the home owners gets from the grid at night. In this way, home solar power systems helps customers lower their bills and help stabilize the local grid.
However, net metering caps limit the potential benefits. For instance, California set a national trend by slashing its net meter credit rates by 75%. As a result, this made solar power less attractive to homeowners.
What New MA Net Metering Rules Will Do
Massachusetts, on the other hand, sees the potential of solar power. So the new rules seek to encourage solar generation and make it far more attractive. For example, the new rules exempt facilities from net metering caps that serve on-site load. Private facilities must be larger than 60 kilowatts (kW) and less than or equal to 2,000 kW; community solar projects less than 10,000 kW. Municipal or state-owned facilities that generate 60 kW or less can now qualify as well.
To get an idea of the size, a 10,000 kW community solar site is enough to power 1,700 US homes. This means more power can be fed to the grid and the net metered income can benefit the community. As a result, net metering can drive down energy costs. Estimates suggest that these new rules could save MA ratepayers around $10 million!
How New Rules Benefit Solar Power
Many states are pursuing green energy because of climate change and the volatile natural gas market. But a variety of factors, including California’s net meter rules, have slowed solar development. But MA could lead the way to making solar more affordable and enhance grid reliability.
But there is still room to improve. That’s why stakeholders are debating changes to solar incentives.
Proposals include adjusting rates paid to solar installation projects to better account for market conditions. There has also been talk of adjusting the rules for site selection. As it turns out, installing panels on landfills or parking lots to generate power can support solar power AND remove the need to take up unused land.
A Look To Solar Power Future
The state’s new net metering rules paint a bright future for solar power. Time will tell how much things could change, but the state may yet reach it’s electrification goals. As this story develops, you can count on https://www.maenergyratings.com to keep you up to date. You can also shop here for the best energy deals in town.