Massachusetts Issues Major New Solar Energy Regulations

On June 5, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) issued emergency regulations to launch its next major phase of solar energy incentives in Massachusetts.[1] The DOER's new solar program, known as the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target or "SMART," is designed to incentivize development of another 1,600 MW of solar energy in the Commonwealth.[2] Implementation of the program will commence in 2018 after additional regulatory and administrative processes are completed in 2017 to allow full implementation. SMART will succeed the current Solar Renewable Energy Certificate II (SREC-II) program and aims to provide a more cost-effective and secure long-term solar subsidy plan for the state. The DOER has provided a transition mechanism for completion of SREC-II while awaiting full implementation of the SMART program. Unlike the SREC programs, the SMART program will not provide for tradable solar energy certificates, but will use electric distribution company