Northeast Solar Update - Summer 2012

In recent months, the states of Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York have each taken legislative steps to encourage the development of solar generating facilities. In summary, Massachusetts enacted Senate Bill 2395 ("SB 2395") that, in part, increases the existing regulatory cap on net-metering service and requires distribution companies to continue soliciting proposals for long-term contracts for renewable energy generation. New Jersey's Bill S-1925 ("S-1925") accelerates that state's solar renewable portfolio standard ("RPS") and reduces the cost of a solar alternative compliance payment ("SACP"). Finally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is considering signing into law a bill that would exempt the sale and installation of commercial solar generation facilities from state sales and use taxes.