SJC's Sunpin Decision: A Win For Solar Development, But Not The Last Word

On July 14, 2026, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) issued its decision in Sunpin Energy Services, LLC v. Zoning Board of Appeals of Petersham, holding in favor of solar development and reaffirming that local zoning boards have only narrow authority to deny solar special permits. While the decision should help deter denials based on obvious pretextual reasons, the absence of an objective standard may leave the door open for further disputes.

Under state law (G.L. c. 40A, § 3, ¶ 9), solar projects (and the storage projects that facilitate solar energy collection) are entitled to heightened protections from local zoning restrictions:

“No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of solar energy systems or the building of structures that facilitate the collection of solar energy, except where necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.”