Solar Revolution: New State Law Aims to Make it Easier to go Green in NC

Dan Kessler wanted to save money when he decided to install solar panels on his family’s Gray’s Creek house.

“One of the biggest reasons was because our electric bill was like $200 and some a month,” Kessler said.

“And I look at it as a ‘rent or own.’ If I pay $200 to an electric company, then what do I really see out of it?”

Solar panels mounted on rooftops aren’t a common sight in North Carolina neighborhoods, but that may be changing. The state legislature in July approved a wide-reaching bill that aims to grow the already burgeoning solar industry. In addition to the expansive solar farms in rural counties already generating power for utility companies, this new law is meant to make it easier for homeowners and businesses to install their own panels.

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Solar Legislation into Law in Massachusetts

Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito were joined by a bipartisan group of legislators to sign solar legislation into law to continue the expansion of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and establish a long-term framework for sustainable solar development in our state.

The bill, An Act Relative to Solar Energy, passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support and achieves the Baker-Polito Administration’s goal of reducing costs to ratepayers while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards the greenhouse gas reduction requirements set forth under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA).

“This legislation builds upon the continued success of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and ensures a viable, sustainable and affordable solar market at a lower cost to ratepayers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As our administration continues its balanced approach to diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, solar development will be an integral component of our state’s clean energy future.”

New Solar Law in Massachusetts Casts Shadow on Small Businesses

Local legislators say amendments are possible.

To further Massachusetts’ role as a leader in clean energy policy, the state Legislature is poised to change rules and incentives that have driven installation of more than 600 megawatts of solar generation in the past 4½ years.