The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently unveiled new emergency regulations that double the capacity of the state’s solar incentive program.

The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, which we previously discussed here, was initially capped at 1.6 GW (AC). However, under the new DOER regulations, which took effect on April 15, 2020, the SMART program has now been expanded to 3.2 GW (AC).

The updated regulations expand eligibility for agricultural land and require that solar projects greater than 500 kW connect to an energy storage system. Further, the emergency revision includes various other provisions, including set-asides for at least 5% of available capacity in each awarded ‘Capacity Block’ to go to low-income community areas. Low-income area projects also receive the highest compensation rates under the program. Also added were provisions to enable mid-sized and community projects of between 25 kW and 500 kW. Incentive compensation will decrease 2% per ‘Capacity Block’ for behind-the-meter systems and 4% per ‘Capacity Block’ for front-of-the-meter systems.

The expansion comes at a welcomed time for many in the industry, who are now facing many uncertainties in light of the COVID-19 lockdown. Since March 1, the solar industry has shed more than 6,000 jobs, according to survey data compiled from 250 respondents by the Solar Energy Industries Association.  The change is intended to stabilize the industry and reverse job losses.

The stated goal of the SMART program is “to establish a statewide solar incentive program to encourage the continued use and development of generating units that use solar photovoltaic technology by residential, commercial, governmental and industrial electricity customers throughout the Commonwealth.”

DOER will hold a virtual public hearing on the regulations and guidelines on May 22, the agency said, and the public comment period for the regulations and "key guidelines" will close that same day. A comment period for the remainder of the guidance will stay open until June 15. DOER said it expects that the regulations — filed with the secretary of state's office Tuesday as emergency regulations — will officially be promulgated on July 15.