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The Koch Brothers' Dirty War on Solar Power

February 12, 2016

Rolling Stone Magazine published an excellent article about The Koch Brother's Dirty War on Solar. It provides an excellent overview and summary of their tactics nationally. The article points out that both environmentalists and the Tea Party support solar. Here are a few short snippets from the complete article. 

ELM Action Fund calls out utilities in Globe ads

February 12, 2016

The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, fed up with utility efforts to negatively influence energy policy on Beacon Hill, has recently placed two ads in the Boston Globe calling out Eversource and executive Tom May.  

In an email sent to supporters yesterday, the organization says:

Ironically, Consumers Losing as Net Metering Hits the Big Time

February 11, 2016

When large corporations and their industry trade associations and investors start fighting to discredit and derail a new technology, you know that technology has reached the big time. So it is with solar.

Keeping Massachusetts a Solar Power

February 10, 2016

From abolitionism to universal health care, Massachusetts has led the country on issues that are both morally virtuous and make for smart policy. Fighting climate change is the latest in the line of vexing challenges faced by Bay Staters. We have a responsibility to ourselves, our ancestors and our children to make sure we meet this challenge. Passing smart legislation that encourages the development of our solar industry will guarantee we do just that — and it will grow our economy in the process.

Massachusetts Municipal Association weighs in on solar

February 6, 2016

The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) is a statewide organization representing the cities and towns of the Commonwealth.  Their view on policy issues carries a great deal of weight.  That's why their recent letter to the legislature on solar policy is so important.

How much are we paying for solar?

February 4, 2016

It’s important to realize that compensation for solar varies widely across utility territories, project types and over time as electricity rates and SREC prices change.  That makes it difficult to assign an exact price for all solar electricity at any one point in time. 

Baker announces low income solar initiative, MassSolar reacts

February 2, 2016

Earlier today in Lowell, Governor Baker announced a new initiative aimed at increasing low and middle-income residents’ access to renewable energy and energy efficiency. He has allocated $15 million in funding to support clean energy program for low-income individuals to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

A primer on solar energy and policy in Massachusetts

January 31, 2016

Rep. Frank Simzik and his staff have put together a fantastic solar briefing as part of a recent solar policy update e-mailed to constituents and supporters.  We loved it so much we thought we'd share it with you.

Solar Energy in Massachusetts: What is solar net metering and how can it benefit communities in the Commonwealth?

Solar Net Metering: The Basics

 What is solar net metering?

Solar advocates say projects imperiled under bills being negotiated

January 14, 2016

MassSolar hosted a legislative briefing on solar on Beacon Hill today.  The briefing discussed the range of benefits that solar provides across the Commonwealth and the impact of recent legislative proposals on low income, community shared and municipal solar.  You can view a PDF of the MassSolar presentation here.

DOER announces small solar set aside in SREC program

January 8, 2016

This Tuesday, DOER announced its intention to exercise its regulatory authority to create a small generation unit set aside in SREC II.  This set aside totals 120 MW.  This set aside is intended to preserve space in the program for solar projects sized 25 kW or less.  The remaining SREC capacity will continue to be allocated to solar projects on a first-come-first-served basis, as before.  Public comments on DOER's proposal will be accepted through January 19th.

DOER's announcement has been included below.

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