Here’s an update from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) regarding the next solar incentive program:

On January 31, 2017 DOER presented the final design for the next solar incentive program, the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program.  The presentation can be found here, along with an audio recording of the meeting.

In addition to presenting the final proposal for the SMART Program, DOER also announced a plan to provide an orderly transition from the SREC II Program as the development of the SMART Program is finalized.  In order to ensure that there is not a significant gap in between the programs, projects over 25 kW DC can now receive an extension to their construction deadlines under the SREC II Program until the SMART Program goes into effect. Projects that apply for and receive this extension will be qualified with a reduced SREC Factor according to their  Market Sector classification. The proposed SREC Factors under this extension are as follows:

Market Sector                   SREC Factor

A                                          0.7

B                                          0.6

C                                          0.55

Managed Growth.            0.5

Interconnected projects 25 kW DC and less will continue to be qualified at an SREC Factor of 0.8 until the next program begins.

DOER has updated the SREC Factor Guideline and the Extension Guideline to reflect these changes, and will be accepting comment on the revised Guidelines through February 17, 2017.  Please direct comments to the SREC Inbox at DOER.SREC@state.ma.us.

Regards,

Michael Judge

Director, Renewables Division

Department of Energy Resources