Massachusetts Opens RFP for the First 100 MW of “Smart” Solar

On November 13, utilities in Massachusetts announced that they would begin to accept bids pursuant to the new “Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target" or "SMART” program, which seeks to ultimately add up to 1,600 MW of solar capacity to the Mass. grid.

The SMART program was voted into law in April.  It was explained in great detail by Renewable Energy World contributor John Farrell in this post.  Farrell likens the program to the California's original solar incentive and Germany’s long-expired feed-in tariffs, which led to explosive growth of solar capacity in each region.

SMART replaces the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program in Massachusetts.  It is designed to give developers long-term stable and predictable pricing for solar projects less than 5-MW in capacity by setting a floor price for energy generated from accepted projects.

Solar with storage is greatly incentivized.  In addition, the SMART gives added incentives to solar on carports, brownfields, buildings, and landfills and also incentivizes low-income, public entity, and community solar off-takers.

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