Facebook Ad Bing Ad

Is Massachusetts One of the Most Solar Power-friendly State in the US?

Green Bolt
Boston

Massachusetts households pay some of the highest utility prices in the US, although their average monthly power consumption is way below the national average.

At 627 kWh of average household power consumption per month, Massachusetts ranks 43rd among all the states. Yet, they pay 22% more in energy costs than the national average!

Needless to say, Massachusetts households stand to make some of the biggest gains from taking the solar route. Besides the utility prices, the state government and federal incentives have played a pivotal role in the rapid penetration of solar power within the state’s communities.

But things are set to get better, much better for the solar power fans.

Unprecedented Solar Power Capacity Expansion

In 2018, the state of Massachusetts had an installed solar power capacity of 2,011 MW, which placed it squarely among the top 6 US states with the highest installed solar power generation capacity.

Then the state introduced the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program. The program aims to expand its solar power generation capacity by 3,200 MW. Originally, the target was 1,600 MW, but the program’s terrific success compelled the state government to expand it to 3,200 MW.

Racing to the Top

Thanks to a renewed push by the SMART program, the Bay state has witnessed a steep growth in solar adoption over the past 2 years. Today, there are over 100,000 solar projects with 2,500 MW power generation capacity in the state. These numbers are persistently pushing the state ahead in fulfilling its renewable energy commitments.

The Way to a Greener State

In 2019, two-thirds of the state’s energy needs were met with natural gas. Renewable resources provided only a quarter of the state’s power generation. Solar power accounts for 14% of the state’s power generation supply. 

Although coal-fired power plants are being phased out and more wind farms are being set up, the various renewable energy sources like hydropower, and wind, barely make a dent in the state’s power needs.

Currently, Massachusetts consumes twice as much power as it generates and is forced to “import” power from neighboring states to meet its power demands.

The good news is that Massachusetts intends to expand its offshore wind power generating capacity by 3,200 MW by as early as 2035.

Between its ambitious solar and wind power plans, Massachusetts expects to achieve complete self-reliance in terms of its energy needs. Moreover, the state also wants to become increasingly greener over the next decade and beyond.

At its current rate, Massachusetts has the potential to be the most solar-friendly state in the US. Now, that’s a distinction.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Started Today

Let’s talk about potential solar opportunities. We offer free, no obligation quotes to get you started on your solar journey.

If you’d like to talk with us outside of getting a quote then please reach out to us using our contact page.

"By hitting submit you recognize that we may contact you using phone, email, and/or text in regards to your inquiry. Please refer to our privacy policy for more information."
@ 2023 GREEN POWER ENERGY (844) 584-0008
47 East Street Annandale, NJ 08801

42 Ozick Dr, Suite 3, Durham, CT 06422

2112 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702

NJ HIC #13VH05559800

NJ ELC #34EB01151200

PA HIC #PA128259
CT HIC #0656622
CT ELC.0205319-E1
TECL #37773