BARNSTABLE – The net metering cap for privately-owned solar projects in National Grid’s service area in the state was hit yesterday, according to Environmental Massachusetts.
Net metering allows solar panel owners to receive credit for the electricity they provide to the grid.
The group’s Campaign Organizer Ben Hellerstein said this could drastically slow solar development.
“Anybody who is looking to build medium or large scale project in Massachusetts in National Grid territory would find it very difficult or even impossible to make the financial situation of the project work,” Hellerstein said.
Hellerstein said the solar industry, which supports more than 12,000 jobs in the state, will need help from legislators.
“The fact that the net metering cap was hit today means that there could be a major slowdown in Massachusetts solar industry unless our lawmakers act soon to raise the caps,” he said.
“But it’s not enough to just raise the caps. We need our leaders to take solar to the next level by setting big goals,” said Hellerstein. “That’s why we’re asking Governor Charlie Baker to commit to getting at least 20 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity from solar by 2025.”
The cap for public projects in National Grid areas was hit about two weeks ago.
Eversource Energy territories, which includes the Cape and Martha’s Vineyard, have about 40 percent of its cap remaining, according to Hellerstein.
Solar supporters are planning a gather at the state house on Tuesday, April 7, to press lawmakers to raise the net metering caps.
