AES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Committed to accelerating the future of energy in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a leader in the energy transition -- with a Statewide goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The AES team works closely with our customers and community partners across the state to solve clean energy challenges through the development and scaling of innovative renewable energy solutions.
We have been operating in Massachusetts since 2010 - leading in development of community focused renewable projects. All of the projects that AES owns and operates within the state are smaller, community solar and distributed generation (DG) projects acquired through our Channel Partners program.
60 Projects
operating community solar, community solar + storage, and distributed generation projects, totaling 251 MW
9 Projects
community solar + storage projects in development or construction, totaling 68 MW
PARTNERSHIPS
MA SMART
The Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program, launched in 2018, is the Department of Energy Resources (DOER)'s incentive program, which supports the development of solar in Massachusetts.
The DOER regulation articulated in 225 CMR 20.00 sets the regulatory framework for this program. The tariff-based incentive is paid directly by the utility company (in this case, National Grid) to the system owner (in this case, AES), following the approval of the application by the Solar Program Administrator and DOER.
The SMART Program is a 3,200 MW declining block incentive program. Eligible projects must be interconnected by one of three investor-owned utility companies in Massachusetts: Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil. Each utility has established blocks that decline in incentive rates between each block.
The SMART program was introduced to help reach the state’s solar installation goals and replaced Massachusetts' previous incentive program, Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SRECs). In April 2020, the SMART program was doubled to offer higher incentives to further support the state’s renewable energy standard goal and sustain the solar industry through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information on the SMART Program design and launch can be found in the following presentation: SMART Program Design and Launch
Benefits of community solar
All of AES' solar projects in Massachusetts are community solar or small, distributed solar projects (like rooftop solar). Community solar expands access to renewable energy and allows local subscribers like households, businesses, educational institutions, municipalities, and more to experience the benefits of solar power without incurring an upfront cost or installing solar panels on their roofs / on-site.
Who is eligible? Subscriptions are open to qualified residential and commercial utility customers of National Grid, including: homeowners, condo and apartment renters, government entities & school districts, small businesses & religious institutions
Why choose community solar? Gain the benefit from clean, renewable, locally produced energy without solar panels on your rooftop or property. Community solar offers a tangible economic benefit via savings on your utility bill, and there is no responsibility for solar system upkeep and maintenance.
How can I sign up? 1) Subscribe to a portion of the production of an AES-owned community solar project, based on your electricity usage. 2) Apply through AES or one of our community solar customer acquisition partners. 3) Sign a short-term contract with customer-friendly cancellation provisions and no upfront payment.
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