Western Massachusetts Solar Forum In September
Photo: umass.edu
Source: UMass Center For Agriculture, Food, and the Environment
The public is invited to attend the Western Massachusetts Solar Forum, which will be held virtually in September 2023. UMass Clean Energy Extension is currently working with members of the Western Massachusetts state delegation (State Senator Jo Comerford and State Representative Mindy Domb), as well as a planning committee of solar photovoltaic (PV) stakeholders and experts, to plan the forum.
Background
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a national leader in solar installations per capita and has set ambitious goals for additional development to meet renewable energy targets(link is external) for 2030 and 2050. Increasing solar capacity is necessary to meet climate goals and have the potential to provide significant economic benefits to state residents. However, solar development and installation can conflict with other state and local goals, including land preservation, wildlife conservation, food production, and environmental and social equity.
Session Topics & Scheduling
- Session 1: Solar in Massachusetts – Past, Present, and Future (September 5, 12:00 – 3:00 PM)
Introduction; Solar Energy Basics; The Solar Market in 2023; State Climate Goals; Current State Laws, Regulations, and Planning; Future Needs for Electricity, Solar, Energy Storage, and the Grid
- Session 2: Solar and Land Use in Massachusetts (September 12, 12:00 – 4:00 PM)
State Laws & Regulations re: Solar/Land Use; Local Bylaws and Ordinances; Current Patterns of Solar Development Relative to Land Use; Balancing Climate Goals with Other Public Interests (Food Production, Farmland Protection, Wildlife Conservation, Recreation, Carbon Sequestration); Current Efforts to Address Challenges and Land Use Trade-Offs
- Session 3: Solar Equity and Community Benefits (September 19, 12:00 – 3:00 PM)
State Laws & Regulations re: Community Benefits, Low-Income Electricity Ratepayers; Municipal/Nonprofit Access to Solar; Current Status of Solar Ownership & Distribution of Solar Incentive Benefits; Models for Local Solar Ownership; Equity of Community-Shared Solar; Geographic Equity; Electricity Rates; Power Dynamics between Large Developers and Small Communities
- Session 4: Perspectives on Solar (September 26, 12:00 – 2:30 PM)
Perspectives on Solar PV Deployment in Massachusetts
All sessions will be recorded and made available.
American Sign Language and on-demand live captioning in English and Spanish will be available. Please indicate any other language needs through the Registration Form survey questions.
Who Should Attend
- Municipal representatives and/or board members
- Elected officials and other state policymakers
- Regional planning agencies
- Land trusts, NGOs, and environmental groups
- Solar developers and solar trade organizations
- Financial lenders
- Interested members of the general public
The forum is organized and led by individuals and organizations based in western Massachusetts, and will be focused on issues relevant to the Commonwealth’s western five counties (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester). However, we recognize that many of the discussion topics are relevant statewide and attendees from any region of the state are welcome to attend.
Forum Format & Goals
The forum is designed in two parts:
Part 1: Four sessions, September 5-26, 2023
Goals:
- Establish a common language and baseline understanding of the history and current status of solar development in the Commonwealth
- Identify and describe current challenges associated with solar deployment to reach state climate and greenhouse gas reduction goals
- Discuss current efforts to balance climate goals with other public interests (including agricultural, environmental, and equity goals)
- Foster an understanding of different perspectives regarding solar development
Part 2: Spring 2024, dates TBD
Goals:
- Address additional information, challenges, and current initiatives identified by Part I attendees
- Incorporate attendee perspectives into a discussion of how to better balance public interests related to solar development
- Identify and prioritize needs for additional information, funding, research, outreach, technical assistance, planning, legislation, and other initiatives
Questions?