NEW DATA: Massachusetts among national leaders in solar and electric vehicles

Media Contacts
Reese Butcher

Former Associate, Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center

The Bay State generated enough solar energy in 2023 to power half a million homes 

BOSTON– Massachusetts ranks 10th for total solar generation, 5th for electric vehicle charging ports and 12th for electric vehicle registrations in the U.S., according to the dashboard Renewables on the Rise 2024 released on Wednesday by Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center.

“Massachusetts is near the top of the class when it comes to solar power and electric vehicles,” said Reese Butcher, Associate with Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center. “If we adopt instant solar permitting, bring more offshore wind and geothermal networks online, and pass the Clean Energy Siting bill, we will do even better.”

The Renewables on the Rise 2024 dashboard documents the growth of six key clean energy technologies across the United States over the past decade: solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and electric vehicle charging stations. Topline findings for Massachusetts include:

  • In 2023, Massachusetts ranked 10th for solar generation, generating enough energy from solar to power 523,759 homes, a total of 5,652 GWh. Governor Maura Healey endorsed the idea of getting to the equivalent of 1 million solar roofs by 2030 when she campaigned for governor. 
  • The number of all-electric vehicles registered in Massachusetts surged from 49,400 in 2022 to 68,842 in 2023, placing Massachusetts 12th for total EV registrations.
  • Massachusetts increased the number of electric vehicle charging ports to 7,032 in 2023, ranking the Bay State 5th in the nation. 
  • From 2013-2023, solar and wind generation in Massachusetts grew by over 400%, with most of that growth coming from solar. Massachusetts ranked 27th nationwide for growth in renewable energy generation. 

As a whole, the United States has produced three times as much renewable energy from solar and wind in 2023 as it did in 2014. 

According to the research, a combination of strong policies, improved technology and falling prices propelled the growth in clean energy in Massachusetts. The Bay State has a goal to reach 40% renewable electricity by 2030. In July 2022, the Massachusetts legislature passed a climate law that takes steps to accelerate the state’s transition to renewable energy.  Meanwhile, a Clean Energy Siting bill to speed up clean energy projects in the state, among other changes, is pending before the legislature.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in summer 2022, continues federal tax credits for renewable energy, such as wind and solar, and some electric vehicles through 2032. 

“Millions of Americans and Bay Staters are already reaping the benefits of the clean energy progress we’ve made so far,” said Butcher. “With federal tax credits turbocharging clean energy, now is the time for states to lean in and make 100% renewable energy for Massachusetts into a reality.” 

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