Environment Massachusetts testifies for solar neighborhoods

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023 Johanna Neumann, Acting Director of Environment Massachusetts submitted testimony in support of  S. 2120 | H.3677: An Act increasing solar rooftop energy/An Act establishing solar neighborhoods.

If enacted, rooftop solar panels would be installed on new buildings at the time of construction, including for single-family homes, apartment buildings, and commercial buildings. For single-family homes, the solar energy system must produce enough electricity on an annual basis to meet 80% of the average demand for similar houses. Common-sense exemptions for shaded roofs and other criteria are taken into consideration with the bill. 

“The best time to put solar panels on a building is when workers are already on the roof,” wrote Neumann. “The Solar Neighborhoods Act will ensure that new homes and commercial buildings are built with solar roofs.”