A new bill introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature would require that rooftop solar be included on new residential and commercial building projects.
Modeled after a similar policy in California, the bill would provide some exemptions. If the roof is too shaded, if a solar hot water system or other renewable energy technology is installed, or if the building has a green roof, it could be exempted. Affordable housing developments could also obtain exemptions.
According to the bill, amendments to the state’s building code would ensure that roofs are strong enough to support solar panels, that available roof space is maximized, and that buildings can make room for solar infrastructure. Single-family homes would need to produce enough electricity via solar each year to meet 80% of the average demand for similar houses. The state would set minimum solar energy system requirements for other buildings.
A report from an environmental advocacy group found that such a mandate would add more than 2.3 GW of solar capacity by 2045. That’s close to Massachusetts’ current total installed capacity, including utility-scale solar, of about 2.9 GW.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2015
Several states moving to repeal prevailing wage laws
Anti-prevailing wage bills that apply to state-funded construction projects have been passed in West Virginia and Nevada. Similar laws could be passed in Indiana and Illinois.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2015
New OSHA rule aimed at protecting construction workers in confined spaces
The agency says the rule will protect about 800 workers a year from serious injury.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Colorado House kills construction defects bill
The legislation would have made it harder for condo owners to sue builders.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
New energy efficiency program, Tenant Star, gets OK from Congress
The voluntary program for commercial and government buildings is modeled after Energy Star.
Smart Buildings | May 1, 2015
FEMA to require states to evaluate risks posed by climate change
The aim is for states to do a better job planning for natural disasters they are likely to face in a warming world.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Department of Energy asks for feedback on cost-effectiveness of building energy codes
DOE’s RFI wants input on how to improve methodology on cost assessment.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
New York State renews design-build authority
Five state agencies are allowed to use design-build on certain projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
OSHA’s estimated cost of silica rule said to underestimate impact by $4.5 billion annually
The coalition says that OSHA’s flawed cost estimates point to flaws in the rule, and has urged the federal agency to reconsider its approach.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
2016 Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings draft available for public review
The comment period is open until May 29.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
GBCI renamed Green Business Certification Inc.
The name change reflects the organization’s expanded certification and credentialing services.