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 | Feb 17, 2022
Pandemic won’t alter urban planning
City planners focused on returning to ‘old normal’.
Codes and Standards | Feb 16, 2022
California court rules affordable housing developers exempt from local zoning
Case could set precedent on state law that overrides local rules.
Codes and Standards | Feb 15, 2022
FORTIFIED resiliency standard expanded to include multifamily sector
Voluntary, beyond-code program aims to protect buildings from severe weather.
Codes and Standards | Feb 10, 2022
Number of Americans at risk of flooding to double in 30 years
Most new risk from new development, not climate change.
Codes and Standards | Feb 10, 2022
Intl. Code Council committee on diversity seeks applicants
New board aims to increase diversity in the membership association.
Codes and Standards | Feb 9, 2022
Climate impact of gas stoves in U.S. equal to half a million cars
New study could increase momentum to ban fossil fuels in new buildings.
Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2022
Energy efficiency ratings not reflecting true energy use
Highest rated U.K. buildings are less efficient than lower rated ones.
Codes and Standards | Feb 3, 2022
Illinois tops USGBC list of states with the most LEED certified projects in 2021
Top 10 states plus D.C. certified more than 247 million gross square feet.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2022
Public works contracting reform advances in New York State
Governor signs bill to form advisory council that will propose policy changes.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2022
Commercial and multifamily construction starts rebounded in 2021
Following COVID uncertainty in 2020, the industry recovered, but still lags 2019 levels.
