Go Solar Massachusetts
Massachusetts is at the forefront of solar policy in the country, but we can do even better. The Bay State has tremendous solar potential, and solar power technology has never been more viable. That's why we believe Massachusetts can install 50,000 new solar roofs by 2020. But powerful utilities, coal and oil companies threaten to stand in the way.
90 percent of our energy comes from dirty, dangerous sources…
Here in Massachusetts, most of our energy comes from burning coal, oil and gas to heat and power our homes. Our environment and our health pay the price: these sources emit air pollution that causes smog and global warming, as well as mercury pollution that contaminates our waterways and makes our fish unsafe to eat.
… but we can change that with 50,000 new solar roofs in Massachusetts in the next decade.
With major environmental and health problems caused by dirty energy, Massachusetts needs to get serious about going solar. We’ve already made great progress. Since the state’s current solar program was enacted we’ve seen a 46- fold increase in the number of solar installations in just five years. But we can do even better.
We have a goal of getting solar panels installed on 50,000 rooftops by 2020 and on 150,000 roofs by 2030.
Powerful industries stand in the way
Some Massachusetts power companies and their fossil fuel friends are attempting to block homeowners and businesses’ from maximizing solar keeping us dependent on the polluting fuels of the past.
Their allies in the Statehouse are blocking the expansion of successful solar programs— programs that will help us reach our goal of 50,000 solar roofs by 2020 and 150,000 solar roofs by 2030.
We can clean up our air and water, keep our families healthier, and reduce our global warming pollution, by getting more of our electricity from the sun. But it will take the action and support of people like you to make it happen.
Together, we can overcome the polluter opposition and help Massachusetts go solar
Thanks to our members and supporters, we’re fighting for a solar-powered future. In just the past year we’ve written two reports making the case for expanding our solar programs. We’ve built a strong coalition of more than 60 clean energy businesses that support our legislation. And we’ve helped pass pro-solar resolutions in communities across the state, including Cambridge, Salem Greenfield and other communities across the state. Together, we’re building the groundswell of public support it will take to win.
It's the 21st century—but we still get 90 percent of our energy from outdated, polluting and dangerous sources.
Key Facts
- We have a plan for 50,000 new solar roofs by 2020 and 150,000 solar roofs by 2030.
- Thanks to solar programs, the number of solar installations in the Commonwealth has increased 46-fold since 2007. We can expand these programs to grow solar even further.
- Air pollution from power plants is a serious health risk—in Massachusetts, pollutants like soot and smog cause 58,000 asthma-related trips to the emergency room each year. Increasing our use of solar would go a long way toward addressing this problem.
- Membership supports research and advocacy that wins results—such as our 2012 victory expanding the program that makes solar more affordable for homeowners and businesses in Massachusetts.