We could reach a million solar roofs by 2030. Tell Gov. Baker to go big on solar.
Today, too much of our energy comes from dirty fossil fuels, polluting our air and warming our climate.
But that’s changing. Over the past decade, solar panels have become an increasingly common sight across Massachusetts, on our roofs and along the sides of our highways. And we’ve only just begun to tap into our solar potential.
By 2030, Massachusetts can install the equivalent of one million solar roofs — enough solar to power a million homes with clean energy. We’re working with activists and elected officials to get Massachusetts on track to one million solar roofs by starting at the local level, getting cities and towns across the state to go big on solar.
At the Dismas Family Farm in Oakham with legislators and activists to support solar and other forms of renewable energy.
Stephanie Pierce Photography
Instead of burning oil and gas, we can harness the clean energy that’s shining down on our communities every day. When we power our lives with solar energy, our air will be cleaner, our families will be healthier, and we’ll have a shot at preventing the worst impacts of global warming.
The good news is that Massachusetts is already going solar. Between 2010 and 2019, the amount of solar installed in Massachusetts increased by more than 70 times. If we increase solar another 4 times by 2030, we’ll have enough solar energy to power a million homes.
Our strategy
We’re putting Massachusetts on track to one million solar roofs by starting at the local level. There are lots of ways our communities can go solar, like:
- Putting solar panels on the roof of the high school or on town hall
- Starting a Solarize program to connect neighbors with affordable ways to install solar on their homes
- Partnering with local business owners to install solar canopies over their parking lots
- Helping families sign up to participate in community solar programs
Each solar panel that goes up in your neighborhood is a step closer to a future powered with clean, renewable energy. And if enough cities and towns get on board, it’ll really start to add up.
We’re also pushing for policy change at the state level. We're working to expand solar incentive programs and ensure that every new home and commercial building is built with solar panels on the roof.
Our track record
For more than a decade, Environment Massachusetts has fought for the policies that made Massachusetts a national leader for solar. In 2016, we led the charge to expand the state’s most important solar program, adding enough solar to power another 60,000 homes with clean energy.
We’ve worked with hundreds of local officials and nonprofit organizations to celebrate progress in their communities and advocate for policy change at the state level. Our Renewable Communities report highlights the cities and towns leading the way on solar and other clean energy technologies. We’ve held educational events about solar energy at venues ranging from a farm in Oakham to an elementary school in Yarmouth. We know what it takes to get the community on board with a big vision and make a successful case for change.
Together with Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer and State Senator Adam Hinds, we celebrated local progress on solar energy in the Berkshires.
Staff
Let's go big on solar
Now is the time for Massachusetts to go big on solar energy. Every day we delay is another day we’re burning oil and gas, polluting our air, and warming our planet. We need action now to repower our communities with solar.
Together, families, business owners, and elected officials can bring a vision of one million solar roofs within reach. Here’s how you can join the movement:
First, sign our statement of support to show you’re on board with one million solar roofs for Massachusetts.
Next, sign up for our webinar to learn how you can advocate for solar in your community.
Imagine every home on your block powered with renewable energy from the sun. Imagine cleaner air, healthier communities, and a safer future for all of us. That’s what we can achieve when we go big on solar.