The Solar Policy Scoop: July 2024 A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country.
The practice of “agrivoltaics” is taking off in places like New York thanks to government funding.
Rhode Island governor signs bill to create new incentives for energy storageProvidence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee signed a bill that will create the financial framework for incentivizing energy storage in the state. The 2024 Energy Storage Systems Act also sets a goal of 90 MW of energy storage by 2026.
DOE to study public attitudes toward siting large-scale solar projectsWashington, D.C.
The U.S. Dept. of Energy invested $9.5 million in four new projects supporting social science research that examines the ways that siting practices can influence public attitudes toward and permitting of large-scale solar facilities. These research projects will help communities and developers find solutions that benefit everyone.
Final IRS prevailing wage rules encourage project labor agreementsWashington, D.C.
The U.S. Dept. of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service released final rules on prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship requirements in the Inflation Reduction Act. The final rules include special provisions for project labor agreements, which can help taxpayers comply with the PWA requirements.
NYSERDA offering $5 million for agrivoltaic demo projectsAlbany, New York
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced $5 million is available for demonstration projects that co-locate solar projects and agricultural operations in New York State. NYSERDA is accepting proposals to support agrivoltaic projects integrating both new or retrofitted solar and farm operations such as those with cattle grazing, forage or specialty crop production.
Solar advocacy group asks Gov. Hochul to double distributed solar goalAlbany, New York
The New York Solar Energy Industries Association has called on New York state lawmakers, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, to raise the state’s distributed solar goal to 20 GW by 2035 from 10 GW by 2030. NYSEIA believes this growth can happen with smart state-level policies and the federal incentives available through the IRA.
Massachusetts senators approve bill to help the state transition to renewablesBoston, Massachusetts
Massachusetts senators have approved SB 2829, a bill that would set solar permitting deadlines for utilities, make it easier for residents to purchase electric vehicles and more in an effort to help the state meet its robust renewable energy goals. It moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for debate next.