Massachusetts Policy
Massachusetts Community Solar & Agrivoltaics Policy
Quick Facts — Massachusetts Clean Energy Policy
Massachusetts was the first state in the country to establish a specific program, financial support, and requirements for agrivoltaics.
Interconnection and siting constraints still slow the pace of preferred siting methods like agrivoltaics.
Governor Maura Healey announced permitting reform that allows solar to be permitted within 12 months — a fast track for permitting timelines.
New SMART program rules have opened the door to further development in the state.
Lightstar is active and engaged in regulatory and administrative proceedings to support community solar resources.
Massachusetts leads the country on agrivoltaics. It was the first state to create a dedicated program, financial support, and clear requirements for pairing solar energy with working farmland. This page explains where the policy stands today, what recent reforms mean for development, and how Lightstar is engaged in the proceedings that shape community solar in the state.
Agrivoltaics is the practice of using the same land for both solar energy production and agriculture. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to establish a specific program, financial support, and requirements for agrivoltaics. That early commitment set a national benchmark for how solar and farming can coexist on the same acreage.
This leadership matters. By funding and defining agrivoltaics, Massachusetts gave developers, farmers, and communities a clear framework to build projects that keep land in agricultural use while generating clean power.
Even with strong policy support, interconnection and siting constraints continue to hinder the expeditious development of preferred siting methods like agrivoltaics. These barriers can slow the timeline for getting projects approved and connected to the grid.
To address part of this challenge, Governor Maura Healey announced permitting reform that allows solar to be permitted within 12 months. This reform creates a fast track for permitting timelines, helping qualified projects move forward more quickly.
Permitting Reform: A Faster Path for Solar
Lightstar is active and engaging in regulatory and administrative proceedings to help support community solar resources. By participating directly in these proceedings, we work to advance policies that strengthen community solar access across Massachusetts.
Massachusetts: A National Leader in Agrivoltaics
SMART Program Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to establish a specific program, financial support, and requirements for agrivoltaics.
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Interconnection and siting constraints still hinder the expeditious development of preferred siting methods like agrivoltaics.
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Governor Maura Healey announced permitting reform that allows solar to be permitted within 12 months, creating a fast track for permitting timelines.
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New SMART program rules have allowed for further development of solar in the state.
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Lightstar is active and engaging in regulatory and administrative proceedings to help support community solar resources.
We update this page as Massachusetts solar and agrivoltaics policy evolves. Check back for the latest on program rules, permitting timelines, and our ongoing engagement.
Want to learn more about our Massachusetts projects or explore a development opportunity? We'd love to connect. Contact Lightstar →
Lightstar is a clean energy developer specializing in community solar and agrivoltaics across the United States. Our New York portfolio is designed to support the state's clean energy goals while delivering real benefits to farmers, communities, and the environment.
Stay Informed on Massachusetts Clean Energy Policy
The SMART program is a central driver of solar growth in Massachusetts. New SMART program rules have allowed for further development in the state, expanding the opportunity for additional solar and community solar projects.
Lightstar's Engagement in Massachusetts
