From:	Helen Soussou <hsoussou@comcast.net>
Sent:	Thursday, October 27, 2016 9:56 AM
To:	SREC, DOER (ENE)
Subject:	Comment re development of new incentive plan for solar energy


 

I live in Watertown, MA. and am a strong advocate of solar energy.  I am glad that solar 
has grown in Massachusetts and think that we should do all that we can to preserve 
and nurture that industry.  I agree with the recommendations to you for extending solar 
incentives that Mass Solar created.  I have listed them below.  Thank you for the 
opportunity to submit my voice on this important issue.
Helen Soussou
 

) It is crucial to create an interim program (or to extend the existing SREC-II incentives) 
to fill the void between
 the January 8th expiration of the SREC II program and the implementation of the new 
program.
 
2) The new incentive program should include a fair definition of
forested and agricultural land that does not discriminate against
solar development as opposed to any other type of development.
 
3) The new incentive should feature a higher adder fee structure and longer terms to 
encourage projects to pencil in the last block, not just the first block.
 
4) The proposal must include a system of assurance to lock in a block rate at the 
beginning of the project development cycle so project owners can accurately predict 
expenses. A reservation fee similar to MassACA may be approriate.
 
5) DOER should commit to revisiting block changes periodically (for example, once a 
year) to evaluate market signals. The increasing block size and decreasing rate set in 
advance may not be adequate to meet our solar build-out goals.
 
6) A solution for Municipal Light Plants would be to set up a fund that they can opt 
into, in order to pay for their own subsidies on a pro rata basis.


