Posts Tagged ‘Massachusetts’

SRECTrade Expands Partnership With 365 Pronto For Solar-Log Meter Replacements

Posted January 26th, 2022 by SRECTrade.

As early as this February, providers will phase out their support of more than 22 million 3G communications devices—including critical equipment your solar system uses to measure, record, and communicate production data. Depending on the component makeup of that particular system, this can be either a revenue-grade meter or the CDMA/GSM modem within certain inverter models.

As a result of this phaseout, these modems/meters will fall out of compliance for the minting of SRECs and receipt of quarterly payments to solar system owners.

To prevent this sunset from impacting you, SRECTrade has partnered with 365 Pronto to remove and dispose of old 3G modems or meters and replace them with new 4G/5G modems or meters that follow the regulations and network communications needed for verified SREC payments to system owners.

While there is no fine or penalty for not having this equipment swapped out, system owners who choose not to upgrade will soon stop receiving quarterly SREC payments, negatively impacting their expected return on investment from their solar installation(s).

Pricing, Payment, and Rollout
System owners are responsible for the cost of this replacement equipment and related labor. SRECTrade is committed to helping our customers keep costs low, so we have negotiated preferred pricing with 365 Pronto, our technology and logistics partner. This pricing is conditional on the system owner registering for the replacement in a timely manner when the rollout has reached their geographical region.

The rollout is being conducted in phases and is currently underway in Massachusetts, with a registration deadline of Monday, February 7, 2022.

If you delay the registration—or do so outside the period within your region—we cannot guarantee the agreed-upon preferred price.

Massachusetts SREC Market
Current SREC market prices are around $300/MWh/SREC. For the average system size of 7 kW, this represents a potential loss of $2,100 per year in quarterly SREC credit payments for Massachusetts residents. For systems larger than the average, the loss could be even greater.

Next Steps
If you are a Massachusetts resident receiving quarterly SREC payments, the process begins by visiting the replacement program entry page to help determine whether you need a meter replacement or a modem replacement:

Replace Your Meter – Sign Up with 365 Pronto

From there you’ll complete a simple, step-by-step, online interface to register your system. Completing the application to register your system takes less than 10 minutes. You will be asked to:

  1. Verify the accuracy of our records about your system and site location
  2. Make an initial payment for the work to commence
  3. Provide the best contact information for a local provider to contact you and schedule the work

We estimate that your meter will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your equipment in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. In many cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a revenue-grade meter?
    • The meter is what your solar system uses to communicate your solar output with SRECTrade. Without this meter, we cannot determine how many SRECs to mint to you.
  2. Why is this replacement necessary?
    • Wireless communications protocols become obsolete over time, and the wireless carriers (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) are phasing out old networks (2G/3G) in favor of faster, upgraded networks. Many solar systems installed more than three years ago likely have equipment designed for the network technology of the time (2G/3G).
  3. What is 365 Pronto?
    • 365 Pronto is our technology and logistics partner. It is a technology platform company matching asset owners (you) with an on-demand qualified workforce (local service providers) through automated technology. Because of its unique model, it can service the entirety of SRECTrade’s systems under trading.
  4. How much will a new meter cost?
    • SRECTrade negotiated a lower-than-market price for this work of $1,193.40; however, you’re eligible for a 20% in-market price discount on your meter if you register for your replacement before Monday, February 7, 2022. That means a reduced price of $998.70*, but you’ve got to book in this time frame for when 365 Pronto is conducting the work in your area.
    • *Disclaimer: Price is subject to i) applicable sales tax on equipment and ii) change, based on availability and when you reserve your meter. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your meter in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation.
  5. Can I use my original installer?
    • Yes, you may contact your installer to ask about having this work performed. However, providers who are not part of the 365 Pronto network may not be able to guarantee the same price. This is why it is important to book your meter replacement with 365 Pronto before Monday, February 7, 2022 and reserve your discounted price.
  6. When will my new meter be installed?
    • The ongoing effects of the pandemic have caused worker shortages, which have impacted factory production of goods, including meter. Delays at major ports have slowed down shipping and delivery schedules even more.
    • Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your equipment in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. At that time, 365 Pronto will process your payment for the installation. In some cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation. However, if the unit is in the garage, it may be necessary for you to be present during the installation.
  7. Do I need to do anything once the new meter is installed?
    • No. Once your new meter is installed, it will begin to communicate your solar output with SRECTrade as normal. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.
  8. How do I know my meter is working?
    • We understand that there is a delay between when your output is recorded and when your SRECs are minted. We will provide email confirmation to let you know that the system is working. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.
  9. Will my meter stop working after the SREC deadline and interrupt my SRECs?
    • Your meter will continue to monitor your output; however, it will no longer communicate directly with SRECTrade after the 3G sunset, which is scheduled to happen as early as February 2022. If you have specific questions about your SREC account, please contact ma.renewables@SRECTrade.com.
  10. What is the meter model type and manufacturer that is being used for the replacement(s)? Is it up to the installer?
    • Installers do not have a choice in the type of replacement meter they install. They will replace your meter with the Cat M1 ArrayMeter.
  11. Whom should I contact to cancel a work order? Is this possible in the first place?
    • If, on the rare occasion, a customer wishes to cancel an order, they should submit the request to support@365pronto.com.
  12. Is the 365 Pronto Wizard secure?
    • The security of the 365 Pronto platform and website is paramount, and we treat customer information with the utmost care. Information is captured by 365 Pronto through our platform and stored on AWS servers. 365 Pronto is an AWS native platform, and for that reason, we use the Well-Architected framework provided by that cloud provider. We follow the design principles proposed in their security pillar. These include principles such as (1) Implementing a strong identity foundation, (2) Enabling traceability, (3) Applying security at all layers, (4) Automating security best practices, (5) Protecting data in transit and at rest, (6) Keeping people away from our data, and (7) Preparation for security events. Anyone with additional questions should reach out to support@365pronto.com.
  13. Is there a 365 Pronto customer service phone number to call for assistance with registering? How can clients sign up if they do not have a computer?
    • Currently, we offer chat support via the website and email support. Although we can help customers with the process, they need to access our platform to purchase their meter. They can log into the sign-up wizard from any browser on a phone, laptop, or device of their choice. Anyone with questions should reach out to support@365pronto.com.

SRECTrade Continues Partnership With 365 Pronto For SolarEdge Modem Replacements

Posted December 20th, 2021 by SRECTrade.

Next year, telecommunications providers will phase out their support of more than 22 million 3G communications devices—including critical equipment your solar system uses to measure, record, and communicate production data such as the CDMA/GSM modem within certain SolarEdge inverter models.

As a result of this phaseout, these modems will fall out of compliance for the minting of SRECs and receipt of quarterly payments to solar system owners.

To prevent this sunset from impacting you, SRECTrade has partnered with 365 Pronto to remove and dispose of old 3G modems and replace them with new 4G/5G modems that follow the regulations and network communications needed for verified SREC payments to system owners.

While there is no fine or penalty for not having this equipment swapped out, system owners who choose not to upgrade will soon stop receiving quarterly SREC payments, negatively impacting the expected return on investment from their solar installation(s).

Pricing, Payment, and Rollout
System owners are responsible for the cost of this replacement equipment and related labor. SRECTrade is committed to helping our customers keep costs low, so we have negotiated preferred pricing with 365 Pronto, our technology and logistics partner. This pricing is conditional on the system owner registering for the replacement in a timely manner when the rollout has reached their geographical region.

The rollout is being conducted in phases and is currently underway in Massachusetts, with a registration deadline of Saturday, January 8, 2022.

If you delay the registration—or do so outside the period within your region—we cannot guarantee the agreed-upon preferred price.

Massachusetts SREC Market
Current SREC market prices are around $300/MWh/SREC. For the average system size of 7 kW, this represents a potential loss of $2,100 per year in SREC credit payments for Massachusetts residents. For systems larger than the average, the loss is even greater.

Next Steps
If you are a Massachusetts resident receiving quarterly SREC payments, the process begins by visiting the replacement program entry page to initiate your modem replacement:

Replace Your Modem – Sign Up with 365 Pronto

From there you’ll complete a simple, step-by-step, online interface to register your system.

Completing the application to register your system takes less than 10 minutes. You will be asked to:

  1. Verify the accuracy of our records about your system and site location
  2. Make an initial payment for the work to commence
  3. Provide the best contact information for a local provider to contact you and schedule the work

We estimate that your modem will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your equipment in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. In many cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a CDMA/GSM modem?
    • For cellular-based monitoring to function, solar inverters contain a modem operating on Global Systems for Mobile (GSM) or CDMA, a radio network used by wireless carriers. These networks are more commonly referred to as 2G and 3G and were widely used in the early years of cellular communication technology, with CDMA being the predominant network in the U.S.
  2. Why is this replacement necessary?
    • Wireless communications protocols become obsolete over time, and the wireless carriers (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) are phasing out old networks (2G/3G) in favor of faster, upgraded networks. Many solar systems installed more than three years ago likely have equipment designed for the network technology of the time (2G/3G).
  3. What is 365 Pronto?
    • 365 Pronto is our technology and logistics partner. It is a technology platform company matching asset owners (you) with an on-demand qualified workforce (local service providers) through automated technology. Because of its unique model, it can service the entirety of SRECTrade’s systems under trading.
  4. How much will a new modem cost?
    • Through our partnership, we were able to negotiate a special lower-than-market price just for Massachusetts SREC Trade customers. This price includes all parts and installation, plus a five-year data plan.  You should act now, because next month, 365 Pronto providers will be conducting work in your area. If you reserve your modem replacement slot by Saturday, January 8, 2022 , you can secure a 20% in-market price discount on your equipment and installation.
  5. Can I use my original installer?
    • Yes, you may contact your installer to ask about having this work performed. However, providers who are not part of the 365 Pronto network may not be able to guarantee the same price. This is why it is important to book your modem replacement with 365 Pronto before Saturday, January 8, 2022, and reserve your discounted price.
  6. When will my new modem be installed?
    • Due to supply limitations, we expect that your modem will be installed between February and March 2022. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your equipment in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. At that time, 365 Pronto will process your payment for the installation. In some cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation. However, if the unit is located in the garage it may be necessary for you to be present during the installation.
  7. Will the modem be sent to my home?
    • Yes, the modems will be sent directly to your home. When the modem has shipped, you’ll receive a USPS tracking number per email so you’ll know it’s location at any given moment and when it will arrive.
  8. Do I need to do anything once the new modem is installed?
    • No. Once your new modem is installed, it will begin to communicate your solar output with SRECTrade as normal. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.
  9. How do I know my modem is working?
    • We understand that there is a delay between when your output is recorded and when your SRECs are minted. We will provide email confirmation to let you know that the system is working. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.
  10. What is the modem type and manufacturer that is being used for the replacement(s)? Is it up to the installer? Does the old modem in any way dictate which new modem will be installed?
    • SolarEdge CELL-A-R05-US-S-S2 or SolarEdge CELL-B-R05-US-S-S2 is the dedicated replacement for the modem.
  11. Do the new modems being installed have internet/ethernet connection capabilities?
    • Both replacement parts are cellular-only, and do not support an internet/ethernet connection.
  12. Who should 365 Pronto clients contact if they want to cancel their work order? Is this possible in the first place?
    • If, on the rare occasion, a customer wishes to cancel an order, they should submit the request to support@365pronto.com.
  13. Is the 365 Pronto Wizard secure?
    • The security of the 365 Pronto platform and website is paramount, and we treat customer information with the utmost care. While we have not received any official reports of notifications related to the security of our site, anyone with questions should reach out to support@365pronto.com.
  14. Is there a 365 Pronto customer service phone number that clients can call for assistance with registering? Related, how can clients sign up if they do not have a computer?
    • Currently, we offer chat support via the website and email support. Although we can help a customer with the process, they do need to access our platform to purchase their modem. They can log into the sign-up wizard from any browser on a phone, laptop, or device of their choice.
  15. Will my modem stop working after January 8th and interrupt my SRECs?
    • Your modem will continue to monitor your output; however, it will no longer communicate directly with SRECTrade after the 3G sunset, which is scheduled to happen as early as February 2022. If you have specific questions about your SREC account, please contact ma.renewables@SRECTrade.com.

*Disclaimer: Price is subject to i) sales tax on equipment and ii) change, based on availability and offering acceptance timing. We expect that your equipment will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your modem in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation.

SRECTrade Partners With 365 Pronto For 3G Sunset

Posted November 4th, 2021 by SRECTrade.

Overview
Next year, telecommunications providers will phase out their support of more than 22 million 3G communications devices—including the revenue-grade meters used for measuring and recording the production of solar energy systems. As a result, these meters will fall out of compliance for the minting of SRECs and receipt of quarterly payments to solar system owners.

To prevent this sunset from impacting you, SRECTrade has partnered with 365 Pronto to remove and dispose of old revenue-grade meters and replace them with new revenue-grade meters that follow the regulations and network communications needed for verified SREC payments to system owners.

While there is no fine or penalty for not having the meter swapped out, system owners who choose not to upgrade their meter(s) could soon stop receiving SREC payments, negatively impacting the expected return on investment from their solar installation(s).

If you have not yet been contacted by us, don’t worry, we’ll be in touch in the coming weeks as the program rolls out.

Pricing, Payment, and Rollout
System owners are responsible for the cost of this replacement equipment and related labor. SRECTrade is committed to helping our customers keep costs low, so we have negotiated preferred pricing with 365 Pronto, our technology and logistics partner. This pricing is conditional on the system owner registering for the replacement in a timely manner when the rollout has reached their geographical region.

The rollout with be conducted in phases and will begin in Massachusetts. If you register before Saturday, November 20, 2021, you’ll be eligible for a 20% in-market price discount on your meter and installation.

If you delay the registration—or do so outside the period within your region—we cannot guarantee the agreed-upon preferred price.

Massachusetts SREC Market
Current SREC market prices are around $300/MWh/SREC. For the average system size of 7 kW, this represents a potential loss of $2,100 per year in quarterly SREC credit payments for Massachusetts residents. For systems larger than the average, the loss is even greater.

Next Steps
If you are a Massachusetts resident and have been recently contacted by us regarding your SREC payments, the process begins by visiting a simple, step-by-step, online interface to register your system:

Replace Your Revenue-Grade Meter – Sign Up with 365 Pronto

Again, if you have not yet been contacted by us, don’t worry, we’ll be in touch in the coming weeks as the program rolls out.

We estimate that your meter will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your meter in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. In many cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a revenue-grade meter?
    • The meter is what your solar system uses to communicate your solar output withthe SREC tracking registry. Without this meter, the registry cannot determine how many SRECs to mint to you.
  2. Why is this replacement necessary?
    • Wireless communications protocols become obsolete over time, and the wireless carriers (Verizon, AT&T, etc.) are phasing out old networks (2G/3G) in favor of faster, upgraded networks. Many solar systems installed more than three years ago likely have equipment designed for the network technology of the time (2G/3G).
  3. What is 365 Pronto?
    • 365 Pronto is our technology and logistics partner. It is a technology platform company matching asset owners (you) with an on-demand qualified workforce (local service providers) through automated technology. Because of its unique model, it can service the entirety of SRECTrade’s systems under trading.
  4. How much will a new meter cost?
    • Through our partnership, we were able to negotiate a special lower-than-market price just for Massachusetts SREC Trade customers.  This price includes all parts and installation, plus a one-year cellular data plan.
    • You should act now, because next month, 365 Pronto providers will be conducting work in your area. If you reserve your meter replacement slot by Saturday, November 20, 2021, you can secure a 20% in-market price discount on your meter and installation.
    • You will need to register and purchase your replacement meter before Saturday, November 20, 2021, to secure this discount.
  5. Can I use my original installer?
    • Yes, you may contact your installer to ask about having this work performed. However, providers who are not part of the 365 Pronto network may not be able to guarantee the same price. This is why it is important to book your meter replacement with 365 Pronto before Saturday, November 20, 2021 and reserve your discounted price.
  6. When will my new meter be installed?
    • We expect that your meter will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your meter in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation. At that time, 365 Pronto will process your payment for the installation of your meter. In many cases, the homeowner does not have to be present during the installation.
  7. Do I need to do anything once the new meter is installed?
    • No. Once your new meter is installed, it will begin to communicate your solar output with SRECTrade as normal. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.
  8. How do I know my meter is working?
    • We understand that there is a delay between when your output is recorded and when your SRECs are minted. We will provide email confirmation to let you know that the system is working. If you have questions about your account, please email ma.renewables@srectrade.com.

*Disclaimer: Price is subject to i) sales tax on equipment and ii) change, based on availability and offering acceptance timing. We expect that your meter will arrive 30-40 days after you purchase it. Once your 365 Pronto service provider has your meter in stock, they will reach out to you to schedule the installation.

SRECTrade Massachusetts Class I Application Updated and Open!

Posted March 11th, 2021 by SRECTrade.

March 24, 2021 EDIT: Removed the text, “There is no requirement in MA Class I for projects to utilize a revenue grade meter, regardless of size.” See the added “Minimum Meter Accuracy” table from Section 2.1 e) of the NEPOOL GIS Operating Rules below for revenue grade meter requirements.

SRECTrade’s MA Class I application is now fully updated and live on our website. This update includes streamlining our online application to only require fields that are necessary for obtaining MA Class I certification.
​​​​
To start an MA Class I application, please log in to your SRECTrade account and select the link to “Apply to sell SRECs”.

Below is more info about the MA Class I REC Market parameters:

  • Any solar PV project interconnected to the New England ISO is eligible to sell MA Class I RECs.
  • As of the time of this post, the current MA2020 Class I spot market price is approximately $40.00 (per MWh).
  • There are no REC factors in the MA Class I market as there were in MA SREC-II; one Class I REC is generated per 1 MWh of production.
  • Qualified MA Class I projects are not limited to 40 quarters of REC transactions like in the past MA SREC markets; they are eligible to transact in perpetuity.
  • All MA Class I projects are required to utilize an Independent Verifier for production reporting. If you have questions about whether your solar inverters/meters qualify, please view the approved NEPOOL Independent Verifiers List (current as of the time of this post).
  • SRECTrade’s MA Class I Market page will have more information added to it in the near future.
  • Metering requirements are as follows:
“Minimum Meter Accuracy” table in Section 2.1 e) of the NEPOOL GIS Operating Rules.

Regarding fixed-price contract opportunities, 5- and 10-year forward contract links will be emailed on a quarterly basis to interested parties. Please email installers@srectrade.com to indicate your interest in this mailing list.

As always, please contact SRECTrade with any questions and we look forward to working with you in the MA Class I market.

Massachusetts DOER Announces SREC I and SREC II Auction Totals and Preliminary 2021 Minimum Standards

Posted July 21st, 2020 by SRECTrade.

On July 13, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) announced final SRECs available for auction in this year’s Annual Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction (SCCA) I and II, as well as the preliminary 2021 Minimum Standards for the SREC I and II programs.

The DOER confirmed that 103 certificates have been deposited for the SREC I auction, and 85 certificates have been deposited for the SREC II auction.

The DOER estimates a 2021 SREC I Minimum Standard of 1.6744% (748,584 MWh) for load executed under contract on or after June 28, 2013. This Minimum Standard applies regardless of which round the auction clears. Load served under contracts executed prior to June 28, 2013 will follow a Minimum Standard of 1.0252%.

The DOER estimates a 2021 SREC II Minimum Standard of 2.2828% (1,020,544 MWh) for load served under contracts executed between April 25, 2014 and May 8, 2016, and 3.8584% (1,724,956 MWh) for load served under contracts executed on or after May 8, 2016. This will only apply if the auction clears in the first two rounds. If the auction clears in the third round, the Minimum Standard will be 2.2830% for load served under contracts executed between April 25, 2014 and May 8, 2016 and 3.8586% for load served under contracts executed on or after May 8, 2016.

MA 2018 Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction Result Announcement

Posted July 26th, 2019 by SRECTrade.

On Thursday, July 25th, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) announced that all of the MA2018 SREC Is and SREC IIs submitted to the auction account were transacted in the first round of the Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auction (SCCA).

A total volume of 9,780 SREC Is were bid on across 21 unique bidders, creating more than sufficient demand to clear the available auction volume of 632 SREC Is.

A total volume of 63,388 SREC IIs were bid on across 21 unique bidders, creating more than sufficient demand to clear the available auction volume of 4,626 SREC IIs.

DOER and EnelX are in the process of certifying and finalizing the auction results. More information will be made available on the SCCA webpage in the coming weeks.

If SRECTrade submitted SRECs to the SCCA on your behalf, we will provide further notice on the status of your transaction once the DOER and EnelX provide us with finalized auction results.

MA SREC-II Application Deadlines and MA SMART Program Application Opens

Posted November 26th, 2018 by SRECTrade.

November 30, 2018 Update: Due to this email from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) on October 12, 2018, SRECTrade had been operating under the premise that facilities larger than 25 kW DC could submit their SQA and mechanically complete documentation “by no later than December 10, 2018”. It has been brought to our attention that the mechanically complete extension applications for facilities larger than 25 kW DC had to have submitted an SQA application by November 26, 2018.

The December 10th deadline is for the mechanically complete document to be added to the existing SQA.

SRECTrade recommends that all affected facilities submit their SMART Initial Application Period applications by 11:59pm ET tonight, November 30th.

Today, November 26th, at 12:00pm ET, the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program application portal opens to begin accepting Statement of Qualification Applications. Solar Tariff Generation Units (STGUs) can then apply during the Initial Application Period, which will last until 11:59pm ET on November 30, 2018.

All applications received between 12:00pm ET on November 26th and 11:59pm ET on November 30th will be considered to have been received at the same time for the Capacity Block placement queue. All applications received on or after 12:00am ET on December 1, 2018 will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

On October 24, 2018, CLEAResult (the SMART Program Administrator), the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), and the stakeholder electric distribution companies hosted a webinar providing a demonstration of the SMART Program application portal and instructions on how to submit an application. A recording of the webinar is available here.

Please note that today, November 26th, is a significant deadline for all projects seeking SREC-II qualification. Today is the deadline for projects larger than 25 kW DC to achieve mechanical completion and the deadline for projects smaller than or equal to 25 kW DC to receive Permission to Operate (PTO). Projects larger than 25 kW DC have until December 10, 2018 to submit their Statement of Qualification application demonstrating mechanical completion by November 26th. Projects smaller than or equal to 25 kW DC have until February 15, 2019 to submit their Statement of Qualification application. For more information regarding SREC-II qualification and application deadlines, please visit our previous blog post here.

Massachusetts DOER Announces SMART Program Effective Date

Posted October 12th, 2018 by SRECTrade.

November 30, 2018 Update: Due to this email from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) on October 12, 2018, SRECTrade had been operating under the premise that facilities larger than 25 kW DC could submit their SQA and mechanically complete documentation “by no later than December 10, 2018”. It has been brought to our attention that the mechanically complete extension applications for facilities larger than 25 kW DC had to have submitted an SQA application by November 26, 2018.

The December 10th deadline is for the mechanically complete document to be added to the existing SQA.

SRECTrade recommends that all affected facilities submit their SMART Initial Application Period applications by 11:59pm ET tonight, November 30th.

On Friday, October 12th, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) announced that the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program effective date is November 26, 2018. November 26th is now the deadline for facilities larger than 25 kW DC to become mechanically complete and for facilities smaller than or equal to 25 kW DC to receive their Permission to Operate (PTO). On November 26th, at 12:00pm ET, the SMART Statement of Qualification application portal will open to begin accepting Statement of Qualification Applications for prospective Solar Tariff Generation Units (“STGU”) seeking to qualify under SMART.

Facilities larger than 25 kW DC will have until December 10, 2018 to submit their documentation demonstrating mechanical completion. Once granted, mechanically complete extensions are indefinite; facilities should simply submit their Permission to Operate (PTO) documents once received to complete their statement of qualification application. As a reminder, facilities can demonstrate mechanical completion by submitting one of the following documents:

  1. Certificate of Completion
  2. Proof that a wiring inspection has been scheduled by a date shortly after November 26, 2018
  3. Affidavit signed by engineer of record stating that project is “mechanically complete”
  4. Other documentation deemed satisfactory by DOER

Facilities smaller than or equal to 25 kW DC will have until February 15, 2019 to submit an application demonstrating authorization to interconnect. In other words, the PTO must be dated on or before November 26, 2018, but the DOER application can be submitted up through February 15, 2019.

Please note that SRECTrade typically asks for complete applications to be received five (5) business days in advance in order to guarantee submission by the DOER deadline.

Massachusetts DOER Schedules SMART Information Sessions and Clarifies SREC-II Transition Status

Posted October 1st, 2018 by SRECTrade.

On September 26th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued an order approving the model Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program. This action is the final regulatory step in launching the program and initiates the transition from the Solar Carve-Out II (SREC-II) Program to SMART.

Notably, on October 1st, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) clarified that the SMART Program Effective Date remains to be determined and that the SREC-II application window is still open. The DOER also announced a series of stakeholder meetings later this month to provide additional information on SMART requirements and the program transition process.

SRECTrade strongly encourages stakeholders seeking to enroll their solar projects in SREC-II to obtain Permission to Operate or mechanical completion for their projects as soon as possible. As a reminder, the SMART Program Effective Date will be the deadline for projects smaller than or equal to 25 kW DC to obtain Permission to Operate and the deadline for projects larger than 25 kW DC to achieve mechanical completion. SRECTrade will continue to provide significant updates as they become available.

Massachusetts DOER Announces Final 2019 SREC Minimum Standards

Posted August 31st, 2018 by SRECTrade.

Update: On Wednesday, September 5th, the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER) made some small corrections to the previously announced final 2019 Solar Carve-out (SREC-I) and Solar Carve-out II (SREC-II) Compliance Obligations and Minimum Standards. The corrections were made to also include a small number of SRECs that the DOER approved to be transferred into the SREC-I and SREC-II auction accounts between the DOER’s preliminary minimum standard announcement in July and its final minimum standard announcement in August. The original post has been edited to reflect the corrections.

On Thursday, August 30th, the DOER announced the final 2019 SREC-I and SREC-II Compliance Obligations and Minimum Standards. This announcement follows the results of the SREC-I and SREC-II Solar Credit Clearinghouse Auctions. The final announcement differs only slightly from the preliminary announcement in July.

Solar Carve-out (SREC-I)

The DOER has determined that the 2019 Compliance Obligation for the SREC-I program will be 797,674 MWh and that the Minimum Standard will be 1.7446%. The 2019 Minimum Standard for load under contracts signed before June 28, 2013 will be 1.0967%. The Determination of the CY 2019 Total Compliance Obligation and Minimum Standard, published by the DOER, outlines how this Minimum Standard was calculated.

Solar Carve-out II (SREC-II)

The DOER has also calculated the 2019 Compliance Obligation and Minimum Standard for the SREC-II program, which are 1,060,524 MWh and 2.3195%, respectively.

In addition, the DOER calculated the 2019 SREC-II Compliance Obligation and Minimum Standard for load under contracts signed after May 8, 2016 as 1,789,567 MWh and 3.9139%, respectively. The final SREC-II baseline Compliance Obligation and Minimum Standard are slightly lower than their preliminary counterparts, primarily due to two reasons:

  1. A reduction in the average capacity factor applied to estimated generation from 13.64% to 13.35% (using eight years of Massachusetts Production Tracking System production data)
  2. An improvement to the SREC-II production estimation formula to account for the loss of partial MWhs left over after a reporting period, since these partial MWhs do not result in the creation of partial SREC-IIs

The adjustment to the SREC-II production estimation formula decreased the projected number of SREC-IIs to be generated by over 36,000 MWh.