Gov. Baker Signs Bill Lifting Solar Energy Caps

BOSTON (AP) — A new state law could jumpstart stalled solar energy projects in Massachusetts.

The measure given final approval by lawmakers last week and signed Monday by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker raises caps on the state's net metering program. Net metering allows homeowners, solar developers and municipal governments to sell excess power they generate back to the electrical grid in exchange for credit.

Existing net metering caps have been reached in much of Massachusetts, stalling some solar projects.

Under a compromise negotiated by lawmakers, residential and municipal projects will be reimbursed at the full retail rate while most commercial developers would be reimbursed at the less generous wholesale rate.

Baker calls solar an "integral component" of Massachusetts' clean energy future. But renewable energy advocates say the law is only a short-term fix.