Solar Licensing in Massachusetts

HOME | SIGN | SIGNATURES (164) | NEWS BLOG

Please be sure to read the News  Blog  ( above) for guidance on the downloads and issue updates The latest blog posts on the Solar Career Map and recent BSEE Guidance Memos which reference the court case are also available as  pdfs on the right side of this page at the bottom of the group of files.

 Solar Licensing in Massachusetts

Whether a solar energy system is producing electricity with photovoltaic technology, solar thermal energy, or multiple energy outputs from the same device, it's construction in Massachusetts requires a building permit. Since the advent of solar installations in the seventies, multiple trades have been coordinated to perform installations of solar equipment. Architectural, engineering and general contracting firms which specialized in solar assembled the expertise and provided turn key installations. The breadth of knowledge needed to field durable and efficient solar systems to consumers encompasses astronomy, geometry, trigonometry, physics, computer programming, renewable energy and utility policy, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering and multiple trades, including glaziers, masons, sheet metal workers, millwrights, crane operators, carpenters, roofers, welders, electricians, HVAC technicians, gas fitters and plumbers. A Massachusetts solar credential   will  assure consumers that their installation is properly coordinated by a person or firm with a proven competency integrating all areas. Most of the pioneering firms in Massachusetts have proven this competency voluntarily by becoming certified under the rigorous tests of the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners at www.nabcep.org.

 Clarity on who can install solar  is critical because one trade has declared all solar electric work as their own, including the structural, mechanical and waterproofing work. In early 2009, the  Board of State   Examiners  of Electricians (BSEE) promulgated an advisory ruling which effectively states that any and all aspects of photovoltaic work must be done by licensed electricians. This ruling was made without consulting solar industry trade groups or any of their numerous firms registered and licensed in state. These firms have previously installed fully permitted solar electric installations by subcontracting the services of multiple licensed trades, including electricians. Despite a 30 year history of successful installations under the existing regulations, this new ruling hinders the installation of solar in Massachusetts by nearly all of these successful companies and prevents experienced solar technicians from performing field work.

Several BSEE enforcement actions using this ruling have resulted in two cases against General Contractors which are now in their third year of appeal. A group of Massachusetts solar firms including some of the oldest and most experienced in the country have filed a suit against the BSEE to rescind this ruling.

The group is represented pro bono by the Harvard Law School Emmett Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, and  asked the court for a return to the pre-2009 status quo. In July 2012 the Suffolk Superior Court ruled in favor of the solar industry and against the BSEE.  Since the Court ruling however the BSEE abetted by Electrical Industry associations and the IBEW Local 103 continues to interpret  statutes , laws and codes to reserve all solar work for electricians only.

Please read the blog news items  above for updates and details .

 

 

What You Can Do

 

Your voice in support of a solar credential in Massachusetts is needed. Please reach out to the state elected government through one or all of the following methods:

  1. Please leave your name on this website to show your support  to establish a solar license credential in Massachusetts. Your name will be submitted to state officials, representatives, and senators in a paper copy. You can choose not  to display your name on our website but still  join other supporters of this bill.
  2. Please write to the Representatives and senators  listed to the right and to Governor Deval Patrick indicating your support of a Solar Contractor license for Massachusetts. Click on the officials name to get contact information
  3. We're told that e-mails frequently don't get through to elected officials; letters are best, but you'll find the e-contacts for each legislator by clicking on their names.

This website is sponsored by:
  • Berkshire Photovoltaic Services
  • Alteris Renewables Inc.
  • Blue Selenium Solar
  • Cotuit Solar
  • Diversified Construction Services, LLC
  • e2 Solar Inc.
  • Moss Hollow Solar
  • Northeast Solar
  • Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics
  • Solar Wave Energy Inc.
  • South Mountain Co.
  • S+H Construction Inc.
  • Steve Kurkoski, Electrician
  • DC Solar Alternate Energy
  • My Generation Energy
  • Real Goods Solar Inc
Further Information:
Sample Letter to a Joint Committee Member(.doc)
MA Solar Legislation Facts(.pdf)
MA Solar Background(.pdf)
Northeast Solar's Letter to Governor Patrick(.pdf)
Proposed Solar License Bill(.pdf)
Sample Letter to the Governor(.doc)
SEBANE Letter
Superior Court Transcript 11-29-11
Rob Meyers Testimony
Sperior Court Transcript Jan 5 2012
BSEE Memo 12-22-11
BSEE Memo 5-1-09
DPL Fredette 1-30-09
Jansen Deposition
Superior Court Brief HLS
Summary Judgement 07.18.12
Blog Post on BSEE Memo 10-1-12
BSEE ReIssued Guidance memo
Blog Post 11-28-12
Worcester Business journal 4-15-13
(Click Name for Contact Info)
Sponsor:
Jennifer E. Benson
State House
Room 466
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2017
Fax: 617-626-0882
Email:Jennifer.Benson@mahouse.gov

Co-Sponsors:
William N. Brownsberger
State House
Room 527A
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2020
Email:William.Brownsberger@mahouse.gov
Cory Atkins
State House
Room 166
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2692
Fax: 617-722-2822
Email:Cory.Atkins@mahouse.gov
James Eldridge
State House
Room 413A
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1120
Fax: 617-722-1089
Email: James.Eldridge@masenate.gov
Benjamin Downing
State House
Room 413F
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1625
Fax: 617-722-1523
Email: Benjamin.Downing@masenate.gov
Susan Fargo
State House
Room 504
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1572
Email: Susan.Fargo@masenate.gov
Peter V. Kocot
State House
Room 22
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2140
Fax: 617-722-2347
Email: Peter.Kocot@mahouse.gov
Gailanne Cariddi
State House
Room 130
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2130
Fax: 617-626-0143
Email: gailanne.cariddi@mahouse.gov

Joint Committee Members:
Thomas P. Kennedy
State House
Room 109-E
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617- 722-1200
Fax: 617-722-1116
Email:Thomas.P.Kennedy@masenate.gov
Anthony Petruccelli
State House
Room 424
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1634
Fax: 617-722-1076
Email:Anthony.Petruccelli@masenate.gov
Theodore Speliotis
State House
Room 43
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2030
Email:Theodore.Speliotis@mahouse.gov
Robert Fennell
State House
Room 146
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2575
Fax: 617-626-0222
Email:Robert.Fennell@mahouse.gov
Sal DiDomenico
State House
Room 218
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1650
Fax: 617-722-1323
Email:Sal.DiDomenico@masenate.gov
James Timilty
State House
Room 507
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617 722-1222
Fax: 617-722-1056
Email:James.Timilty@masenate.gov
Kenneth Donnelly
State House
Room 413D
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1432
Fax: 617-722-1004
Email:Kenneth.Donnelly@masenate.gov
Michael Knapik
State House
Room 419
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-1415
Fax: 617-722-1506
Email:Michael.Knapik@masenate.gov
Geraldine Creedon
State House
Room 237
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2305
Fax: 617-722-2598
Email:Geraldine.Creedon@mahouse.gov
Thomas Stanley
State House
Room 167
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2230
Email:Thomas.Stanley@mahouse.gov
Joyce Spiliotis
State House
Room 236
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2430
Email:Joyce.Spiliotis@mahouse.gov
Angelo Puppolo Jr.
State House
Room 540
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2090
Fax: 617-722-2848
Email:Angelo.Puppolo@mahouse.gov
Paul Brodeur
State House
Room 134
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2400
Fax: 617-626-0142
Email:paul.brodeur@mahouse.gov
Tackey Chan
State House
Room 236
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2430
Fax: 617-626-0146
Email:Tackey.Chan@mahouse.gov
Rhonda Nyman
State House
Room 473F
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2210
Email:Rhonda.Nyman@MAhouse.gov
Steven Howitt
State House
Room 237
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2305
Fax: 617-626-0211
Email:steven.howitt@mahouse.gov
Donald Humason
State House
Room 542
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617-722-2803
Fax: 617-722-2390
Email:Donald.Humason@mahouse.gov


Governor Deval Patrick
State House
Office of the Governor
Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617.725.4005
888.870.7770 (in state)
Fax: 617.727.9725
Privacy Policy