DIY Solar Grid-Tie in Massachusetts

[bob-n]

Can someone here explain the current restrictions on DIY grid-tie solar, specific to Massachusetts?

Thank you.

[Mike90250]

Generally, you need a city building permit, and authorization from the electric company to connect to their system.

[bob-n]

Mike,

Thank you. That sounds like the same requirements as anywhere else.

I've heard that Massachusetts is stricter on requiring only licensed installers and licensed electricians, but haven't verified that.

[J.P.M.]

Can someone here explain the current restrictions on DIY grid-tie solar, specific to Massachusetts?

Thank you.

Since they are the ones with the yea/nay power, I'd call the local AHJ and your POCO and get information from the horse's mouth.

[PVAndy]

Can someone here explain the current restrictions on DIY grid-tie solar, specific to Massachusetts?

Thank you.

Not sure if homeowners are exempt, but Mass requires a Licensed Construction Supervisor to pull permit and a Master Electrician to do majority of work, Even panel bonding is considered electrical. Utility requires 3 line, may need to be PS stamped depending on size. Net Metering allocation is pretty much gone for all single phase systems over 10kW AC
Need to apply to SMART program and wire socket for utility installed SMART meter correctly with AC disconnects on both sides.
Utility interconnection will require an account. Same with SMART. closeouts of permit, interconnection & SMART require some diligence.
Virtual Net Metering exists in Mass and requires a Form Z
Some towns required all drawings to be PE stamped.

You may want to find somebody who has done it before for a little guidance

Andy

[bob-n]

Andy,
That is really helpful. Thank you.

[J.P.M.]

Andy,
That is really helpful. Thank you.

As PVAndy wrote in a still active thread and similar to what as others have written over the years : "Please don't take all the info you receive on this forum as gospel".

I'd still suggest calling the AHJ and the POCO.

[PVAndy]

As PVAndy wrote in a still active thread and similar to what as others have written over the years : "Please don't take all the info you receive on this forum as gospel".

I'd still suggest calling the AHJ and the POCO.

Throwing on one more comment. We work in multiple states, residential, commercial & utility scale. Mass is one of the more difficult to close out projects in.

Take lots of photos of every aspect of the project. You'll need them to close out with utility. They will want to see photo of POCC (Point of Common Coupling)

Andy