UMass Amherst Clean Energy Extension to Host Public Solar Forum Focused on Opportunities, Challenges of Solar Development in Western Mass.

UMass Amherst Clean Energy Extension will host a public solar forum focused on the opportunities and challenges of solar development in Western Massachusetts.

The Western Massachusetts Solar Forum is a series of online public discussions and information-sharing sessions focused on the opportunities and challenges associated with solar photovoltaic development and installation in western Massachusetts. The forum will meet each Tuesday in September, beginning on Sept. 5. All meetings will begin at noon.

Part I of the forum will consist of four virtual sessions, held each Tuesday in September, led by experts representing a diversity of perspectives who will provide an overview of the current state of solar deployment, including challenges, opportunities and current initiatives. Attendee perspectives will be incorporated through pre- and post-forum surveys, session polls and Q&A (more details below).

Based on participant interest, there are plans for a Part II of the Western Massachusetts Solar Forum, which would be held in spring 2024.

Organizers include UMass Clean Energy Extension, Sen. Jo Comerford, Rep. Mindy Domb and a planning committee of stakeholders and experts. Additional legislative co-sponsors can be found here.

Agenda for Part I: 

Sept. 5 - Session 1: Solar in Massachusetts - Past, Present and Future

Sept. 12 - Session 2: Solar Development & Land Use in Massachusetts

Sept. 19 - Session 3: Solar Equity and Community Benefits

Sept. 26 - Session 4: Perspectives on Solar

Registration can be completed on the event website. For additional information, please visit https://cvent.me/Onzl9G.