An Act allowing municipalities to reasonably regulate solar siting

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Aaron Saunders

Allows municipalities to reasonably regulate non-residential solar siting while preserving residential solar rights and aligning with local zoning and environmental protections.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means

Purpose and intent

H. 2331 seeks to clarify and expand the ability of municipalities to regulate the siting and installation of solar energy systems. The bill aims to balance the local planning authority with protections for residential solar, while permitting reasonable regulation of commercial, governmental, and non-residential solar installations to advance public health and safety, protect natural and agricultural lands, and ensure compatibility with municipal zoning.

Key provisions

Amendments to Chapter 40A, Section 3

The ninth paragraph of Section 3 would be replaced with a new framework governing solar siting.

Residential solar

No zoning ordinance or by-law shall prohibit or unreasonably regulate the installation of solar energy systems or related structures for residential purposes, except as necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare.

Commercial, governmental, and non-residential solar

These solar structures may be reasonably regulated to achieve: 1) Protection of public health, safety, and welfare 2) Preservation of forested lands, agricultural lands, or wetlands 3) Ensuring compatibility with municipal zoning

Who is affected

Municipalities and regional government entities: gain a clearer framework to regulate solar siting in a manner that aligns with local planning and land-use goals.

Residential property owners and solar installers: retain the right to install residential solar, with regulations limited to health/safety/welfare considerations.

Commercial, governmental, and non-residential solar developers and users: subject to reasonable local regulations aimed at safety, environmental preservation, and zoning compatibility.

Environmental and land-use stakeholders: potential gain from protections for forests, agricultural lands, wetlands, and compatible siting.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Sponsor: Representative Aaron L. Saunders (Belchertown)

Initial committee action: Referred to the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (February 27, 2025)

Status updates:

Reported favorably by committee and referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means (August 14, 2025)
Related hearing notices listed for July 22, 2025 and October 30, 2025

Related bill: HD 2776 (replaces)

Potential impact and considerations

Local control: The bill enshrines a principle of reasonable local regulation, particularly for non-residential solar, while protecting residential solar from undue barriers.

Land conservation: By allowing regulation to protect forests, farmland, and wetlands, the bill could influence siting near sensitive environmental areas.

Implementation: Municipalities would need to develop or adjust zoning by-laws and standards to reflect the new allowances, balancing safety, environmental protections, and zoning compatibility.

Bottom line

H. 2331 would permit municipalities to regulate solar siting in a structured, reasonable way, preserving residential solar rights while enabling targeted regulation of larger or non-residential solar projects to protect health, safety, welfare, and environmental resources, all within the framework of existing zoning. The bill is currently moving through the House, with scheduled hearings and a referral to Ways and Means for potential fiscal review.

Bill