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Background <br />Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which converts sunlight directly into electricity, is a key priority for <br />the state of Massachusetts' clean energy efforts The environmental benefits of solar PV abound Unlike <br />conventional fossil fuel power generation (such as coal, gas and oil), generating electricity with solar PV <br />involves no moving parts, uses no water, and generates electricity without emitting climate- warming <br />greenhouse gases or other pollutants. <br />Solar PV's environmental and energy benefits, combined with strong incentives, have significantly <br />increased the use of this technology The Commonwealth's vibrant solar industry has a variety of <br />ownership and financing options for Massachusetts residents and businesses looking to install solar PV <br />systems Purchasing a solar PV system generally involves upfront installation and equipment costs, but <br />there are significant incentives'. <br />As the Massachusetts clean energy sector grows, the Patrick- Murray Administration is working to ensure <br />that solar PV and other clean energy technologies are sited in a way that best protects human health <br />and the environment, and minimizes impacts on scenic, natural, and historic resources <br />Purpose of Guide <br />This guide is intended to help local decision- makers and community members answer common <br />questions about ground- mounted solar PV development Ground - mounted solar PV has many proven <br />advantages and there has been a steady growth of well received projects in the Commonwealth <br />However, these systems are still relatively new and unfamiliar additions to our physical landscape <br />This guide focuses on questions that have been raised concerning the installation and operation of <br />ground- mounted solar PV projects It provides summaries and links to existing research and studies that <br />can help people understand solar PV technology in general, and ground- mounted solar in particular <br />Solar PV panels can and are of course also installed on buildings2, car ports or light poles This guide <br />focuses on ground- mounted systems since most questions relate to this type of solar installations <br />Developed through the partnership of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), the <br />Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), and the Massachusetts Clean <br />Energy Center (MassCEC), this guide draws from existing, recent literature in the United States and <br />abroad and is not the result of new original scientific studies The text was reviewed by the National <br />Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) <br />As new information becomes available, the guide will be updated and expanded <br />1 For a comprehensive overview, start at http / /masscec com /index cfm /page /Solar- PV /pid/12584 and <br />http / /www dsireusa org /solar/ <br />Z For an overview of the multiple options for siting PV and buildings in the same footprint, see the Solar Ready <br />Buildings Planning Guide, NREL, 2009 <br />