Worcester Business Journal

20 Worcester Business Journal • April 25, 2016 www.wbjournal.com Join the WBJ's LinkedIn discussion group by scanning the code to the left on your smartphone. To scan the code, you need the NeoReader. Visit get.neoreader.com to download it onto your phone. Want to participate in the conversation? F L A S H P O L L T A L K B A C K SOLAR EXPANSION Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill into law to boost net metering caps that allow solar system owners to sell any excess energy they generate back to the electric grid at the retail rate, rather than the wholesale rate. Under the new legislation, however, the credit value for solar projects was reduced to 60 percent from 100 percent. "It was unfortunate that it took the administration and legislature more than a year to address the net- metering cap issue, and even after that, we are looking at dealing with it again in the fall. While relieved to see this compromise, having a long- term solution in place is good for both the state's economy and environment!" Anonymous WBJ poll commenter WORCESTER URBAN RENEWAL Worcester has laid out an area for urban renewal and may take properties from owners as a last resort to help spur development, targeting 118 underperforming acres. "I understand the frustration the city may have with some landlords, but using the eminant domain action for this intention is un-American." WBJournal.com commenter Padraig Are coworking spaces more than just a fad and here to stay? Coworking spaces here to stay I n April, Staples announced it would place three coworking spaces within Massachusetts stores in a partnership with Workbar. These are just the latest coworking spaces in what appears to be a continuously growing market. When we polled Worcester Business Journal readers, they overwhelming said coworking spaces are a vital part of the regional economy. COMMENTS: L ast week, Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill into law to boost net metering caps that allow solar system owners to sell any excess energy they generate back to the electric grid at the retail rate, rather than the wholesale rate. Under the new legislation, however, the credit value for solar projects was reduced to 60 percent from 100 percent. This was done in an effort to lower the cost of net metering for non-solar ratepayers. When polled, WBJ readers were split over the benefits of the compromise, with the slight plurality saying the industry needs to do without subsidies. Readers split over solar compromise Will the new solar law be good for the Massachusetts industry? COMMENTS: Yes. Many people working remotely need a more professional environment than a coffee shop. 74% Yes. This is a good compromise. 19% No. This industry needs to stand on its own without incentives. 31% "I think they are a fad now and many will close, but a few who get it right will stay. The Staples move is brilliant; makes a lot of sense if they are cool spaces." 7% 7% "Definitely not a fad. Coffee shops are fine every now and then, but for an extended work engagement, it needs to be more professional and without constant disruptions. Shared spaces are the way to go." No. People ultimately will choose a cohesive office environment. "They are here to stay! Hopefully!" No. The incentives got pulled back too much by reducing the credit to 60 percent. 23% Yes. They are perfect for small companies with dispersed employees. 12% No. They are a stopgap for a continued move towards everyone working from home. Yes. We need to keep this industry growing and for now that means incentives. 27% "Solar is highly valuable but also needs to be manageable at a large scale to be sustainable. As someone who installed it already, I am happy to have been a fairly early adopter and enjoyed the incentives but don't think a lighter incentive makes it much less attractive. It's still a great deal for the consumer and environment." "Once again, following the vapors of glitz and glamour rather than supporting true manufacturing and steady jobs." "This needs to be followed up with a post- 1,600-megawatt legislation now this calendar year, not in 12 months."

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