BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Charlie Baker has filed legislation he says will encourage the growth of solar energy projects in Massachusetts.

Baker said the measure filed on Friday will raise the existing cap on the state's "net metering" program that allows homeowners, businesses and local governments to sell excess solar power they generate back to the electrical grid in exchange for credit on their bills.

Activists said 171 communities across the state that have reached the cap and some larger solar projects have stalled.

The Massachusetts Senate recently passed legislation to lift the net-metering caps and direct the Department of Energy Resources to create a new solar incentive program when the state's 1,600 megawatt goal is reached.

Baker said his plan will help the state meet a 2020 goal well ahead of schedule.

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