“Sen. Benjamin Downing, who has already started the next phase of his career working for a commercial solar company, will headline a business-sponsored panel discussion Thursday on solar policy and challenges ahead in Massachusetts. Downing did not seek re-election this November after 10 years in the Senate, and has already begun his new job as vice president of new market development for Nexamp, a Massachusetts-based commercial and community solar company. Downing will wear two hats for a few more weeks until the next Senate is sworn in on Jan. 4. He has said he will not be involved in any legislative work relating to solar policy, which shouldn’t be too hard given that the Legislature won’t meet in formal sessions again until the new year. The Pittsfield Democrat is listed as one of three panelists assembled by the Climate Action Business Association as part of its “The State of Solar in Massachusetts” event. Downing will be joined by Peregrine Energy CEO Paul Gromer and Solstice Initiative head of outreach Mark Hoff to discuss the future of the electricity grid, how utilities and solar fit into it, and what changes are needed in state policy to keep pace with the market for solar power. The panel will be moderated by WBUR reporter Bruce Gellerman, according to an advisory. The Baker administration is developing a new tariff-based system to incentivize solar growth in Massachusetts and figuring out how to bridge the gap between January, when the current incentive program ends, and next summer when the new regulatory structure is expected to be implemented.” – Matt Murphy/SHNS