In an effort to help Massachusetts reach its goal to be net-zero emissions by 2050, state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Middlesex & Worcester, is re-filling a bill for “solar ready roofs.”

Eldridge's legislation would require roofs on new residential and commercial buildings to be able to accommodate solar panels. He said a similar law passed in California, where roofs are reinforced so the weight of the panels is not an issue.

Eldridge said while people wouldn't be required to have solar, it would allow making the change much easier.

"We're seeing that people are really interested to do their part to combat climate change and again, they're finding with the net metering system that the solar power developed is actually going back to utility company and therefore the homeowner or business owner is actually making money through the net metering program,” Eldridge said. “So it's really a win-win and we're hoping that this is the session to further upgrade building codes to make it a true green building code."

Eldridge said the legislation would also apply to when a roof is renovated or replaced.