Posted: | January 26, 2023 11:33 AM |
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From: | Senator Rosemary M. Brown |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Community Solar Legislation |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to enable community solar projects in Pennsylvania. Community solar allows neighbors, businesses, farms, and other community members to directly participate in and receive the benefits from a solar project connected to their local electric distribution company’s grid. Participants can subscribe to a portion of an offsite solar project and receive credit on their electricity bill for the power produced, just as if the panels were on their roof. This program extends to all Pennsylvania residents and businesses the ability to acquire solar energy from a specific community solar project. It also gives citizens and businesses the choice to participate – there is no mandate for participation or request for state funding. Under current law, individuals who are renters, have a shaded roof, live in an apartment building, or lack roof access, are unable to directly participate in Pennsylvania’s growing solar economy. This bill simply removes an existing policy barrier and by doing so will allow individuals to participate in a community solar project if they choose. It’s a simple fix that opens a new market sector in the energy industry, allowing for continued innovation. In addition, at a time where inflation is at an all-time high and electric rates are no exception to the increased costs, this provides a proven alternative. Community solar offers many benefits for both participants and the Commonwealth, including:
Community solar has successfully been implemented in 22 other states and the District of Columbia. Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov. Thank you for your consideration. |
Introduced as SB550