On March 26, Solar United Neighbors celebrated the passage of House Bill 1842 (Schweyer-D- Lehigh) in the Pennsylvania House. State representatives voted 111-90 to advance the legislation to enable community solar onto the Senate for consideration. 

“We are thrilled to see House Bill 1842 moving forward swiftly with bipartisan support,” said Monica Carey, Pennsylvania program director for SUN. “This bill will make solar energy more accessible and affordable for people throughout Pennsylvania. It promotes energy equity and ensures the benefits of community solar reach low-and-moderate income subscribers. The added benefits of House Bill 1842 include job creation for Pennsylvania workers and diversification of our energy sources in the process.”

“We now urge the Senate to continue this momentum so we can finally give Pennsylvanians the ability to choose what’s right for them when it comes to their electricity. SUN’s 22,500 members in Pennsylvania, along with others across the Commonwealth, are eager to experience the money-saving, clean energy benefits of community solar.”

The program would allow Pennsylvanians who don’t own their homes or can’t finance solar, or who have unsuitable roofs, to purchase a “share” in a nearby solar installation.

House Bill 1842 bill levels the playing field for all energy consumers and would benefit people in every region of Pennsylvania.

A Penn State economic study found that community solar projects are projected to create 12,000 total jobs in the Commonwealth and generate a $1.8 billion stimulus for the economy.

Related Articles - Solar:

-- Bipartisan House, Senate Members Introduce Legislation Establishing Real Community Solar Program To Help Address Home/Business Energy Spikes Caused By Volatile Natural Gas Prices [PaEN]

-- Gov. Shapiro Unveils Cap-And-Invest PA Climate Emissions Reduction Initiative To Reduce Carbon Pollution From Power Plants; Update Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards To Diversify Electric Generation, Improve Reliability  [PaEN]

-- Pennsylvania’s Electric Grid Is Dependent On One Fuel To Generate 59% Of Our Electricity; Market Moving To Renewables + Storage  [PaEN]

Related Articles - Solar:

-- Solar United Neighbors Celebrate House Passage Of Community Solar Energy Bill; Senate Urged To Pass The Bill  [PaEN]

-- Delaware County Hosts 3rd Annual Sustainability Conference May 30 At Widener University  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: USDA Sends $6 Million To PA For Solar Energy Projects

-- The Allegheny Front: Largest Solar Energy Facility In PA To Be Built On Former Coal Mine With $90 Million Federal Grant

-- TribLive: PA Solar Center Finds Greensburg, Jeannette Areas Could Save $19 Million Over 25 Years By Switching To Solar Energy

-- Scranton Times: Clinton Twp. Signs Off On Solar Energy Facility

-- The Center Square: PA’s Renter-Friendly Solar Energy Plan Moves Forward

-- MCall: Old Homes, Many Rentals Put Solar Energy Out Of Reach, Lehigh Valley Lawmakers Has A Plan To Change That

-- PennLive Guest Essay: PA Senators Should Pass Solar For School Bill - By Members IBEW Union Local 98, Local 5

-- Williamsport Sun: A Novel Way To Protect Birds Is Through Renewable Energy

[Posted: March 26, 2024]

4/1/2024