On October 8, SolarBank Corporation announced plans to develop a 13.8 MW DC ground-mount solar power project known as the Grandview project on a site located in Lancaster County. The Project is part of a three-project plan totalling 24.8 MW DC.

On October 14, SolarBank Corporation announced its plans to develop a 7 MW DC ground-mount solar power project known as the Stauffer project  on a site located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The proposed community solar projects – which would be one of the first of its kind in Pennsylvania – would provide residents, including renters and those without suitable rooftops, with the opportunity to benefit from solar energy without the need to install panels on their own properties.

On March 26, 2024, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 1842, a bill enabling the potential development of community solar projects in the state, paving the way for companies like SolarBank to expand into the region and provide clean energy to residents of various income levels.

The development of the projects as a community solar project will be subject to the final approval of House Bill 1842 by the State government of Pennsylvania.

The bill is currently under review by the Senate.

“Community solar is a great way for everyone to access renewable energy,” said SolarBank CEO, Dr. Richard Lu. “Community members can go solar and contribute to building a sustainable future without having to install their own panels. We are excited for the next steps in developing the Grandview project, which would be a significant milestone in SolarBank’s community solar portfolio, in addition to being a part of Pennsylvania’s historic move toward a cleaner future.”

The Company has secured a lease over the project sites and will continue to work to complete the next steps in permitting, interconnection and securing the necessary financing for construction of the Project.

The clean energy generated by a community solar projects feeds directly into the local electricity grid.

Depending on the size and number of panels the projects has, dozens or even hundreds of renters and homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save money from the electricity that is generated by the project.

SolarBank’s strategic focus on community solar aligns with its goal of powering thousands of homes with clean and affordable energy.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

Resource Link:

-- Vote Solar, Solar United Neighbors, 60+ Groups Urge PA Senate To Unlock Community Solar Energy Benefits By Taking Action On Bipartisan Legislation  [PaEN]

Related Articles:

-- Team PA & Clean Air Task Force Convene Leaders To Discuss Challenges, Opportunities Of Industrial Decarbonization; DOE Provides Update On Decarbonization Investments In PA  [PaEN]

-- USDA Announces Investment Of $24 Million In 112 Clean Energy Projects In PA; $20.5 Million To Allegheny Electric Cooperative Under Rural Energy Programs  [PaEN]  

-- DCED Begins Accepting Applications For PA Solar For Schools Grants Nov. 1  [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments At 4 Public Input Sessions To Help Develop PA Home Energy Rebate Programs Starting Oct. 15  [PaEN]

-- SolarBank's First 2 Community Solar Projects In PA: 13.8-Megawatt And 7 Megawatt  Projects In Lancaster County Contingent On PA Passing Community Solar Legislation  [PaEN]

-- Appalachian Regional Commission Awards $18.5 Million In Pennsylvania To Support Economic Revitalization Of Communities Impacted By Downturn In Coal Industry  [PaEN] 

-- Community Advocates For Clean Energy Host Nov. 13 Webinar On EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program  [PaEN]

-- PJM Interconnection Winter Outlook: Adequate Power Supplies Available Under Normal Conditions; PJM Delays Next Power Auction After Prices Spike  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- Republican Herald: Pottsville Schools Report Saving $406,144 On Electric Bills Over 3 Years From Solar Energy Facilities

-- Natural Resources Defense Council Blog: More Jobs, Lower Costs - PA Solar For Schools Grant Program Opens Soon

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: New Solar Arrays May Be Coming Along PA Turnpike

-- Post-Gazette: University Of Pittsburgh Installs First Solar Panels On Dorm Rooftop

-- The Allegheny Front - Reid Frazier: Solar Program For Lower-Income Homeowners Could Be ‘In Jeopardy’ Under Ex-President

-- The Allegheny Front - Kara Holsopple: Farmer Support For Solar Leasing Depends On Compatibility With Rural Values

-- Observer-Reporter: Fayette County Zoning Board Nixes Request For Georges Township Solar Energy Facility

-- Citizens Voice: Fairview Twp. Supervisors Outline Solar Energy Facility Regulations In Luzerne County

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Jeremy Cox/Ad Crable: Solar Industry Electrifies Pushback In Rural Areas Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: US DOE Secretary: Clean Energy Must Overcome ‘Climate Deniers’

-- TribLive Guest Essay: We Must Build On, Not Kill, Clean Energy Momentum - by Adam Forgie, Mayor, Turtle Creek Borough

[Posted: October 8, 2024]

10/21/2024