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House Bill Introduced Authorizing Community Solar Energy Programs

On April 8, Our Solar PA Coalition, organized labor, and industry groups, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced House Bill 1155 (Schweyer- D-Lehigh), which will authorize community solar programs across the state.

The legislation will promote local economic development, enhancing energy reliability, and reducing energy costs.

Community solar expands access to clean energy to individuals who typically cannot benefit from residential solar, such as renters and those living in buildings unsuitable for solar panel installation.

Through community solar, all Pennsylvanians will be able to benefit from clean, affordable energy.

This bill, introduced by Rep. Peter Schweyer, closely mirrors legislation passed through the House in 2024 with strong bipartisan support.

The Our Solar PA Coalition, which represents 36 organizations from across the state united in advocating for a people-first community solar program, celebrated the inclusion of many of its priorities in the bill, including guaranteed savings for subscribers, strong consumer protections, and the integration of community solar with subscribers’ existing utility bill.

Stakeholders have issued the following statements in support of House Bill 1155:

“With the recent announcement that PJM expects electricity usage to triple from the initial projections, now is the time to enact legislation such as Community Solar,” said IBEW 3rd District International Vice President Dennis Affinati. “This will help expand solar markets to members of the community regardless of geographic or financial limitations. By creating this opportunity, we will help satisfy the demands of consumers while training the workforce for the future energy economy. The IBEW will always support responsible energy projects regardless of fuel source and we feel Community Solar will play a key role in Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio going forward.”

"Community solar is well-positioned to respond to the challenges and opportunities of solar development on active, abandoned, or reclaimed mine sites," said Bobby Hughes, Executive Director of the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation. "These sites are often within close proximity to existing grid infrastructure and underserved coalfield communities, yet are generally smaller and fragmented, meaning they are not ideal for 100 acres-plus grid-scale projects. There is a need for additional pathways such as community solar for medium sized solar installations to be economically viable to unlock previously mined sites for solar development."

“We applaud the Governor’s commitment to an all of the above strategy to keep Pennsylvania energy independent and a net exporter of grid reliability,” said Carlo Cavallaro, Midwest Regional Director, Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA). “Everywhere that it’s been implemented, community solar has delivered value to landowners and cost savings to consumers. We look forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to pass a bipartisan bill that will bring clean power to the grid and savings to families across Pennsylvania.”

"Establishing community solar in the Commonwealth will allow more Pennsylvanians to access solar energy, which will lower climate pollution, clean up our air, support energy independence, and help people save money on their energy bills," said PennEnvironment Deputy Director Flora Cardoni. "Pennsylvanians from all walks of life will have the option to opt in together and expand access to clean energy for their community."

“While neighboring states like New York, Maryland, and New Jersey have successfully implemented community solar programs, Pennsylvania has yet to establish one despite bipartisan support,” said Elowyn Corby, Vote Solar Action Fund’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Director. “We’re grateful to Representative Schweyer for championing this legislation, which will make abundant clean energy more affordable and accessible to all Pennsylvania residents.”

“Right now, many Pennsylvanians don’t get to choose where their electricity comes from,” said Monica Carey, Pennsylvania Program Director for Solar United Neighbors. “That means they’re subject to fluctuating energy prices and decisions made by big utility companies. But with community solar, a new option will open up. Ratepayers would have more cost-saving energy choices, allowing them to make the decision that’s right for them.”

“Community solar would help counter rising electricity prices, enhance grid resilience, and allow people without the ability to install solar panels to benefit from solar energy. This is an all-win option for improving the quality of life for the residents of Pennsylvania,” said Nate Reagle of Sierra Club PA.

“Solar energy is abundant and clean, providing reliable energy without polluting our air and water,” said Alex Bomstein, Clean Air Council’s Executive Director. “Community solar gives people a choice in where their energy comes from, allowing residents and businesses who may otherwise not be able to install their own solar panels to also benefit from renewable and affordable solar energy.”

Related Articles This Week:

-- PA House Bill Introduced Authorizing Community Solar Energy Programs [PaEN]

-- PUC To Host Meeting Of The PA Sustainable Energy Board On April 17 [PaEN]

-- PA Solar Center, Philadelphia Energy Authority To Hold April 22 Webinar On How Businesses, Municipalities, Schools Can Save Money Going Solar In Southeast PA [PaEN]

-- Reminder: DEP April 17 Climate Action Plan Community Climate Conversations Webinar. 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Read more here.

-- Penn State Institute Of Energy And The Environment To Hold Climate Solutions Symposium May 19-20 In State College

-- President Issues Executive Orders Requiring 1 Year Sunset Dates On Existing Regulations Affecting Energy; Identifying Regulations Limiting Competition [PaEN]

-- President Signs Executive Orders Directing US Attorney General To Take Action Against States Impeding Domestic Energy Production; Rescinds Policies Transition Away From Coal; Lifts Toxics Standards For Coal Power Plants [PaEN]

-- PJM Interconnection Supports Presidential Exemptions From Clean Air Act Standards Requested By 13,900 MW Of Electric Generation In PJM Region, Including Keystone And Conemaugh Power Plants In PA [PaEN]

-- Liberty Energy, Range Resources Announce Support For Developing A Natural Gas Data Center Power Plant In Robinson Twp., Washington County [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- AP-Marc Levy: President’s New Energy Order Puts State’s Climate Law In The Crosshairs Of The US Dept. Of Justice [PA Included]