Solar Policy and Advocacy Network

Policy Matters!

Policy drives investment in solar energy across the nation. States with strong solar policy see larger adoption of solar energy systems, more private investment and many more people working in the industry than states with weak policies.

While Pennsylvania was once the 4th leading solar state, it has dropped to 22nd because of lack of leadership in Harrisburg.

The Pennsylvania Solar Center works with solar companies, solar owners and advocates across Pennsylvania to educate legislators and decision makers about sound policies that will help our state’s citizens, businesses and communities take advantage of solar energy, to grow our economy with clean, renewable energy and produce family-sustaining jobs.

Take Action!

The Pennsylvania House just introduced a bill (HB 1467) to make much-needed improvements to our renewable energy standards, as well as to activate community solar in Pennsylvania.

Now we need your help to make this bill become law. Reach out to your state representative today and ask them to cosponsor the bill!

All you have to do is click here and fill out a quick form; review the pre-drafted message (and customize it if you’d like); then hit send! The website will make sure it goes to the right place. (Even if you have no idea who your state representative is!)

House Bill 1467 will expand the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) requirements that were originally passed in 2004 for renewable energy from the current 8% to 30% renewables by 2030, including 8% for in-state utility-scale solar, 2% for in-state community solar, and 4% for in-state distributed (i.e., solar used on-site like rooftop solar). It will also enable community solar projects, which are not currently permitted in Pennsylvania. Community solar allows people who cannot install solar on their properties to subscribe to a portion of the energy generated by a solar system located in their community, which would be credited to their electric bill.

Needless to say, this bill will be a game-changer for PA, as it will reduce the price of electricity for all electricity customers; create enormous savings for entities such as businesses, nonprofits, farms, municipalities, faith communities, and homeowners who go solar; diversify our energy mix; and create tens of thousands of jobs. Before you move on with the rest of your day, please take two minutes to send this pre-drafted note  to your state representative! 

 

Trying to keep track of all the solar legislation in Pennsylvania? Refer to our handy Solar Legislative Guide and quick reference guide for key bills!

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Read our testimony to the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee hearing on impacts of solar on ratepayers on June 20, 2023.

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Do you think that 0.5% solar is enough for Pennsylvania?  Or do you want more?

It’s time to share your thoughts with our legislators.

There are several bills in the Pennsylvania General Assembly that will raise the renewable energy goals in the state that are set to flatlined on May 31, 2021 and won’t increase without action!

Bills like SB 230, if passed, are projected to create upwards of 50,000 jobs or more, attract billions in private investments, diversify our energy goals and save family farms. For current and future solar owners, these bills would likely increase the value of the renewable energy credits that help to pay for the solar systems.

1. FIND YOUR LEGISLATORS HERE –
2. Call, write, or visit your legislators and tell them how you feel.
3. If you call them, send them a letter or an email, please let us know about it by filling out this quick form.
4. Need help? – Watch the webinar with Phyllis Blumberg, our Solar Ambassador Facilitator who led participants through a letter writing exercise.
5. For more background information, check out the PA Solar Center infographic FINAL energy as a path topasolarcenter.org/…/PA-Solar-Center-infographic-FINAL.pdf economic recovery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Solar Policies Today

Current Pennsylvania laws that benefit solar include:

• Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) of 2004
• Net Metering
• Act 40 of 2017 (closing the “borders” so all solar in the AEPS must come from in-state solar)

What Policies Do We Still Need?

• Increase the solar requirement of the AEPS
• Legislation that will allow Community Solar
• Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Equipment

What YOU Can Do!

1) Sign up for our Action Alerts here.

2) Contact your state legislators to tell them that you would like more solar energy in Pennsylvania. Find your State Legislators here.