Posted: | January 16, 2019 03:23 PM |
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From: | Representative Aaron D. Kaufer and Rep. Donna Bullock, Rep. Peter Schweyer, Rep. David R. Millard |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Community Solar Legislation |
In the near future, we plan to introduce bi-partisan legislation to enable community solar projects in Pennsylvania and continue the effort we began last year in collaboration with solar businesses and other organizations. Community solar creates exciting new markets and encourages entrepreneurship by dramatically expanding opportunities for neighbors, businesses, farms and other community members to participate and benefit from a solar project connected to the electric grid in Pennsylvania. In community solar, 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. Community solar gives citizens and businesses the choice to participate—there is no mandate for participation or request for state funding. By passing this legislation, Pennsylvania would join 18 other states in giving its residents and businesses the opportunity to acquire solar energy from a community solar project. Many of our constituents now lack the ability to directly participate in Pennsylvania’s growing solar economy. They may be renters, live in an apartment building, have a shaded or otherwise inappropriate roof for solar. Others may own their properties, but may be uncertain in their length of tenure or the willingness to finance a traditional solar installation that stays with the property. Our bill simply removes an existing policy and market barrier, allowing for much greater participation in the solar economy by individuals, business and farmers if they choose. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB531