Introduction of Community Solar Bill Brings Pennsylvania One Step Closer to Reliable and Affordable Energy
New Legislation Represents a People-Centered Solution for Clean Energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
Harrisburg, PA– Supported by the Our Solar PA Coalition, organized labor, and industry groups, Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced HB 1155, 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 Representative 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 HB 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.”
“Pennsylvania’s ‘all of the above’ energy policy is mostly ‘all of the BELOW,’ focusing on fossil fuels and ignoring less expensive, cleaner renewables,” said Tom Hoffman from Third Act PA. “That leaves us vulnerable to price spikes, outages and climate disasters. With community solar, we could add much-needed renewable energy to the grid while creating jobs and lowering prices for consumers.”
“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.”
About Our Solar PA
Our Solar PA is a coalition of over 30 groups across the state that believe all Pennsylvanians deserve the economic, health, resilience, and environmental benefits of local clean energy. We are united behind a belief that community solar has the power to meaningfully expand access to clean energy in the Commonwealth, advancing energy independence, good jobs, and environmental stewardship in the process.
About Vote Solar Action Fund
The Vote Solar Action Fund (VSAF), a 501(c)(4) sister organization to Vote Solar, aims to realize a 100% clean energy future through a solutions-driven, people-first approach. VSAF, advocates for solar energy policies in target states, and despite powerful opposition, we use a winning combination of deep policy expertise, coalition building, and public engagement to get the job done.
PennEnvironment is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment..
Third Act Pennsylvania is an organization of elders aged 60+ working across the Keystone State to safeguard the climate and our democracy.
Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Pennsylvania and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. SUN has a mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.
Clean Air Council is a member-supported environmental organization serving Pennsylvania and the surrounding regions. The Council is dedicated to protecting everyone’s right to a healthy environment.