Tell Your State Representatives to Support Community Solar

For one reason or another (they are renters, have shaded roofs, etc.), many people cannot put solar panels on their property. Community solar allows those people to purchase or lease a “share” in a community solar project and receive a credit on their monthly electricity bill for energy produced by that share. Right now, community solar is not allowed under Pennsylvania law, but HB 1555 would change that and allow over 230 community solar projects.

Right now, only 0.5% of Pennsylvania’s electricity comes from solar energy, which is one of the lowest rates in the country. HB 1555 would go a long way toward unlocking the potential for solar development in Pennsylvania. And community solar isn’t just good for the climate, it’s good for Pennsylvania’s economy, and is one of the only ways low-income residents can afford to get solar energy. A Penn State study estimated that a bill authorizing community solar would add 12,000 jobs and $1.8 billion of investment to Pennsylvania’s economy.

While HB 1555 has bipartisan support, it’s been stuck in the General Assembly for nearly a year. Your voice could be very important to getting this bill over the top—please urge your state legislator to support HB 1555.