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HARRISBURG — State Rep. Aaron Kaufer is one of several state legislators that introduced legislation this week to allow for community solar projects in Pennsylvania.
Kaufer said the legislation came about when lawmakers recognized that more and more Pennsylvanians are turning to solar energy to power their homes.
“All too often Pennsylvania property owners interested in relying on solar power to meet their energy needs learn their homes are not properly situated to have solar panels on their roofs. I am one of those homeowners,” said Kaufer, R-Kingston. “The bill we are introducing, which has more than three dozen co-sponsors, would give such homeowners, and others, the option to join their neighbors in creating community solar projects.”
Kaufer said at this time last year, the number of solar energy system installations in the state increased 24 percent over the same period in 2017. At nearly the same time, the cost to install large solar farms decreased 11 percent while the cost of rooftop systems decreased 26 percent. That shows solar is becoming increasing popular and even more cost effective for consumers.
Under House Bill 531, homeowners, renters and other property owners would be able to join other participants in subscribing to a portion of an off-site solar project and receive credit on their electricity bill for the power that is produced, just as if the panels were on their roofs.
It would also create new energy markets, encourage entrepreneurship, and open solar energy systems to low- and moderate-income residents who may otherwise not be able to afford such systems. Nineteen other states and Washington, D.C., have already given their residents the option of taking part in community solar projects.