A provision in the Fiscal Code bill passed with the FY 2024-25 state budget last year prohibits the expenditure of Solar for All federal funds in Pennsylvania until specific legislation is passed to authorize the program. Read more here.
The vote to report the bill was 15 to 11, with Republicans on the Committee opposed, except for Rep. Craig Williams (R-Chester) who voted yes.
The Committee also reported out House Bill 660 (O’Mara-D-Delaware) setting minimum energy and water efficiency standards for certain appliances was amended and also reported out of Committee by a vote of 14 to 12, Republicans were opposed.
Both bills were reported to the full House and Tabled.
Background
Solar United Neighbors Action (SUN Action) joins solar advocates across the Commonwealth in celebrating legislative action to move the bill out of Committee and to the full House.
The legislation promises to unlock $156 million in federal dollars earmarked for the state, paving the way for implementation of the Solar For All program.
"We are thrilled to see HB 362 advanced through the House Energy Committee, bringing us one step closer to activating the benefits of the Solar For All program, including lower electric bills, new jobs, and a more reliable and resilient power grid," said SUN Action Pennsylvania Program Director Monica Carey.
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar For All program provides financial incentives and support for solar installations, covering the costs of installing solar panels to benefit income-limited residents of rural, urban, and suburban regions of the Commonwealth.
If authorized through final action on House Bill 362, it would expand solar access to more than 12,500 households across Pennsylvania without any new cost to taxpayers or utility ratepayers.
Could Lower Electric Bills 20% Or More
Pennsylvanians who go solar will lower their electricity bills by 20% or more, and total savings would add up to more than $468 million over the next 25 years.
Along with benefits for homeowners and ratepayers, establishing the Solar for All program in Pennsylvania would prompt the creation of new jobs, expand clean energy workforce training, and drive local economic growth for small businesses.
Unlocking these funds is critical for the nearly 4,300 Pennsylvanians working in the solar industry, along with the 500 in-state companies in Pennsylvania that manufacture, install, and support other elements of solar energy production.
Solar advocates urge Pennsylvania House members to pass the bill without delay to help facilitate swift movement through the remaining legislative process and ensure funds are distributed by the end of May 2025.
If the legislature fails to act in time, thousands of households will miss out on this powerful financial relief program, and Pennsylvania will forgo an opportunity to create family-sustaining jobs.
“This legislation is a game-changer and the already-allocated federal funds releases will provide critical resources to make solar energy and necessary home repairs affordable and accessible to Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth,” said Carey.
Visit the Solar United Neighbors Action website for more information on solar energy in Pennsylvania.
NewsClip:
-- The Allegheny Front: PA House Committee Takes First Step To Access Federal Low-Income Solar Funds
Related Articles This Week:
-- House Environmental Committee OK’d Bills Expanding C-PACE Financing For EV Charging; Study Lake Erie Renewable Energy; Promoting Invertebrate Biodiversity [PaEN]
-- PA Solar Center: Westmoreland County Businesses, Tax-Exempt Organizations Can Learn How to Save Money On Electric Bills At March 27 In-Person Meeting [PaEN]
-- Philadelphia Solar Energy Assn.: Solar Panel Recycling, Refurbishment Now Available In Philly Area [PaEN]
-- City & State PA Hosts April 22 Energy Summit - The Future Of Energy In Pennsylvania [PaEN]
[Posted: March 18, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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