Energy (Solar)

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 11, 2025

SB 618: An Act amending Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to condominiums, further providing for definitions; and, in management of the condominium, further providing for powers of unit owners' association.

SB 618 clarifies definitions in Pennsylvania's condominium laws and specifically protects solar energy installations on certain unit types. It defines "detached roof" (a roof solely owned by a unit owner) and "townhouse unit" (a single-family design with specific construction features), then prohibits homeowners' associations from banning solar panels on these units. The law directly affects condo owners seeking to install solar energy systems on detached roofs or townhouse units, ensuring associations cannot restrict such installations. This changes existing rules by explicitly limiting associations' authority over solar energy systems in defined unit categories.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits HOAs from banning solar panels on detached roofs/townhouses, directly protecting residential solar installations per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 9, 2025

SB 590: An Act amending the act of November 23, 2010 (P.L.1083, No.108), known as the Covered Device Recycling Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

SB 590 amends Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act by updating definitions to clarify which electronic products are subject to the state's recycling program. It explicitly adds "photovoltaic modules" (solar panels used in buildings or off-grid systems) to the list of covered devices while excluding mobile phones, personal digital assistants, GPS devices, and appliances like refrigerators. The bill defines "manufacturer" to include computer, television, and solar panel producers, specifying who must comply with existing recycling obligations. These changes refine the scope of the law without altering current requirements for covered devices.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExplicitly adds photovoltaic modules (solar panels) to recycling program, supporting renewable energy infrastructure lifecycle management.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds photovoltaic modules (solar panels) to recycling program, promoting clean energy infrastructure sustainability and reducing e-waste from renewable tech.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAdds photovoltaic modules (solar panels) to recycling program, expanding coverage for tech devices under sustainable policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Recycling

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1260: An Act providing for solar-ready projects involving a warehouse or distribution center; authorizing tax exemptions and special tax provisions; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposing penalties.

HB 1260 would allow businesses owning warehouses or distribution centers to install solar energy systems by providing tax exemptions for "solar-ready" projects. It directly affects commercial property owners in the state by reducing their tax burden for qualifying solar installations. Key provisions include authorizing special tax breaks, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to establish guidelines for these projects, and imposing fines for non-compliance with solar-ready construction standards. The bill aims to incentivize renewable energy adoption in large commercial facilities through concrete tax policy changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax exemptions for commercial solar projects, reducing tax burden on qualifying businesses per bill's tax exemption provisions.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides tax exemptions for commercial solar installations, directly promoting renewable energy adoption through financial incentives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes solar energy adoption via tax exemptions for commercial properties, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing carbon footprint through financial incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 22, 2025

HB 272: An Act establishing the Municipal and Emergency Responder Solar Grant Program; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection.

HB 272 establishes a grant program to help Pennsylvania municipalities and emergency service facilities (like fire stations, police departments, and ambulance services) install solar energy systems. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the program, awarding competitive grants to cover eligible costs such as solar equipment, installation, permits, and site assessments. Applicants must submit a site assessment and verify contractors meet licensing, safety, and legal requirements through an affidavit. The program also requires the department to provide technical assistance and educational resources about solar energy projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEstablishes grant program for municipal solar installations, funding renewable energy infrastructure and promoting clean energy adoption through competitive grants for solar equipment and installation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes solar grants for municipalities/emergency services, promoting clean energy adoption and reducing carbon emissions through renewable infrastructure funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 504: An Act providing for community energy facilities; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, electric distribution companies and subscriber organizations; and providing for prevailing wage and labor requirements.

Senate Bill 504, known as the Community Energy Act, establishes a program for community energy facilities in Pennsylvania. This bill allows electric customers, including homeowners, renters, and businesses, to subscribe to a portion of a local solar or renewable natural gas facility. Subscribers would receive credits on their monthly electric bills for the energy generated, aiming to provide guaranteed savings. The bill outlines duties for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and electric distribution companies, and includes prevailing wage and labor requirements for the construction and operation of these facilities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEnables community solar/renewable natural gas subscriptions with bill credits, promoting renewable energy adoption and consumer savings through guaranteed savings program.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes community solar/renewable energy facilities with subscriber credits, directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly mandates 'prevailing wage and labor requirements' for community energy projects, directly advancing fair compensation standards for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Solar Utility Regulation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 336: An Act providing for solar energy facilities on certain land; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture; and providing for a tax credit.

SB 336 prohibits solar energy facilities on Pennsylvania agricultural land with high-quality soil (Class 1 or 2) and requires landowners to seek soil classification certification from the Department of Agriculture before leasing land for solar projects. The bill creates a tax credit covering up to 30% of a solar project’s cost (3¢ per kilowatt-hour) for facilities on eligible sites like brownfields, abandoned mines, capped landfills, warehouse rooftops, or parking canopies, with an annual $5 million cap on credits. It excludes small solar projects under 2 megawatts, pre-existing agreements, and agricultural land where low-quality soil makes up only a small portion of the parcel. The tax credit application process requires annual submission by February 1 and approval by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit covering up to 30% of solar project costs for eligible sites, providing direct tax relief to incentivize renewable energy development. This tax policy advances fiscal support for clean energy through targeted tax incentives.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides tax credit (30% cost coverage) for solar projects on eligible sites like brownfields, promoting renewable energy development while restricting solar on high-quality farmland.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incentivizes solar projects on brownfields/abandoned mines via tax credit, promoting clean energy adoption while restricting on high-quality farmland.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Solar

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 1556: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, providing for an advanced clean manufacturing project and further providing for definitions.

HB 1556 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to add new tax credits under the PA EDGE program specifically for "advanced clean manufacturing projects." This bill directly affects businesses constructing or expanding facilities that produce clean energy technology, such as solar panels or battery components. The key change expands the existing PA EDGE tax credit program to include these advanced clean manufacturing projects, providing financial incentives for qualifying investments. The bill does not alter other existing PA EDGE provisions or create new tax credit categories beyond this specific addition.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds tax credits for clean manufacturing under PA EDGE, providing fiscal incentives to businesses through expanded tax credits in the Tax Reform Code.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAdds tax credits for clean energy manufacturing projects, directly incentivizing renewable infrastructure investment per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds tax credits for advanced clean manufacturing projects (e.g., solar/battery production), directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions per bill's focus on clean technology incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

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passed · Pennsylvania · House May 22, 2025

HB 504: An Act providing for community energy facilities; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, electric distribution companies and subscriber organizations; and providing for prevailing wage and labor requirements.

HB 504, the Community Energy Act, establishes a framework for third-party-owned community energy projects (like solar gardens) in Pennsylvania. It requires electric distribution companies to connect these facilities, provides bill credits to subscribers (homeowners, renters, and businesses) for energy generated, and ensures guaranteed savings by linking subscription payments to bill reductions. Key provisions include setting size limits (max 5,000 kW for most facilities), mandating that at least 50% of subscriptions come from small users or farms, and requiring fair wages for construction workers. The bill directly affects electric companies (with new connection duties), community energy organizations (as owners/operators), and subscribers (who gain access to shared renewable energy).

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEnables community solar projects (renewable energy), mandates utility connections, provides bill credits for subscribers, and ensures savings - directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and consumer access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates prevailing wage requirements for community energy projects, directly advancing worker compensation standards per bill's explicit provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Utility Regulation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Aug 27, 2025

SB 983: An Act providing for commercial/industrial rooftop solar generation; establishing the Commercial/Industrial Rooftop Solar Program; and promulgating regulations.

SB 983 creates a program to support commercial and industrial businesses in installing solar panels on their rooftops. It directly affects large businesses (such as factories, warehouses, and offices) with suitable roof space. The bill establishes rules for program participation and sets standards for solar installations. The bill is currently pending review by the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates Commercial/Industrial Rooftop Solar Program to promote renewable energy infrastructure and solar adoption by businesses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 522: An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Department of General Services to lease certain submerged lands within Erie County and associated wind, water and solar resources for the assessment, development, construction and operation of utility scale offshore wind, solar or kinetic energy generation facilities; providing for collection of certain lease and royalty payments; establishing the Lake Erie Large-Scale Energy System Development Fund; and providing for distributions and transfers from the fund.

This bill authorizes Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to lease submerged lands in Lake Erie (Erie County) for utility-scale offshore wind, solar, or kinetic energy projects, with requirements to avoid nearshore areas, shipping lanes, and migratory pathways. It establishes the Lake Erie Large-Scale Energy System Development Fund to collect lease and royalty payments from these projects, with funds distributed for energy development and related purposes. The bill sets a lease size limit of 25 to 10,000 contiguous acres and mandates that designated areas be developed in consultation with conservation agencies.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAuthorizes utility-scale offshore wind/solar development on public lands, establishes fund for lease payments, and directs funds toward energy development - directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes utility-scale offshore wind/solar projects with environmental safeguards, establishes fund for clean energy development, directly promotes renewable energy infrastructure per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Wind Conservation

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