Solar industry growth has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs nation-wide, and save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars on electricity bills. That’s why we’re so excited that Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell spoke out on behalf of the economic benefits of solar energy in the Philadelphia Inquirer right on the heels of the launch of our Philadelphia group purchase program!
In a fabulously powerful opinion piece published last week, Governor Rendell demanded that the Pennsylvania legislature increase solar energy’s share of the state’s alternative energy portfolio to six times its current size through House Bill 2405. Now that is something that we at One Block Off the Grid can stand behind.
What’s Pennsylvania’s Current Solar Status?
Twenty-five thousand Pennsylvanians currently work in renewable-energy jobs, and the state’s consumers and businesses have invested at least $600 million in solar-energy projects! There are over 600 solar-related businesses in Pennsylvania. Needless to say, the green revolution has been strong in Pennsylvania. However, these jobs and investments won’t be around forever without the continued support of the state government. Rendell writes:
If we want to keep those businesses and the jobs they support, we must create a business environment that helps them expand and attracts companies that are looking to relocate.
While Philadelphia’s solar incentives are currently strong, the Commonwealth’s 2021 renewable energy standard only requires that 0.5% of the state’s energy come from solar power. In comparison, New Jersey will require that 4% of its electricity come from solar by 2021, Delaware 3.5% by 2025, and Maryland 2% by 2022. House Bill 2405 would increase Pennsylvania’s renewable energy standard to require that 3% of the state’s energy come from solar power
How Can Solar Benefit Homeowners and Business Owners?
Governor Rendell recognizes that growth of the local solar industry poses great benefits for Keystone state residents. He writes:
Besides putting Pennsylvania in a position to capitalize on this growth, increasing the state’s solar-energy requirement would help consumers control their electricity bills. The cost of solar energy has dropped by half from the levels of just a few years ago. In fact, solar energy now costs less than electricity from new nuclear power plants, according to a recent Duke University study.
When the owner of a business or home installs a solar system, he or she can count on benefiting from the power it provides at a stable price over the lifetime of the panels, or up to 25 years. That lessens the volatility of energy prices and lowers electricity costs, offsetting the costs of solar panels.
Furthermore, by increasing the alternative portfolio standard six-fold, from 0.5% to 3%, House Bill 2405 would significantly increase the demand for Solar Renewable Energy Credits (which are called Alternative Energy Credits (AECs) in Pennsylvania). AECs are accrued by homeowners with residential solar systems and sold to utility companies to offset dirty energy in compliance with the state’s alternative energy standard. AECs are one of the many financial incentives to go solar in Pennsylvania, and are sold at a competitive market rate. So the higher the demand for AECs, the more money homeowners stand to make from utility companies.
So What Can Pennsylvania Do to Compete?
In order to stay competitive with neighboring state economies, Pennsylvania must bring its A-game to the table. Rendell writes:
Next month, when the legislature returns to Harrisburg, we will have a final opportunity this year to ensure a robust market for solar-energy development in Pennsylvania. We may not be able to achieve a 3 percent requirement, but there is widespread support for a 1.5 percent target. Even that would go a long way toward making Pennsylvania more competitive with its neighbors, attracting companies and jobs rather than losing them to states where the sun shines brighter.
Governor, we’re convinced. Solar energy presents enormous potential growth for your state. At One Block Off the Grid, we wholeheartedly stand behind House Bill 2405. Pennsylvania, be bold or you’ll get left behind.
Facebook comments: