PHILADELPHIA, PA — If a revolution is quietly brewing on Pennsylvania rooftops, it is powered by sunlight. According to a recent report from the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, small-scale solar energy production in Pennsylvania has grown by a staggering 2.3 times in the last five years.
This surge of sun-fueled power generation has made Pennsylvania a middle-of-the-road player in the national arena, ranking 15th in the expansion of rooftop solar in the United States. A noteworthy climb, yet dwarfed by neighboring states New Jersey and New York, both of which made the top 10 for total generation and growth in small-scale solar last year. Each generated approximately four times Pennsylvania’s solar power output.
“As Pennsylvanians, why should we pay for polluting energy when we can harness the sun’s power from our rooftops instead?” Ellie Kerns, Climate and Clean Energy Associate with PennEnvironment, rightly questions. This sentiment echoes within the state’s rising dependence on solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, easing grid strain, and increasing resilience to threats like extreme weather.
The growth statistics in the Keystone State are promising: a 207% increase in residential solar, 68% increase in commercial-scale solar, and a 36% rise in industrial solar over the last five years. However, the total output of small-scale solar power provides electricity to only about 1.3% of Pennsylvania’s homes.
Despite the recent growth, Pennsylvania has only utilized a fraction (around 1/76th) of its potential solar energy, highlighting an untapped resource waiting for exploration. This significant potential contrasts with the US overall, which has tapped only about 1/28th of the country’s rooftop solar potential.
Now, more than ever, harnessing this vital resource is crucial. As State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler asserts, the state can lead the way in renewable energy production, “One of the best ways to jumpstart our production of renewables is by investing in schools and public infrastructure.”
Experts advise renewing the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) and expanding clean energy requirements for wind and solar power to at least 30% by 2030. This idea is gaining traction, with two bills proposing to renew and increase AEPS already in the pipeline.
But policy changes are only part of the equation. Pennsylvania’s journey to a solar future will also require incentivizing solar adoption, compensating excess solar power production (net metering), upgrading grid connection policies for rooftop solar systems, and simplifying permit processes.
The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act also offers opportunities for individual homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits to benefit. The Act includes federal tax credits covering 30% of the cost for homeowners installing a solar system, electricity production tax credits for businesses, and full value direct payments for nonprofits.
As Kern concludes, “Every sunny roof without solar panels is a wasted opportunity.” With the potential of solar power glaringly evident and the federal incentives now in place, it is time for Pennsylvania to lead the way in the rooftop revolution.
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