Warehouses scouted for solar power in Pennsylvania

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(The Center Square) – With Pennsylvania emerging as one of the nation’s fastest-growing hubs for warehouse development, lawmakers say their vast rooftops could hold the key to expanding solar power and easing projected future energy shortfalls. 

Both chambers of the General Assembly are now weighing legislation that would create programs and incentives to tap the unused potential of the space atop existing and future warehouses. 

Senate Bill 983, introduced by Sens. Nick Miller, D-Allentown, and Rosemary Brown, R-Scotrun, would establish a commercial and industrial rooftop solar program that aims to streamline the development of front-of-meter projects, which generate energy that can be sent back to the grid. 

They say the legislation is expected to reduce costs for consumers by efficiently integrating electricity into the grid and scaling operations for years to come, resulting in a more resilient energy system.

“Pennsylvania must take proactive measures to expand its energy capacity, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy solutions that prioritize consumer interests,” Miller said in a press release. “Generating clean energy without utilizing new land or major transmission upgrades will allow Pennsylvania to boost its economic growth while reducing its carbon footprint by using untapped sites.”

The bill also specifies the eligibility of solar generators for state alternative energy credits, providing consumers with cost savings.  And, to help clear the backlog of interconnection requests, it allows solar projects already in the application process with their electric distribution company before the law takes effect to move ahead. 

The proposal awaits consideration by the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee.

Similarly, House Bill 1260, has been referred to the House Energy Committee, has had a hearing and is under active discussion. As drafted, it would require new warehouses to be built solar-ready and create tax incentives for retrofitting existing ones. 

A 2023 PennEnvironment report states that Pennsylvania’s 16,000-plus warehouses offer more than 516 million square feet of potential solar space – enough to generate power for more than 820,000 homes while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Solar is just one of the solutions being proposed by energy experts to help bridge the gap between rising electric demand and projected supply shortages. 

“As energy needs grow, we must look to practical, efficient solutions. This legislation makes smart use of existing infrastructure to generate clean energy without sacrificing farmland or requiring major new investments in transmission,” Brown told The Center Square. 

“By cutting red tape and opening up commercial rooftops for solar, we can lower energy costs, strengthen our grid, and drive economic development while putting ratepayers first.”