Raise the Roof for Solar
PA utility rates rose sharply this past summer. So, lawmakers are looking for new sources of cheap electricity. And just one of the many answers could come from an unlikely source. A new rule being considered could require warehouse roofs to have space for hosting solar panels. During a recent PA house panel, the rule had a lot of support. Still, other’s question how much the new building rules could actually lower electricity rates.
Warehouse Roofs Could Make Clean Solar for PA
Warehouse growth in PA has been enormous. PA ranks eighth in the country for the total number of warehouses in the state, with over 1,000 acres of roof space. House Bill 1260 intends to make use of that fact. The bill would require at least 40% of the roof area on new warehouses be used for solar panels. The rule is waived if the land is unsuitable or the costs to make the roof solar ready are too high. While owners of existing warehouses do not need to install solar panels, they would get tax credits if they did.
Lawmakers and experts testified in favor of the bill during the recent house panel. They stated that the benefits include increasing electric supply, cutting transmission costs, and giving businesses another income stream.
Solar Warehouse Woes
In fact, New Jersey introduced similar rules, and the results speak for themselves. The state’s Community Solar Energy Program now serves 28,000 NJ consumers. And it has saved them more than $7 million since 2023. Despite this, concerns still linger about making the new building rules mandatory.
The first concern is government overreach. Several committee members saying the state should offer incentives instead making new rules. All the same, the biggest concern lies in how to let solar warehouses sell the power they make. The recently introduced Lightning Plan includes laws supporting community solar projects that could help. But until that’s in place, selling the solar energy from warehouse roofs remains complicated with many other details to iron out.
Save on PA Electricity
With electricity demand growing, it’s important for PA to find new ways to make more power. Indeed, NJ has proven that warehouse solar can lower electricity bills. However, it might be some time before such a rule comes to a vote in PA.
As lawmakers try to find an answer, it’s important to shop and save on your electric bills. Locking in a low fixed rate electric plan now can save you money for years to come. So compare rates, read reviews, and more with us. Visit https://www.paenergyratings.com to see the electric plans in your area.