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Council backs state bill to expand community solar, urges lawmakers to adopt Senate Bill 504
Summary
Lancaster City Council adopted a resolution urging the Pennsylvania legislature to pass Senate Bill 504 to create a framework for community solar programs; proponents told council the measure would broaden solar access for renters and shaded properties.
Lancaster City Council voted to send a letter of support urging the Pennsylvania Legislature to enact Senate Bill 504, the Community Energy Act, which backers say would create a framework for community solar projects in Pennsylvania.
Councilor Hirsch introduced the resolution and summarized its purpose: enabling customers who cannot install rooftop solar to subscribe to community solar facilities sited on warehouses, brownfields or farms. Hirsch said the Pennsylvania House passed the bill 114–89 and that the measure is pending in the state Senate’s Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.
A public commenter, Elizabeth Hoffman of Third Act Pennsylvania, told the council community solar can provide guaranteed savings to residents who cannot install panels on their own roofs and highlighted Pennsylvania’s low ranking for solar growth. She urged municipalities to pass similar resolutions to build momentum at the state level.
Council adopted the resolution by voice/roll-call vote; the council record shows the item passed with councilors present voting “Aye.” The resolution notes a statewide study estimating community solar could support hundreds of projects and create permanent jobs while increasing renewable-energy production.
The council’s action is a municipal policy statement urging state lawmakers to act; it does not itself create a local program or regulatory change.
