Solar Policies and Perspectives Shaping our Energy Future

Join the PA Solar Center and our panel of solar experts as we discuss recent events impacting the expansion of solar in Pennsylvania.

Two important developments are delaying solar deployment across our region. First, planned utility scale projects must apply to interconnect into our regional electric grid that is managed by PJM (our regional grid operator) and they then are placed into the "queue" for review and approval. Because PJM has received so many solar applications, they are reforming the approval process and have placed many utility scale energy projects on hold as it transitions this "queue" process over the next couple of years. Gabel Associates will discuss the reform process and share how the solar industry can balance planning for future system improvements while managing growing demand today.

Secondly, the U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated an investigation of four countries that are accused of using prohibited solar materials from China. Solar manufacturers in these countries supply 65% of the US solar panels. This case has caused widespread project cancellations, delays and uncertainty and expects to reduce national solar deployment by up to 16 gigawatts (GW) annually, and put 70,000 U.S. solar jobs at risk. The national Solar Energy Industries Association will provide a deep dive into the most recent developments and explain what we can do to help avoid disruptions and create more certainty in the solar industry.

Plus, we’ll review the results of a recent survey conducted by Vote Solar that found Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support solar, and discuss how we can modernize Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard and strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy independence.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Gabriella Hudis, Senior Associate, Gabel Associates
• John Smirnow, General Counsel and Vice President of Market Strategy, Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
• Elena Weissmann, Regional Director – Mid-Atlantic, Vote Solar

Who should attend?

• elected and government officials and staff
• renewable energy owners, operators and/or investors
• solar developers
• general public and anyone interested in learning more!

Registration for this webinar topic is by donation or free - or you can purchase the 10-webinar series for $100. Watts & Learn is always free for elected officials, legislative staff, government officials and students.

Get access to the whole series of 10 webinars in the next 10 months for $100 (as well as recordings from past webinars). Your ticket supports the activities of the PA Solar Center and is 100% tax deductible as we are a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Upcoming Series (Dates and speakers being confirmed):

• Guidance for Leasing Land for Large-Scale Solar Development - Join the PA Solar Center and Fair Shake Environmental Law Clinic to review their new guidance (Summer 2022)
• Municipal Zoning for Large-Scale Solar Development
• PV Reuse and Recycling
• NREL’s SolarApp – Solar Permitting for Municipalities Made Easy
• Energy Storage, Microgrids and Solar

..... and more.