Governor of Pennsylvania Reiterates the Need to Implement Solar Projects

Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania, has recently made an announcement about the availability of $20.5 million in state and federal funding. The governor’s office further stated that the current funding was made available through the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority, which will be in a position to influence around $211 million in private funds. The funding will be used to support around 40 clean energy projects and more than 1,400 clean energy job opportunities.

Rendell said that according to Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, a minimum of 0.5% of the total power usage of the clients should come from clean solar power by the year 2021. He added that the state currently has only around 39 MW of solar power installed capacity which needs to be increased. He further clarified the need to increase the solar share by 1.5% and announced the projects that are funded from three sources. His announcement includes twenty-four projects totaling $13 million with Growing Greener II funding, eight projects with a $5 million funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and another eight projects with $2.5 million funding through Duquesne Light Co. settlement funds.

Rendell reiterated the need for a quicker approach to solar energy implementation. He further cautioned that any dearth in positive actions will prompt the 600 plus solar businesses currently operating from Pennsylvania to seek greener pastures elsewhere.