David McKenzie: Community solar could ease economic pressures

Election season always brings discussion about the issues that are most important to Pennsylvanians. The economy is at the top of the list, with inflation and high energy prices hitting wallets hard. One solution that checks all the boxes on these economic concerns is community solar.

Senate Bill 472 and House Bill 1555 would allow community solar in our commonwealth. This would not only help lower energy bills, it would enable landowners and farmers to earn income as well as create new jobs for residents who build projects. And, it’s popular: 77% of Pennsylvanians support legislation to enable a new program.

Community solar allows anyone who pays an electric bill to lower their energy bills by subscribing to a local project and earning credit for their share of the power produced. The savings are guaranteed and allows people who can’t access solar power - renters, those with shaded roofs, etc.- a new money-saving energy option.

Landowners, including farmers and building owners, can lease a portion of their property to host that small community solar project and generate income that can sustain their families and businesses for decades — all while helping their neighbors reduce their energy costs. For those deciding whether to keep their farmland or sell it off, community solar can be just the financial solution they need to hold onto it.

Community solar is not just common sense policy, but a personal issue for me and my family. As a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 66, I support all energy policies that can create good jobs for union workers.

Community solar projects built in Pennsylvania would pay prevailing wage and create opportunities in counties across the commonwealth. A Penn State analysis found that community solar would create 12,000 total prevailing wage jobs. Long-term, establishing a community solar market could also build a new manufacturing industry, and hence, even more quality jobs.

In addition, my wife and I own land in Somerset County perfectly suited to host a community solar project, which would provide us financial stability as we look toward retirement. This land was once a thriving dairy farm and had been in the family for 60 years.

We are also extremely pleased that the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau supports and has endorsed this legislation. At a time when many in agriculture are struggling with low commodity prices and other challenges, solar energy is an important opportunity for farmers to reduce their own energy costs. Landowners can subscribe to their own projects and generate extra income that can help keep them running their farms.

Community solar is a proven model in 21 states where it is delivering results - it can deliver for Pennsylvania, too. According to Penn State’s analysis, the passage of SB 472 and HB 1555 would generate $1.8 billion in economic impact right away, all through private investments and no government funding and no new taxes.

Community solar would help ease many economic pressures at a time we need it most. Legislators should pass SB 472 and HB 1555 before the end of this year to show us they are committed to supporting their constituents, fighting high energy prices, supporting union jobs, and creating opportunities for farmers.

David McKenzie is a member of Operating Engineers Local 66 which represents members in 33 Western Pennsylvania counties and Ohio. He lives in Somerset County.