Penn State Webinars To Shed Light On Large-Scale Solar In Pennsylvania

NEWTOWN, PA — The Penn State Extension will host several webinars throughout 2023 on the large-scale solar landscape in Pennsylvania. The first is entitled, “Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania: Where Might We Be Headed,” which takes place on Feb. 16 beginning at noon.

The presentation, led by Extension educators, will discuss large-scale (often called utility-scale) solar development in Pennsylvania. Topics will include a general overview of what is currently happening in the large-scale solar landscape and why it is happening. Siting and zoning considerations will also be discussed, along with common concerns. The presentation will end with guidance on what to consider if approached by a solar developer with a lease.

Much of the history of Pennsylvania can be tied back to the production of energy. Initially, coal was “king.” Oil production brought an abundance of wealth and further changes to the landscape.

With the advent of unconventional drilling and Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania again became a leader in energy production. Pennsylvania is currently the second largest energy-producing state behind Texas.

Pennsylvania’s natural resources have been a vital part of its economy and have offered employment for millions across the Commonwealth.

Where Pennsylvania has fallen behind is in the production of electricity through renewable energy, according to Penn State Extension educators. Commonly this type of renewable energy is dominated by wind and solar. Currently, electricity in Pennsylvania produced by solar arrays is under 1 percent, while other states are nearing or have surpassed 10 percent, they said.

When people think of solar, they might think of solar on the rooftops of homes or even warehouses. That image is starting to change as large-scale or utility-scale solar projects develop. These arrays are generally in rural areas and can encompass hundreds of acres. Flat areas free of shading are the most amenable for arrays, so often, farmland is sought after.

The explanation for the growth of large-scale solar is complex and driven by several factors. These factors include public policy, decarbonization efforts, and, most recently, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The growth potential has spurned interest across the Commonwealth from landowners, citizens, and government officials, extension educators said.

The webinar is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration can be completed at the following link: https://extension.psu.edu/large-scale-solar-in-pennsylvania-where-might-we-be-headed. There are several other energy-related webinars on the Penn State Extension Energy site https://extension.psu.edu/energy as well. Any questions about this webinar series can be directed to Joseph C. Conklin, Ed.D., at juc50@psu.edu.