Grid-scale solar (large, ground-mounted solar arrays, often referred to as solar farms) is the fastest-growing and least expensive form electric generation in the United States. Pennsylvania has increased its solar power generation by 370% over the past decade, and the future undoubtedly holds even more of this clean, renewable power source. In fact, nearly all of the energy generation projects awaiting approval from PJM, the organization that controls which energy generators can connect to the grid, are grid-scale solar projects.

As the level of government tasked with the job of choosing good locations for all types of land development, municipalities have an important role in ushering in Pennsylvania’s bright new energy future. However, many municipalities are considering grid-scale solar for the first time and are in need of information about this type of development in order to make good siting decisions.

That’s why PennFuture created Here Comes the Sun: A Municipal Guide to Grid-Scale Solar Siting. This isn’t another model ordinance. Many model ordinances for solar already exist. Instead, this publication aims to give municipalities the background and tools they need to evaluate potential ordinance provisions, learn the truth behind common objections to solar, and appropriately plan for grid-scale solar development.

Here Comes the Sun is a comprehensive guide that covers a number of topics of interest to municipalities planning for solar. 
These include:

• What is grid-scale solar?
• Parts of a grid-scale solar system
• What makes a good site for grid-scale solar
• Tips for improving the legal landscape for grid-scale solar, including analysis of common solar ordinance provisions
• The reality of solar on brownfields, warehouse roofs, and parking lots
• Objections based on grid-scale solar’s lack of direct connection to local energy consumers
• The truth behind common myths about grid-scale solar.

PennFuture is excited to provide this resource to help municipalities across the Commonwealth effectively prepare for Pennsylvania’s clean energy future! Download a copy here: https://www.pennfuture.org/Publication-Here-Comes-The-Sun-A-Municipal-Guide-to-Grid-Scale-Solar-Siting