Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania: Nexus of Energy, Land-Use, and Policy

Large-scale solar has doubled Pennsylvania’s installed capacity in less than 18 months, with over 2.7 gigawatts (GW) of current capacity, now 1% of Pennsylvania’s total electric generation. That generation occupies about 10,000 acres of Pennsylvanian land. Recently the Federal Government stuck a big wrench in that momentum. Learn what is happening with siting, zoning considerations, common concerns and current/proposed legislative and policy initiatives from one of the leading drivers of Pennsylvania solar, Penn State University.

This presentation was recorded and can be viewed by clicking on the play button below.

A panel of Penn State Extension Educators present context and current status of Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania. They closely follow developments with PJM (a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity) and PUC (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission), along with proposed legislation and policy changes. Educators discuss recent trends in large-scale solar, also called utility-scale solar, in Pennsylvania. Educators explain what is happening in the Commonwealth and why. Siting and zoning considerations are also be discussed, along with common concerns for landowners and local governments.

The Penn State Extension Energy Team lectures and teaches on energy development, the economics driving the energy development process, the process and politics of energy development, and the associated impacts on communities, businesses, agriculture, land, and people. They have had the opportunity to provide training for industry, elected officials, businesses, investors, regulators, and landowners and have been able to speak throughout the country and around the world.

Matt Svetz is an Educational Program Specialist on the Penn State Extension Energy Team. Matt’s role involves creating educational programming on energy topics for a variety of stakeholders, including community members, organizations, and government officials. His role focuses on educating landowners, local government officials, and community members on utility-scale solar, bioenergy, as well as other energy-related projects. He has a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Joe Conklin – Joe joined Penn State Extension in 2013 as a District Director and then served as a Business Operations Manager. Now Joe is an Extension Educator working with stakeholders in the nexus of energy development, land use, and policy. 

Tom Beresnyak is a Senior Educator with the Penn State Extension Energy Team. In this role, Tom focuses on science-based educational outreach to community members, organizations, and government officials. He works primarily with farmers, landowners, local government officials, and communities regarding utility-scale solar and other energy-related projects. Tom’s energy experience includes working with electric distribution cooperatives, wind energy policy, and several statewide energy associations.