Spark Alerts: Feb 18, 2025

The latest Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates at your fingertips

February 18, 2025

Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on Illinois community solar, then on New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!

Illinois Community Solar

📰 Market & Development News

  • Shelby County Board tables moratorium on solar and wind facilities 
    AHJ: Shelby County
    February 14, 2025: The Shelby County Board has postponed a vote on a resolution to gain local control over solar and wind projects. Board Chairman Tad Mayhall emphasized the need for safeguards while indicating no current challenges to the existing law.
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  • Local Council Approves New Solar Project with Enhanced Developer Accountability 
    AHJ: Peoria County
    February 14, 2025: A local community solar project, which has been in the pipeline since 2018 is seeking to increase its capacity from 4 to 5 megawatts, which has garnered mixed reactions among board members. Among the key changes proposed by the county Board are stricter regulations preventing developers from selling projects without oversight, and requiring the original developer to complete the project within three years.
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  • La Salle County Board's "Hands are Tied" in Solar Vote 
    AHJ: La Salle County
    February 14, 2025: The La Salle County Board moved a project in Utica Township forward. Despite a vote of 8 to 1 in favor, many board members opted not to vote, expressing confusion and frustration regarding the approval process, feeling that the state was exerting undue control.

📢 Policy & Programs

  • SB1816- RENEWABLE ENERGY PROCUREMENT

    • Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act to allow for post-award renegotiation of contract terms for renewable energy projects supported through competitive procurements.

    • Democrat sponsored.

    • Introduced in Senate 2/6.

    • UPDATE- Assigned to Senate Energy Committee 2/18.

East Coast: MD, NY, PA, VA

📰 Market & Development News

Maryland

  • Solar project tests small town's growth plans 
    Developer: Halo Betterton Solar LLC
    AHJ: Town of Betterton
    February 14, 2025: In Betterton, a small town on Maryland's Eastern Shore, a proposed 30-acre solar facility by Halo Betterton Solar LLC is raising concerns among local officials. The town worries that the solar project may restrict options for residential and commercial zoning. The developer has submitted a significant application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to the state's Public Service Commission, despite objections from the town council.
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  • Solar project opposed in Montgomery County ag reserve 
    Developer: Chaberton
    AHJ: Montgomery County
    February 14, 2025: In Beallsville, Maryland, a proposed 4MW solar project by Chaberton is facing opposition from local farm and community organizations. Following unsuccessful negotiations to settle the concerns, the developer intends to pursue the necessary permits to proceed. The project is located on agricultural reserve land, which limits solar capacity to 2MW. A new bill in the Maryland Senate would facilitate the approval of solar projects up to 5MW, but community opposition remains strong, questioning the practicality of integrating agricultural activities with solar energy production. A hearing for the project will be scheduled in the near future.

New York

  • Public Comment Hearing Date Announced Regarding 160MW Solar Farm in Groton & Lansing 
    AHJ: Village of Groton, Town of Lansing
    February 14, 2025: The New York State Department of Public Service is holding a public comment hearing for a 160MW solar farm project located in Groton and Lansing, scheduled for February 20, 2025.
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  • Moreau considering first solar project under new law 
    Developer: Seaboard Solar
    AHJ: Town of Moreau
    February 14, 2025: The town of Moreau has recently established its Solar Law, allowing the first proposal for a solar array to be considered by the town board. Seaboard Solar, a New Milford-based developer, has put forth a plan to build a 5-megawatt solar project on a 30-acre site.The town board members expressed positive feedback during the presentation, and the company plans to consult local residents to assess support before they proceed further with the proposal. A review of the proposal will occur at the town's next meeting.
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  • Town of Parishville imposes temporary solar moratorium 
    AHJ: Parishville, NY
    February 14, 2025: The Town of Parishville has introduced a six-month moratorium on certain battery and solar energy uses. This decision comes as a response to concerns regarding public health, safety, and the adequacy of existing regulations.
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  • Opposition Continues to Carlisle/Seward Solar Power Facility 
    AHJ: Town of Carlisle, Town of Seward
    February 16, 2025: During a recent meeting, concerns were raised regarding a proposed 20MW solar power facility in the Towns of Carlisle and Seward. Residents and local officials expressed their desire to delay the project, citing ongoing issues regarding transportation permits that might prolong the approval process. The discussion also included references to recent news articles highlighting safety risks associated with battery energy storage systems linked to solar facilities.

Pennsylvania

Virginia

  • James City County Board of Supervisors greenlights Ivy Hill Road solar facility 
    Developer: Hexagon Energy
    AHJ: James City
    February 14, 2025: The James City County Board of Supervisors has approved a new solar facility covering 47.5 acres. The decision, made in two close votes, includes the withdrawal of land from an Agricultural and Forestal District to permit the project. Despite some opposition, the facility promises to generate significant tax revenue and requires no ongoing county resources. This facility will be the county's fifth solar project.
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  • Dominion Seeking Renewable Energy Projects and Additional Developments in Virginia 
    Developer: Dominion Energy Inc.
    AHJ: Spotsylvania County, Edgecombe County
    February 16, 2025: Dominion Energy is actively seeking bids for renewable energy assets in Virginia, targeting up to 1 GW of solar and wind power along with 250 MW of battery storage. The Virginia State Corporation Commission has also approved changes to its third-party power purchase agreement pilot program, increasing capacity limits and encouraging more participation in renewable energy projects.
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  • Halifax County Planning Commission Discusses Community Solar Ordinance
    Developer: Dominion Energy
    AHJ: Halifax
    February 18, 2025: The Halifax County Planning Commission held a joint meeting to discuss potential amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding community and shared solar energy facilities. The proposed ordinance would allow projects ranging from 200 kW to 5 MW in certain industrial districts with a conditional use permit. A public hearing will be held before approvals are finalized.

📢 Policy & Programs

Maryland

  • HB1111- Floating Systems and Systems Located on Brownfields

    • Providing that floating solar energy generating systems are eligible for the Small Solar Energy Generating System Incentive Program; and exempting floating solar energy generating systems and solar energy generating systems located on brownfields from a certain property tax.

    • Hearing set for 2/21 at 1:00pm.

Virginia

  • HB2024- Solar photovoltaic equipment

    • Stops prohibition of use of any material associated with solar facilities that meet EPA standards.

    • UPDATE- Passed Senate with Amendments 2/14. Amendments approved by House. Bill passed.

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