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

Senator says Trump’s EPA will cut $100M Solar Funding for Illinois
February 7, 2025: Senator Dick Durbin expressed concern that a funding freeze for Illinois’ Solar for All program will lock the state out of over $100 million for solar energy projects. In contrast, State Rep. Chris Miller expressed skepticism about solar initiatives. The Illinois Power Agency says that its incentive programs are not dependent on federal funding but continues to monitor potential impacts.
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Champaign County Board Approves Solar Contract
Developer: Illinois Solar Services
AHJ: Champaign County
February 7, 2025: The Champaign County Board recently approved a contract with Illinois Solar Services for the provision of on-site solar services.
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Ogle County Board discusses multiple solar projects
Developer: OneEnergy Development, LLC; USS Stillman Creek Solar, LLC
February 11, 2025: OneEnergy Development, LLC is seeking a SUP for a 2MW community solar facility on a 16.13-acre site in Buffalo Township. Additionally, USS Stillman Creek Solar, LLC has filed for a SUP to construct a 5MW community solar facility on an approximately 35-acre site in Scott and Marion Townships. Both projects were previously approved by their respective committees and are awaiting further review by the Zoning Board on February 27, 2025.

📢 Policy & Programs

• No policy updates.

East Coast: MD, NY, PA, VA

📰 Market & Development News

New York

Athens awaits movement on Freepoint decision appeal
Developer: Freepoint Solar LLC
AHJ: Town of Athens
February 7, 2025: The Town of Athens is currently involved in a legal dispute over the state Supreme Court of Appeals' decision ordering the municipality to grant Freepoint Solar a variance for constructing a large solar farm. The appeal process may take several months, delaying any potential development.
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90-megawatt solar project delayed in Cortland County
Developer: EDF Renewables Development
AHJ: Homer
February 7, 2025: A proposed 90-megawatt solar project, Homer Solar, is facing significant delays and is now scheduled for completion in 2028, years later than initially projected. EDF Renewables Development had previously stated that construction would begin in 2024, with expectations for operational status by fall 2025. Local officials have raised concerns regarding the slow development and lack of updates on the project's status.
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Cider Solar Farm construction underway in Elba, Oakfield
Developer: Hecate Energy
February 8, 2025: The Cider Solar Farm is currently being constructed in Elba and Oakfield, projected to be the largest solar project in New York State at approximately 2,500 acres. The project has received approval from the New York Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission.
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Colorado company plans to build solar farm in Hounsfield
Developer: AES Black River LLC
AHJ: Jefferson County
February 7, 2025: A Colorado renewable energy company, AES Black River LLC, received initial approval from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency to develop a 2.4MW solar farm in Hounsfield. This project is still pending final approval, which will be considered at a future meeting.
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Sugar Maple Solar Seeks Permit for 125-MW Solar and 20-MW Battery Project
Developer: Sugar Maple Solar, LLC}
AHJ: Jefferson and Lewis Counties
February 7, 2025: Sugar Maple Solar, LLC has filed an application for a major renewable energy facility permit to build a 125-MW solar project alongside a 20-MW battery energy storage system in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.
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Town of Lyonsdale to Hold Public Hearing February 11 on Proposed Moratorium on Solar Energy Facilities and Battery Storage
AHJ: Lyonsdale
February 9, 2025: The Town of Lyonsdale has scheduled a public hearing on February 11, 2025, to discuss a proposed moratorium on solar energy facilities and battery storage projects.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Senate votes to pull Pennsylvania from Greenhouse Gas Initiative
February 10, 2025: The state Senate voted to withdraw Pennsylvania from the Greenhouse Gas Initiative, arguing that carbon taxes deter energy investment and unnecessarily penalize the state. The bill now moves to the state House.

Virginia

Concerns Arise Over Randolph Solar Project in Virginia
Developer: Dominion Energy
February 9, 2025: The Randolph Solar project in Charlotte County, Virginia aims to establish one of the state's largest solar farms at over approximately 5,000 acres. However, it plans to clear more than 3,500 acres of forest, causing concern among conservationists and local residents. The project has secured necessary approvals and is set to begin construction in 2025, with operations expected by 2027.

📢 Policy & Programs

Maryland

• SB0983/HB0827- Affordable Grid Act

  • Requires electric companies to develop an electric system distribution plan every 3 years and provide the Public Service Commission with annual progress reports.

  • Democrat sponsored.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/3, hearing scheduled for 3/6.

  • Cross-filed with House bill- House hearing scheduled for 2/21.

• SB0931/HB1036- Renewable Energy Certainty Act

  • Alters requirements for CPCNs and construction for solar and storage systems.

  • Democrat sponsored.

  • Introduced 2/5, House and Senate hearings set for 2/28.

• HB1061- Housing and Solar Energy Production

  • Requires state government to review all state-owned property for suitability for redevelopment into either solar or housing projects.

  • Democrat sponsored.

  • Introduced in House 2/5.

New York

• S2183A

  • Enacts the "electric super highway act", requiring alternative fuels to be available for public use along the New York state thruway after 11/1/25. Defines “alternative fuels” to include solar-generated electricity.

  • Introduced in Assembly 1/15.

  • Amended 2/10 and resent to Assembly Energy Committee.

• S4571

  • Establishes a floating solar incentive and education program.

  • Introduced in Senate 2/7, referred to Energy and Telecommunications Committee.

• S1502A

  • Requires manufacturers of solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries to recycle materials at end of life.

  • Introduced in Senate 1/10, referred to Environmental Conservation Committee.

  • Amended 2/5.

Virginia

• HB2113- Solar Interconnection Grant Fund and Program

  • Establishes the Solar Interconnection Grant Fund and Program for the purpose of awarding grants on a competitive basis to public bodies to offset costs associated with the interconnection of solar facilities to the grid.

  • Passed House 68-30 on 2/4.

  • Passed Senate Commerce Committee review 14-1 on 2/10, moved to Finance Committee review.

• HB2037- Solar canopies

  • Provides that any locality may include in its land development ordinances a provision that requires that an applicant must install a solar canopy over designated parking areas. Applies only to nonresidential parking areas with 100 parking spaces or more.

  • Introduced 1/7.

  • Passed House 64-32 on 1/30.

  • Passed Senate Committee on Local Government 8-7 on 2/10.

  • Passed on second reading in Senate 40-0 on 2/11.

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