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- Spark Alerts: Jan 31, 2025
Spark Alerts: Jan 31, 2025
The latest Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates at your fingertips
Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on the Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin markets. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!
📰 Market & Development News
Illinois
Madison County Zoning Board Meeting Discusses Solar SUP
Developer: Armoracia Solar, LLC
AHJ: Madison County
January 28, 2025: At the Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on January 28, 2025, discussions centered around a petition from Armoracia Solar, LLC, seeking a Special Use Permit to establish a 5-megawatt commercial solar energy facility in Collinsville Township. This facility is proposed on land currently zoned for single-family residential use, following the denial of a previous larger application. Community feedback had a significant influence on reducing the project's scope by 40% to better align with local concerns.
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Massac County Board Meeting Discusses Solar Ordinance Amendment
January 28, 2025: During the Massac County Board meeting on January 28, 2025, the board discussed an amendment to the Commercial Solar Ordinance.
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Iowa
Lee County Continues to Review Wind and Solar Utility Project Regulations
January 29, 2025: Lee County Supervisors recently hosted a second town hall in Donnellson to discuss proposed regulations for wind, solar, and battery storage projects. Supervisor Garry Seyb cautioned that imposing overly strict local rules might provoke state intervention, which could override county zoning law. Project developers such as Tenaska and GoSolar participated in the discussions, with the latter confirming its hydrogen-energy project in Green Bay is progressing.
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Emmet Co. Supervisors Establish Solar Moratorium, Extend Wind Moratorium
January 30, 2025: The Emmet County Board of Supervisors approved a moratorium for the construction of utility-scale solar energy and battery energy storage systems, which will remain in effect until September 30, 2025. This initiative aims to provide the Planning and Zoning Commission with the necessary time to update related solar energy ordinances. The Board has also extended a moratorium on wind energy projects until July 31, 2025, to allow more time for updates to the local wind energy ordinance.
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Maryland
Simba Solar Farm Update
Developer: Neighborhood Sun
AHJ: Prince George’s County
January 31, 2025: Neighborhood Sun has fully constructed and is queuing subscribers for he Simba Solar Farm, situated on private land in Cheltenham. It has a capacity of 3.00 MW and currently serves over 250 subscribers, supporting the Brandywine Lions Club financially.
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Maryland’s Renewable Energy Program: More Smoke and Mirrors Than Wind and Solar, New Report Alleges
January 29, 2025: Maryland’s RPS, designed to transition the state to renewable energy, has faced criticism for failing to meet its clean energy goals. The program has led to billions in subsidies that largely benefit out-of-state energy producers and older renewable facilities, rather than fostering local, new clean energy development. Critics also point out that the system’s use of unbundled RECs has allowed fossil fuels to continue being marketed as "green" energy, while consumers pay high costs without significant environmental gains.
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Michigan
Williams Twp. to hold public hearing for wind, solar, and battery ordinance
AHJ: Williams Township
January 28, 2025: The Williams Township Planning Commission in Bay County will hold a public hearing on February 3, 2025, to discuss proposed provisions for wind, solar, and battery storage projects in the township. Key areas of focus in the ordinance will be regulations regarding setbacks, noise levels, decommissioning of sites, and other compliance requirements. Additionally, an overlay district will be created to specifically accommodate these projects in designated sections of the township.
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Ohio
Clermont County Planning Commission Meeting Discussion on Solar and Renewable Energy
AHJ: Clermont County
January 28, 2025: The Clermont County Planning Commission discussed the implications of Senate Bill 52, which gives counties and townships zoning power over solar projects. The commission gave a broad overview of county zoning powers and potential requirements. No major decisions were made.
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Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s SolarShare: A Co-op Model for Local Clean Power
January 29, 2025: SolarShare of Wisconsin Cooperative introduces an alternative model for community solar that empowers residents to invest directly in local solar projects. Unlike traditional community solar programs that rely on subscription models and bill credits, members of SolarShare gain equity through share purchases, receiving dividends and a direct involvement in project decision-making.
📋 RFP Opportunities
Wisconsin
RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative will launch a grant program to support the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin. Grant applications will open on April 1, 2025.
📢 Policy & Program Updates
Iowa
Establishes a community solar program for the state and sets out potential regulations and definitions.
House Commerce Subcommittee recommended passage after 1/27/25 review.
NOTE: Generally solid response and framework on this bill. The previous community solar bill reached this stage, but never gained full House approval, so we will watch closely to monitor this bill and see if it passes its next milestone. Per lobbying data, not a lot of grassroots community opposition- the major opposition so far has come from energy companies. Many municipalities and county coalitions have so far marked themselves as “undecided”. Municipal support could turn the tide for this bill- will continue to monitor.
Illinois
SB1277- POWER AG- SOLAR SURETY BONDS
Would prohibit a company from installing a solar project or solar facility in Illinois without posting and maintaining, with the Illinois Power Agency, a surety bond or at least $2,000,000.
Republican sponsored.
First reading 1/28, referred to Assignments.
SB1276- COUNTIES- WIND & SOLAR ENERGY
Would remove changes made by Public Act 102-1123, which affected zoning ordinances for wind and solar energy projects.
Mirrors HB1201. Republican sponsored.
First reading 1/28, referred to Assignments.
SB1365- WIND & SOLAR AFFECT WATER FLOW
Would require the owner of a commercial wind or solar facility to compensate landowners if the facility adversely affects the flow of water within the landowner's land.
Republican sponsored.
Introduced 1/29, referred to Assignments.
HB1834- SELF-DIRECT ENERGY CREDITS
Would remove the requirement for the Illinois Power Agency to annually determine the amount of utility-scale RECs it will include each year from the self-direct RPS compliance program. Provides that the self-direct credit amount for each REC supplied shall be determined annually and is equal to the volumetric charge collected under a provision in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that the approved self-direct credit amount shall be multiplied by each renewable energy credit procured by participating self-direct customers for up to 100% of the self-direct customer's annual consumption.
Democrat sponsored.
Introduced 1/29, referred to Assignments.
Maryland
HB0904- Department of Planning - Study on Solar Energy Project Sites
Requires the Department of Planning to conduct a study to identify and evaluate land owned by the Department of Public Safety for the siting of new solar energy projects; and requiring the Department to report its findings and recommendations on or before October 1, 2027.
Democrat sponsored.
Introduced 1/30.
Establishes a CPCN to authorize the construction and operation of “a certain distributed solar energy generating system”. Prohibits a county from enacting certain zoning laws or adopting certain regulations regarding certain ground-mounted solar systems and facilities.
Democrat sponsored.
Introduced 1/29.
HB0742- Solar Energy Generating Systems- Eminent Domain
Prohibits a person constructing a solar energy generating station from exercising a right of condemnation in connection with that construction.
Republican sponsored.
Introduced in the House 1/27/25.
Note- two other bills are being discussed in the Legislature related to government condemnation/eminent domain. HB0081 would require condemned agricultural property to be valued at 350% of its highest appraisal value, while SB0189/HB0631 would prohibit the use of eminent domain on preserved farmland. These bills were discussed in their respective committees earlier this month and no decisions have been reached.
Establishes requirements for solar canopy projects on school parking lots, specifically establishing requirements for underground power infrastructure.
House hearing held 1/28 at 1:00pm.
Pennsylvania
Would create a Pennsylvania Solar for All rooftop-focused program using federal funds.
Democrat sponsored.
Introduced 1/29, referred to House Energy Committee.
Ohio
HB15- Amend competitive retail electric service law
Ends subsidies for utility-scale solar energy projects as well as ratepayer funding of coal power plants. Also prohibits distreibution company ownership of generation assets.
Republican sponsored.
House Energy Committee hearing scheduled for 2/5.
Michigan
Requires electric providers to fund and recover costs for renewable and clean energy programs. Expands customer net metering. Mandates state agencies to reduce energy waste. Accelerates the permitting process for wind and solar energy projects. Ensures that savings from energy efficiency programs are returned to customers.
Republican sponsored.
Introduced 1/28, referred to House Energy Committee.
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