Distributed Generation news, RFPs and program policy updates in US federal policy, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Note- We’re excited to present a new format for Market & Development News, designed to make the section more readable and better present key takeaways. AHJs and developers are bolded, if applicable. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!

📰 Market & Development News

US

• 3/13- The US added 50GW of new solar capacity in 2024, the highest capacity added to the grid by any energy technology in over twenty years, according to a new report by SEIA and Wood Mackenzie.

• 3/13- After EPA administrator Lee Zeldin terminated $20 billion in climate funds on Tuesday, a Citibank court filing says the FBI may be investigating grant recipients for “conspiracy to defraud the US”.

• 3/13- The EPA announced plans to roll back dozens of environmental regulations, including air quality standards and greenhouse gas reporting. The process will take years and will likely face legal challenges.

• 3/12- A new report showed that in 2024, US wind and solar generated more electricity than coal for the first time.

• 3/12- The Trump administration lifted its proposed 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 25%, while Ontario’s premier lifted its 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US.

• 3/10- House Republicans in 21 US states signed a letter asking the Trump administration to protect Biden-era clean energy tax credits.

Georgia

• 3/12- Last year, Georgia installed a record 1.5GW of solar, more than double its 2023 numbers, though experts warn of a slower pace in 2025.

• 3/11- Georgia BRIGHT, a residential solar state grant program, received $156 million of frozen funds after the Trump administration granted it access.

Illinois

• 3/13- Pike County greenlit a 5MW community solar facility from Madden Solar LLC, and is discussing two additional projects.

• 3/12- Effingham County proposed an ordinance to regulate wind and solar in unincorporated areas of the county, though no decision was reached.

• 3/11- Residents in St. Clair County are expressing concern over tree removal on National Grid Renewables’ Bee Hollow project.

• 3/11- Lee County received two applications for community solar projects located on agricultural land, named Mound Hill Solar I and II, filed for SUPs in Lee County.

• 3/11- Illinois had a record year for solar growth with 2.5 GW of capacity added in 2024, according to a new report from SEIA and Wood Mackenzie.

Iowa

• No community solar or market updates since last issue.

Maryland

• 3/13- A number of state bills meant to incentivize growth in the energy industry in Maryland appear to have stalled in General Assembly committee review.

• 3/12- The Carroll County Board of Commissioners has formally filed a request with the Maryland PSC to stop the development of two community solar projects from Chaberton and Spring Valley Solar.

• 3/12- County-level concerns continue to grow over the proposed Renewable Energy Certainty Act, with Kent County farmers testifying against it in the Senate and Caroline County officials worrying it will diminish local control.

• 3/12- Chaberton Solar will hold a 2nd public hearing for a 3MW facility in Carroll County on 4/8.

• 3/11- The Town of Bel Air has established a checklist for commercial solar installations, including fees, engineering conditions, and public authorization notices.

• 3/11- The Kent County government heard a proposal from Turning Point Energy for a 5MW community solar facility last week.

Michigan

• 3/13- Kent County will hold a public hearing on 3/18 to consider a zoning ordinance to regulate solar facilities.

• 3/13- The City of Ann Arbor will build out its own sustainable energy utility, utilizing community solar, geothermal, and distributed generation to generate clean energy.

• 3/11- Thomas Township established a new overlay zone which includes provisions for solar tech manufacturing plants.

Missouri

• No community solar or market updates since last issue.

Ohio

• No community solar or market updates since last issue.

Pennsylvania

• 3/13- PA’s Solar for Schools pilot, a grant program with bipartisan support which ran in late 2024, saw major success, with 88 schools applying for solar grants.

• 3/11- PA Governor Josh Shapiro called on lawmakers to file bills on his energy plan, which includes permitting acceleration and investment for energy projects.

• 3/10- House Republicans in PA, along with delegates from twenty other states, signed a letter asking the Trump administration to preserve Biden-era clean energy tax credits.

Wisconsin

• No community solar or market updates since last issue.

📋 RFP Opportunities

Illinois

• Illinois Power Agency BEC RFP Part 1 Window Open

  • The Part 1 Window for the Block Energy and Capacity Request for Proposals (BEC RFP) is now open. Proposals are due through the BEC RFP site by 12pm on Monday, 3/17.

Michigan

• Agriculture and Rural Business Energy Incentive Program

  • The Michigan Department of Environment has issued an RFP for renewable energy projects for farms, agribusinesses, and rural businesses/nonprofits. The RFP will close on 4/25, with grants expected to go out by 8/31.

• Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development Grant

  • The Michigan PSC has announced an RFP for businesses, nonprofit organizations, units of local and state government and Tribal governments for the purpose of planning, developing, designing, acquiring, or constructing renewable energy and electrification infrastructure projects. Proposals are due by 3/20, with a modified proposal deadline of 3/27.

Missouri

• MDNR Grid Resilience Formula Funding (GRFF) Subgrants

  • Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources is offering $13 million in total funding to “improve the all-hazards resilience of the electric grid against disruptive events and prevent outages” for projects located in Missouri.

• Missouri Green Banc: Applications for Energy Improvement Project Funding

  • Missouri Green Banc has an open RFP to solicit proposals to finance energy improvement projects. Applicants may “propose transactions that facilitate the financing of clean energy projects in Missouri”. This is an ongoing solicitation open to proposers in connection with a range of clean energy projects and businesses

Ohio

• SOPEC Solar Development Planning

  • The Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) is requesting competitive proposals from solar developers to bundle a variety of behind-the-meter solar arrays into a unified PPA, with an option to purchase the solar arrays after the PPA term. No submission date is listed. Submissions are due by email.

Pennsylvania

• PA Department of Commerce Solar Energy Program

  • The Solar Energy Program provides grants and loans to promote the generation and use of solar energy and the manufacture or assembly of solar equipment in Pennsylvania, up to $3 per watt. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis.

Wisconsin

• Grow Solar Milwaukee/Waukesha

  • The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has issued a proposal in Milwaukee + Waukesha Counties, for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial PV systems as part of a bulk purchasing effort to lower prices. Proposals are due by 3/14.

• Grow Solar Green Bay- Fox Valley

  • The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has issued a proposal in Green Bay and Fox Valley, for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial PV systems as part of a bulk purchasing effort to lower prices. Proposals are due by 3/18.

• Grow Solar Central Wisconsin

  • The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has issued a proposal in Midwest WI, for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial PV systems as part of a bulk purchasing effort to lower prices. Proposals are due by 3/29.

📢 Policy & Program Updates

Georgia

• HB 249- Solar power facility agreements; revise provisions

  • Would require certification by the Department of Natural Resources that solar facility agreements meet certain requirements and lay out civil penalties for not meeting requirements.

  • Introduced 2/4, withdrawn and reintroduced with amendments 2/24.

  • UPDATE- amended bill passed Committee review on 3/6.

Illinois

• HB3265- RES AUTOMATED SOLAR PLATFORM

  • Requires municipalities with populations over 5,000 and all counties to adopt a residential automated solar permitting platform by July 1, 2026.

  • Introduced in House 2/6.

  • UPDATE- assigned to Public Utilities Committee 3/11.

• HB3231- UTILITIES- ENERGY CREDITS/CP

  • Among other changes, removes the requirement for the Illinois Power Agency to annually determine the amount of utility-scale renewable energy credits to be included in the self-direct RPS compliance program.

  • Introduced in House 2/6.

  • UPDATE- assigned to Public Utilities Committee 3/11.

• HB1166- UTILITIES- JOB TRAINING CENTERS

  • Amends Public Utilities Act to establish solar installation job training programs through major state utilities.

  • Introduced in House 1/9, assigned to Public Utilities Committee 2/11.

  • UPDATE- moved to House Utilities Subcommittee 3/11.

• HB2902- UTL- BOARD ELECT PLANNING

  • Provides that beginning on November 1, 2025, and every 3 years thereafter on November 1, all electric co-operatives, municipal power agencies, and municipalities shall file an integrated resource plan with the Illinois Power Agency.

  • AKA Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Planning and Transparency Act.

  • Introduced in House 2/6. Assigned to Public Utilities Committee 3/4.

  • UPDATE- moved to House Utilities Subcommittee 3/11.

• HB3758/SB2497- BATTERY STORAGE

  • Would set 15-GW energy storage target and set up a state VPP program.

  • Introduced 2/18.

  • UPDATE- Assigned to House Executive Committee 3/11.

Maryland

• HB1396/SB0737- Property Rights Protection Act of 2025

  • Prohibits condemnation of property to construct a power line or a solar/wind project.

  • Introduced in the Senate 1/31, House 2/7.

  • UPDATE- Senate Committee hearing held for 3/11. No vote held.

Missouri

• SB4- Solar Systems as Tangible Personal Property

  • This act provides that the definition of "tangible personal property", for the purposes of taxation, include solar panels and related equipment in connection with solar photovoltaic energy systems that were constructed and producing solar energy prior to August 9, 2022.

  • Introduced 1/8. Passed Senate 2/25.

  • UPDATE- House Utilities Committee recommended passage on 3/13.

• HB 662/SB 386- Community Solar Pilot Program

  • Creates a 3-year community solar pilot program beginning in 2026.

  • Introduced 1/8.

  • UPDATE- Senate Energy Committee hearing held 3/11. No vote held.

• HB417- Electrical Choice

  • Creates provisions for electrical choice and competition.

  • Introduced 1/8.

  • UPDATE- House General Laws committee recommended passage on 3/11.

Questions or feedback? Just reply to this email!

Learn and search more on Spark AI