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- Spark Alerts: Mar 28, 2025
Spark Alerts: Mar 28, 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, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania markets. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback and requests with us!
📰 Market & Development News
Maryland
Chaberton Solar Projects Public Hearings
Developer: Chaberton Solar Beartooth LLC, Chaberton Solar Orchard Hill LLC, Chaberton Solar Wild Turkey LLC
January 14, 2025: Chaberton Energy is holding public hearings for three solar photovoltaic generating facilities in Maryland to obtain regulatory approvals. The proposed facilities have capacities of 2.67 MW, 3.24 MW, and 5 MW, located in Carroll County, Queen Anne's County, and Frederick County.
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Discussion Agenda on Bonneville Solar Project
Applicants: ARM Group LLC, Chaberton Solar Bonneville LLC, John Cairnes (landowner) January 2, 2025: The Development Advisory Committee meeting on February 5, 2025 will discuss the 5MW Bonneville Solar Project on 206.41 acres of land. The proposal indicates a community interest in enhancing renewable energy sources. In addition, a redevelopment plan for a nearby Sheetz convenience store was presented, highlighting ongoing local developments.
Michigan
Lee Township Zoning Ordinance Draft - Special Use Permits for Solar Farms
January 15, 2025: A public hearing on January 15 reviewed the drafted Lee Township Zoning Ordinance establishing regulations for special use permits related to photovoltaic solar farm facilities. These facilities must be at least 20 acres in size and could include specific requirements about height, setbacks, and landscaping. Developers must provide detailed plans for decommissioning and restoring the site after the facility ceases to operate. The Planning Commission is authorized to review applications in light of changing technology and standards for solar energy production.
Ohio
Rootstown Township to Discuss Solar Zoning Amendments
The Rootstown Township Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on January 21, 2025, to discuss proposed zoning amendments, including one specifically addressing solar energy systems.
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Cuyahoga County solicits information for solar energy project suppliers
Due February 6, 2025: Cuyahoga County is soliciting information from manufacturers interested in supplying equipment for a 63-megawatt solar development project. This initiative is part of a $130 million grant from the U.S. EPA under the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, aiming for completion by October 2029. The project will be located on six brownfield and former landfill sites. The county seeks qualified suppliers that meet specific regulatory requirements ensuring materials are American-made and suitable for the project’s unique geographical challenges.
📋 RFP Opportunities
Illinois
Illinois Solar for All Opens Rolling Submission Window for Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Projects
Illinois Solar for All has opened the rolling submission window for Energy Sovereignty projects within the Illinois Solar for All: Community Solar sub-program.
Currently, the available budget for Energy Sovereignty projects has not been fully allocated, and approximately $9,273,138.75 remains. Submissions will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until either the budget is exhausted or until May 31, 2025, whichever comes first.
Michigan
High School and Middle School Solar
Tecumseh Public Schools is soliciting proposals from qualified solar providers to design, build, finance and operate roof mount solar photovoltaic projects at Tecumseh High School, 760 Brown Street and Tecumseh Middle School, 307 N Maumee Street, Tecumseh, MI 49286. Proposals are due by 1/24/25 at 12:00pm.
Ohio
Solar Development Project
BidNet lists an open RFP in Ohio labelled “Solar Development Project”. Paid access is required to view details. The bid closes 2/6/25.
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MUO Western Campus Solar Field Addition 2025 (Request For Qualification)
Miami University in Oxford, Ohio has a Request for Qualification to “install an array of solar panels in a large field”. Bid will be held on 03/04/35 at 2:00pm. Prebids are currently open.
Pennsylvania
Swisshelm Park Solar
The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh is remediating Swisshelm Park, a local land development, into a solar project. An RFP for developers will be held in Q3 2025.
A construction update will be held on 1/29/25 at 6:00pm EST. Registration via Zoom is required.
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Philadelphia Green Capital Corp RFI: Clean Energy & Energy Efficiency Projects in PA
RFI for shovel-ready clean energy projects, with intent to connect projects to funding sources and technical assistance. Q&A “office hours” will be held 1/14/25 and 1/21/25. Question submission closes 1/22/25.
📢 Policy & Program Updates
Illinois
Amends County Code to provide that a county may consider public comment concerning commercial solar/wind facilities.
Democrat sponsored.
Filed with Clerk on 1/16/25.
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Provides that in 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045, the Auditor General will conduct a performance audits of the Illinois Power Agency’s implementation of the Renewable Portfolio Standard and Adjustable Block program, and will provide program recommendations.
Republican sponsored.
Read and referred to Assignments Committee on 1/13/25.
Maryland
Requires each utility in Maryland to submit plans for the construction or procurement of energy storage.
Also allows for zero-emission credits by nuclear facilities and pursues offshore wind development.
Democrat sponsored.
Introduced 1/16/25; House hearing to be held 2/06/25 at 1:00pm.
Pennsylvania
Establishes an Independent Energy Office “with a mission of promoting affordable, reliable energy within the Commonwealth”. Would give the Office the power to reverse or block agency actions found to negatively impact energy reliability and affordability.
Republican sponsored.
Referred to House Energy Committee 1/14/25.
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