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

📰 Market & Development News

US

• Mass firings at Department of Energy
  February 14, 2025: The Trump administration fired scores of federal employees on probationary status across multiple agencies, affecting thousands, including the Department of Energy The widespread layoffs have sparked concerns over agency functionality, environmental oversight, and potential additional cuts.

Georgia

• Radiance Solar and SolAmerica Energy Partner to Deliver 2.86MW Stephenson County Solar Array 
  AHJ: City of Freeport
  Developer: Radiance Solar, SolAmerica Energy
  February 17, 2025: Radiance Solar and SolAmerica Energy announced the launch of the Stephenson S1 Solar Project, a 2.86-megawatt community solar project in Freeport. This will be Radiance’s 26th solar project in Illinois.
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• Trump’s actions power down some local energy projects in Georgia 
  AHJ: Athens Clarke County
  February 15, 2025: In the wake of President Trump's inauguration, the Georgia counties and non-profits have faced significant issues accessing federal funds for energy-related projects, including a $20 million EPA Community Change grant awarded to the Lucky Shoals Community Association to support clean energy and workforce training initiatives. Additionally, Athens-Clarke County’s efforts to establish a solar array and battery storage facility have stalled without federal confirmation.
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• Planning and zoning votes 4-1 to recommend commissioners deny solar farm 
  AHJ: Elbert County
  Developer: NextEra Energy
  February 16, 2025: On February 16, 2025, the Elbert County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to deny a conditional use permit for NextEra’s Hester Hill Solar project.

Illinois

• 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.

Iowa

No community solar market updates since last issue.

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.

Michigan

• Consumers Energy to build solar project in Kalamazoo County, Mich. Developer: Consumers Energy
  AHJ: Kalamazoo County
  February 17, 2025: Consumers Energy announced plans to build a new solar project in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.
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• Grass Lake Solar Farm Controversy: Residents Voice Concerns Over Zoning, Property Values, and Community Impact 
  Developer: NextEra Energy
  AHJ: Grass Lake Township
  February 14, 2025: NextEra’s proposed Grass Lake Solar Farm project is facing pushback leading to a temporary withdrawal of the application to rezone residential land for solar development. Residents are particularly worried that the development is not suited to the residential zone it occupies, potentially decreasing property values and altering the rural environment. Stakeholders are now looking for a balance between renewable energy expansion and maintaining local interests as discussions continue.

Missouri

• Ameren Missouri to add power plants, upgrade grid to meet projected demand
  February 17, 2025: Ameren Missouri plans to invest over $16 billion by 2030 to upgrade the power grid, calling for a mix of solar, wind, and natural gas to meet rising electricity demand. While the company emphasizes reliability and cost control, critics argue the plan relies too heavily on fossil fuels.

Ohio

No community solar market updates since last issue.

Pennsylvania

• Data Centers Drive Higher Forecasts for Electric Demand in Pennsylvania, Sparking Climate Worries
  February 15, 2025: Pennsylvania's electricity demand is expected to rise sharply by 2030 due to projected data center growth, with some regions seeing peak loads increase by over 60%.
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• Waymart council approves 2.5-megawatt solar farm on Route 296 Developer: Solar Renewable Energy, LLC
  AHJ: Waymart Borough February 15, 2025: The Waymart council has officially approved a 2.5 megawatt solar farm project situated along Route 296.
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• Solar projects on school campus could save $10M, Manheim Twp. board members are told 
  Developer: McClure
  AHJ: Manheim Township
  February 15,2025: The Manheim Township School District is considering installing solar panels on its campus, a move that could potentially save the district $10 million over 30 years.

Wisconsin

No community solar market updates since last issue.

📋 RFP Opportunities

Georgia

• LED Lighting & Energy Efficiency Solutions

  • An organization in GA is seeking proposals to reduce energy consumptiuon, including solar products.

Illinois

• Illinois Power Agency RFPs
  The IPA will post block energy RFP documents on 3/6, and a preliminary REC RFP proposal on 4/16.

Iowa

• Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek Counties 2025 RFP Announcement
  The Midwest Renewable Energy Association is seeking proposals for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial solar systems as part of a bulk purchasing effort to lower prices. Proposals are due 3/12, with informational webinars to come.

Michigan

• Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation RECs

  • Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation (UMERC), a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, is seeking 15,000 RECs for two natural gas plants.

Ohio

• FirstEnergy Ohio Utilities’ April 2025 PIPP RFP
  FirstEnergy Ohio will hold an RFP on March 31, and a second supplemental RFP on April 14.

Wisconsin

• Grow Solar Wisconsin 2025 RFPs
  The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has issued two separate proposals, in La Crosse County and Milwaukee + Waukesha Counties, for the design, procurement, and installation of new residential and small commercial PV systems. The MREA will hold six free information sessions. Proposals are due by 3/13 and 3/14, respectively.

📢 Policy & Program Updates

Iowa

• HF 370- Solar Tax Credit

  • Establishes a solar installation tax credit against corporate and individual income taxes.

  • Introduced 2/13, referred to House Commerce Committee.

• SF 267- Solar Net Metering Co-Op Program

  • Establishes a shared solar net metering cooperative program.

  • Introduced 2/11, referred to House Commerce Committee.

Illinois

• 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.

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.

Missouri (new)

• HB1322- Solar Gardens

  • Establishes provisions (definitions ad regulations) for community solar gardens.

  • Introduced 2/17, second reading 2/18.

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 distribution company ownership of generation assets.

  • UPDATE- House Energy Committee hearing held on 2/12. No opponents gave testimony.

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