Utility Scale Solar
How Does MAREC Action Advocate for Solar Energy?
Utility-scale solar development in the PJM region has increased significantly in recent years, driven by declining costs, state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), and rising demand for clean energy. MAREC Action advocates for state policies that support the successful development of utility-scale solar projects. These include favorable policies on land use, responsible siting standards, and decommissioning requirements.
Over the past decade, the cost of solar technology has dropped significantly, making it one of the most affordable sources of new electricity generation in the PJM region. Utility-scale solar projects provide long-term price stability and savings for ratepayers while also creating economic development opportunities for communities. Solar projects paired with energy storage are becoming more common, allowing them to supply power to the grid even when the sun isn’t shining.
Many states in PJM region have set Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) goals, requiring a certain percentage of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources. Some of these standards include specific carve outs to support the development of solar energy.
MAREC Action Solar Priorities
- Build partnerships with stakeholders to ensure state siting and permitting processes for utility scale solar projects are favorable to solar development
- Expand and protect state RPS policies and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
- Advocate for sensible decommissioning requirements for solar projects
State Level Action
Virginia
The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) establishes a 16,100 MW goal for energy generation from utility scale solar and onshore wind. Utility scale solar will comprise most of this build out. Project development, though, is currently stalled at the local level due to a fragmented set of rules that vary across counties. MAREC Action is tackling these inconsistencies and encouraging more transparent project criteria to get utility-scale clean energy deployed. Without these steps, Virginia will be unable to develop utility scale solar projects at scale.
- MAREC Action Campaign: Virginia Must Reform Its Siting Process
- MAREC Action Legislative Action: Solar Siting Model Ordinance Standards Bill – SB 1114/HB 2428
- MAREC Action Blog: Achieving the Virginia Clean Economy Act Goals Highlights the Need for Solar Siting Reform
- MAREC Action Blog: Virginia’s Surging Electricity Demand Highlights the Need for Energy Siting Reform
- MAREC Action/ACP/SEIA/CHESSA Comments on Proposed Amendments – Small Solar Renewable Energy Projects Permit Regulation (HB 206)
Kentucky
Kentucky has seen significant growth in utility-scale solar development in recent years. MAREC Action has been actively working to educate lawmakers and other stakeholders about the impacts of solar projects on farmland as well as industry standards for siting.
In 2023, we helped to pass HB 4, which set statewide decommissioning standards for solar projects and gave local ordinances primacy over state requirements for merchant generators.