Energy, labor leaders join Fiedler to encourage legislative action unlocking Pennsylvania’s $156 million in federal Solar for All Funds
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler March 17, 2025 | 3:49 PM
HARRISBURG, March 17 – Leaders in energy, the solar industry, and organized labor called on the state legislature to approve H.B. 362, a bill authorizing a Solar for All program, which was introduced by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. The bill was approved in committee Monday morning with bipartisan support.
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) $156 million for a low-income residential solar installation program under the federal Solar for All grant competition. The program would bring long-term energy affordability to more than 12,000 low-income homes across the commonwealth — lowering their household energy bills by at least 20%, transitioning the commonwealth to a cleaner energy future, and putting Pennsylvanians to work.
“Solar for All is fully funded by federal dollars. That means what we have in front of us is a tremendous opportunity to leverage federal funding and secure savings for Pennsylvanians — at no additional cost to taxpayers,” Fiedler said. “$156 million is not a small amount of money, and Pennsylvania can’t afford to leave it on the table.”
Solar for All’s many benefits include a guarantee of at least 20% savings on participants’ electricity bills, providing immediate financial relief for families struggling to pay rising energy costs. PEDA estimates that in the first five years of the program alone, more than 12,000 households will have solar installations with combined savings of $101,782,698. But without swift legislative action, these savings are at risk of never reaching the low-income Pennsylvanians that they are intended to serve.
"Solar for All is about more than installing solar panels," said Emily Schapira, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. "Solar for All will reduce the need for long-term subsidies, helping families stay in their homes and strengthening our communities. It’s about creating good-paying jobs and making sure our workforce is prepared to enter the growing clean energy economy."
“Solar For All will save low-income ratepayers over one-hundred million dollars … money that will get circulated over and over again in the local economy, creating greater economic growth for Pennsylvania,” said Richard Flarend, Owner of Groundhog Solar.
Solar for All also includes an allocation of $8 million for a statewide workforce development training program, giving more Pennsylvanians the opportunity to develop new skills in an emerging industry.
“Bills like Solar for All help apply downward pressure to electricity prices, making it easier for families to live and thrive in Pennsylvania. As the energy economy continues to evolve, we must embrace any responsible energy act that can both help consumers and build out industry,” said Kris Anderson, State Coordinator, IBEW District 3. “It’s very important that we take advantage of these funds, and I urge all electeds in the Capitol to support this bill.”
“As a business, Solar for All would mean we can take on more projects, hire more electricians, installers, and invest in our operations to meet demands ... and as solar companies grow, so do the industries that support us, including manufacturing, construction, and finance,” said Doug Edwards, president of Exact Solar. “When families spend less on electricity, they have more money to support local businesses.The impact of Solar for All will ripple through Pennsylvania’s economy, creating good-paying jobs while advancing our state’s energy independence.”
Environmental leaders shared their support for the program, citing its ability to create good jobs while expanding the commonwealth’s production of renewable energy.
"We're pleased that the legislative session is getting off to a strong start with committee passage of an important measure designed to lower costs for working families and create union jobs by expanding access to clean energy,” said Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania Political and Legislative Director Katie Blume. “With strong, bipartisan majorities of Pennsylvania voters supporting aggressive action, we need to double down on policies that lower energy costs for the long term while fighting climate change. We look forward to working with the legislature to build on today's accomplishment by pursuing a comprehensive clean-energy agenda that puts working families first."
"When we talk about Pennsylvania’s Solar for All program, what we’re really talking about is a lifeline for working families across the state. This funding will lower energy costs, create jobs and cut pollution," said Elowyn Corby, mid-Atlantic regional director for Vote Solar Action Fund. "By expanding access to local solar, House Bill 362 will protect thousands of families who live paycheck to paycheck from having to shoulder the full weight of our region’s dramatically rising energy costs.”
Following its passage through the Energy Committee, H.B. 362 next moves to the House floor.