GEO is participating in a coalition led by Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) in support of HB 197: The Community Solar Pilot Program.
GEO testimony on HB 197 to House Public Utilities Committee
When passed, House Bill 197 will create Ohio’s first Community Solar Pilot Program. For the first time, solar power would be available for renters, condos, townhomes, and most small to medium size businesses who cannot install rooftop solar. Every Ohioan deserves clean renewable solar energy.
The program is capped at 1,500 MW of solar installed in two categories:
- 1,000 MW spread across all of Ohio (allocated by customer base for each utility)
- 500 MW spread across Ohio focused on the redevelopment of distressed sites
Read GEO submitted testimony from September 2023 here.
Read our testimony from April 2024 here.
Read our 2023 Action Alert here and our May, 2024 Action Alert here.
September Webinar on Community Solar
September 12, 5:30 pm . Join Solar United Neighbors, the Coalition for Community Solar Access and Green Energy Ohio for a webinar on House Bill 197.
This free public webinar will provide information on HB 197 and the significant benefits community solar will bring to Ohio.
HB 197 will make solar power available for the first time to renters, condo owners, and most small to medium-size businesses who can’t install rooftop solar. It will also provide access to solar power for Ohioans who cannot afford a residential system on their home, and those homeowners whose location or design is not suitable for a solar installation.
A new analysis from the Center for Economic Development and Community Resilience at the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service finds that an “Ohio Community Solar Pilot Program” could contribute nearly $3.49 billion in gross state product (GSP), 27,254 Ohio job years with total earnings of $2.48 billion, and $409.5 million in local tax revenue over its lifetime.
August Webinar on Community Solar
Join Solar United Neighbors, the Coalition for Community Solar Access, and Green Energy Ohio for a Webinar on House Bill 197
The event took place on Wednesday, August 23 and was tailored to companies in the solar energy sector: developers, installers, supply chain manufacturers, and other employers.
The agenda will cover the following topics:
- Understanding Community Solar
- How Community Solar fits with utility-scale solar and residential installations
- How Community Solar benefits the solar industry
- A detailed analysis of HB 197, including a discussion with sponsors of the legislation
- Opportunity for Questions and a Call to Action
HB 197 is an important step forward in Ohio, joining other states throughout the nation who have enacted community solar programs to ensure the continued growth of the solar industry and to increase their citizens’ access to clean, affordable solar power.