Chester County Hosts Solar Adopter's Conference
February 2024
Chester County's Environmental and Energy Advisory Board (EEAB) and partners hosted the county's first Solar Adopter's Conference on January 18 for businesses and organizations to learn about the ways to obtain long-term benefits and cost savings using solar energy. The half-day event featured presentations from nine solar industry experts who shared information geared toward building the knowledge of those considering solar energy systems.
"Our [Climate Action] Plan recognizes that there is a lot of potential for increasing the development of solar power in the county, and that renewable energy can make a big dent in our greenhouse gas emissions. We've also seen increased interest in going solar due to new and expanded incentives for solar power, coupled with many businesses and institutions' intentions to show leadership in sustainability to their customers and constituents," stated Commissioner Josh Maxwell in his opening remarks.
"Solar power, especially when coupled with energy storage, can improve the resiliency of our homes, businesses, and organizations, keeping our essential operations running regardless of the weather," added Commissioner Eric Roe.
Kicking off the array of presentations, Ron Celentano of PA Solar Energy Industries Association discussed how on-site solar in Chester County is doing compared to other counties in PA, as well as how PA compares to neighboring states and the outlook for 2024. Next, Leo Menard of StationA talked about first-level assessments for new solar projects, separating good prospects from those with more challenges, and suggestions for moving the proposal process forward. Brian Barr of PECO's Green Power Connect division followed with a discussion about PECO's project evaluation department, as well as their relationship with local solar installers.
After a short break, presentations resumed with an overview of tax credits and upcoming state grant programs by Christine Knapp of the US Department of Energy. Renee Riley of the Sustainable Energy Fund followed by highlighting the ways solar projects can be financed through the PA Sustainable Energy Fund, and how Chester County's Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program can be used. David Santoleri of Terra Sol Energies talked next about the connection between on-site solar and on-site energy storage to create resilient and effective micro-grid systems, highlighting an exemplary project in West Grove; and Liz Robinson of Philadelphia Solar Energy Association and Mark Connolly, an energy engineer and member of Chester County's EEAB, shared a helpful toolkit for schools to evaluate opportunities for on-site solar and cash-flow. Finally, Andy Meserve of Eos Energy Enterprises talked about the production of non-lithium batteries to help increase the round-the-clock availability of renewable energy, and its uses in western PA.
This event was held at the nth Innovation Center in Coatesville and via Zoom. It was presented by the Chester County Environmental and Energy Advisory Board, Chester County Planning Commission, Chester County Economic Development Council, Smart Energy Initiative of Southeastern PA, PA Solar Energy Industries Association, Exton Region Chamber of Commerce, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Greater West Chester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. This event was generously sponsored by PECO and H2O Connected.
Presentation slides are available on the Environmental and Energy Board webpage.
In addition to the information provided at the conference, CCPC provides informational solar power resources for residential and commercial properties and municipalities.