SolarBank Corporation has officially announced its intention to develop a 7 MW DC ground-mounted solar installation, known as the Stauffer Project, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This initiative is a key part of the company’s expanding footprint in the state’s clean energy market.
The Stauffer Project joins a 13.8 MW DC project as part of a broader 24.8 MW DC portfolio that SolarBank is advancing in Pennsylvania. The company aims for this development to be one of the state’s first community solar projects, a model designed to give more residents access to solar power. Through community solar, subscribers—including those who rent or have homes unsuitable for rooftop installations—can benefit from clean energy generation and receive credits on their electricity bills without needing their own panels.
However, the project’s viability as a community solar facility is contingent upon state-level legislative action. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 1842 on March 26, 2024, a measure that would formally establish a community solar program. The legislation’s final passage now depends on approval from the Pennsylvania Senate.
Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of SolarBank, highlighted the significance of the community-focused approach. “Community solar projects enable the benefits of renewable energy to proliferate throughout communities in North America,” said Dr. Lu. “Community members can subscribe to a shared solar power source and contribute to building a sustainable future… We are excited for the next steps in developing the Stauffer project, which would be a significant milestone in SolarBank’s community solar portfolio, in addition to being a part of Pennsylvania’s historic move toward a cleaner future.”
With a lease for the project site secured, SolarBank is proceeding with essential pre-construction activities, including permitting processes, securing an interconnection agreement, and arranging project financing. The project’s success is dependent on navigating these regulatory and financial milestones, as well as the broader landscape of government support for renewable energy.
As an independent developer and owner of clean energy assets, SolarBank specializes in distributed and community solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and electric vehicle charging projects across the United States and Canada. The company manages a development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has successfully developed more than 100 megawatts of renewable energy projects to date.
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