Shapiro Administration announces milestone in Pennsylvania's solar energy capacity

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with the Public Utility Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), announced a significant achievement in solar energy development. The state has reached 2 gigawatts of installed solar capacity, enough to power approximately 350,000 homes. This milestone was achieved just 17 months after reaching the 1-gigawatt mark.

"Clean, renewable energy like solar helps reduce air pollution, fights climate change, and helps meet our growing electricity needs. This is a momentous milestone, and there is now enough installed solar capacity in Pennsylvania to power 350,000 homes," said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. "Putting more solar power onto the grid is part of Governor Josh Shapiro's Lightning Plan - an all of the above energy plan to create jobs, lower energy costs for consumers, and fight climate change."

The announcement was made at Gifford Pinchot State Park's Quaker Race Day Use Area in front of a 342-kW solar array. This installation not only provides shade for ADA-accessible picnic areas and parking but also generates clean energy. By 2030, DCNR aims to source all its electricity from renewables, with about half coming from solar installations.

Speakers at the event included Dave Althoff from the Energy Programs Office, Stephen DeFrank from the Public Utility Commission, and Mike Walsh from DCNR.