Green Energy Ohio believes that every Ohioan deserves a chance to experience the benefits of solar power!
What Happened?

On June 6, Representatives James Hoops and Sharon Ray introduced House Bill 197: The Community Solar Pilot program. The bill has five bipartisan co-sponsors. If passed, HB 197 will make solar power available for the first time to renters, condo owners, and most small to medium-size businesses who cannot 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.
What’s in the Bill?

HB 197 would enable a community solar pilot program in Ohio. The program is capped at 1,750 MW of solar installed in three 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.
  • 250MW for the Appalachian area’s distressed sites in a standalone program.

These caps are set high enough to allow for many projects in all parts of the state. Community solar projects can be owned by for-profits or nonprofits and would require a minimum number of subscribers to purchase solar energy. The utility in the region would then be responsible for providing a credit on the subscriber’s utility bill for the solar energy purchased from the community solar array. After four years, a review will be conducted to assess the program’s success and determine its future. 

HB 197 has been referred to the House Public Utilities Committee for consideration.
What Can We Do?

Write to your Representative expressing support for HB 197. Use the search function on the Ohio House of Representatives page to find your Representative, entering your full address, including city and state. Then go to their page to submit a message.

Urge them to vote "yes" on HB 197 to allow a community solar pilot program in Ohio. Make sure to tell them that community solar allows Ohioans to benefit from solar energy even if they are unable to install panels on their homes. Ohioans who rent, live in a condo, or can't afford their own panels would have access to solar and lower electric bills. Ohio companies would benefit, new jobs would be created, and
local communities would be strengthened.

Follow the progress of HB 197 in the House Public Utilities Committee. Sign up for their mailing list and watch for hearings.