Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania: Nexus of Energy, Land-Use, and Policy

Penn State Extension Educators will present context and current status of Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania. They closely follow developments with PJM (a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity) and PUC (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission), along with proposed legislation and policy changes. Educators will discuss recent trends in large-scale solar, also called utility-scale solar, in Pennsylvania. Educators will explain what is happening in the Commonwealth and why. Siting and zoning considerations will also be discussed, along with common concerns for landowners and local governments.

The Penn State Extension Energy Team lectures and teaches on energy development, the economics driving the energy development process, the process and politics of energy development, and the associated impacts on communities, businesses, agriculture, land, and people. They have had the opportunity to provide training for industry, elected officials, businesses, investors, regulators, and landowners and have been able to speak throughout the country and around the world. The panel for this presentation will include the following:

Matt Svetz is an Educational Program Specialist on the Penn State Extension Energy Team. Matt’s role involves creating educational programming on energy topics for a variety of stakeholders, including community members, organizations, and government officials. His role focuses on educating landowners, local government officials, and community members on utility-scale solar, bioenergy, as well as other energy-related projects. He has a master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.