Sunbed plans to develop a 7 MW ground-mounted solar project, known as the Stauffer Project, at a site in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
This project is in addition to the recently announced 13.8 MW project, both part of a portfolio expected to total 24.8 MW.
In March, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed House Bill 1842, allowing for the potential development of community solar projects in the state. The bill is currently under review by the Senate.
The company says the proposed community solar project would be one of the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.
“Community solar projects help spread the benefits of renewable energy to communities across North America,” said Dr. Richard Lu, CEO of SolarBank.
“Community members can subscribe to a shared solar energy resource and help build a sustainable future without having to install their own panels. We are excited about the next steps in the development of the Stauffer project, which would be an important milestone in SolarBank’s community solar portfolio, in addition to being part of Pennsylvania’s historic move toward a cleaner future.”
The company has secured a lease for the project site and will continue to work to complete the next steps in permitting, interconnection and securing the necessary financing for the construction of the project. Development of the project as community solar will be subject to final passage of House Bill 1842.
The energy generated by a community solar project is supplied directly to the local electricity grid.