In November of 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“DEP”) released the Pennsylvania Solar Future Plan. The 152-page document outlines strategies to help the state meet a goal of 10 percent in-state solar electricity generation by 2030. As part of this plan, the DEP recommends that the state consider revising their Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard Program (“AEPS”) and increase the target to help bolster SREC prices and solar build rates. In response, on April 10, 2019, Senate Bill 600 was introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Most notably, the Bill:

1. Expands AEPS Tier I requirement from 8% by 2021 to 30% by 2030
2. Expands AEPS solar carve-out from 0.5% by 2021 to 10% by 2030, including 7.5% for grid-supply solar and 2.5% for distributed generation (DG) solar
3. Introduces fixed alternative compliance payment (ACP) schedules and a 15-year SREC eligibility term for solar facilities (beginning on June 1, 2021)

While the future of this Bill is still uncertain, SRECTrade has prepared an analysis that illustrates the projected market dynamic if SB600 were to pass as well as baseline scenario cases assuming the current AEPS policy stays in place.

In reaction to these bullish signals from policymakers and the closure of PA borders to out-of-state systems, SREC prices have seen an appreciation in value over the past 12 to 18 months to values around $35-45. SRECTrade will continue to monitor progressions with this Bill and update our clients, partners, and stakeholders accordingly.