May 31, 2011

 

To: All Present and Future Solar Owners

From: Gaurav, Charlie, Catherine, Wendy & Wes

Subject: House Bill 1580!

 

Hi Everyone,

 

The five of us spent all day on Tuesday, May 24th walking the halls of Harrisburg and knocking on the doors of representatives. We were accompanied by around 100 other representatives of solar companies or manufacturers, all members of PASEIA. The morning started with a press conference at 10:00am announcing House Bill 1580, written by Rep. Chris Ross. Then we started working the halls, asking representatives to support the bill and even sign on as a co-sponsor. We came away with a general positive feeling….but we are going to have to have some help from you.

 

Most of you are aware of the plummet in REC value. This is due to the abundance of solar installed in the state versus the utility's solar requirement for the current years. The bill 1580 asks for the requirements are shifted so that the next three years require more solar. (These requirements are already placed in law.) It also asks that the PA border be closed for these sales. Utilities would no longer be allowed to make their requirements by purchasing solar RECs in another state. In addition, a utility from out-of-state could no longer purchase PA RECs.

 

We feel that this bill should be a no-brainer. The PA Sunshine Program was hugely successful resulting in hundreds of good jobs. Personally, here at Heat Shed, we went from 4 employees to 12 full-time! We use an electrician that hired an employee. We employ a scaffolding company, inspection companies, pipe fitters, landscapers, etc. The list goes on. The solar industry creates hundreds of jobs and the current situation is defiantly going to have a huge trickle-down effect.

 

We have attached information that we hope you use to contact your State Representative and let him/her know how important this is to you. This is going to help secure you a better REC price. If you do not know who your rep is, go to our website, www.heatshed.com, and click on the picture of Abraham Lincoln and he can help you. Best of all, contact your representative's local office and pay them a visit.

 

CALL, FAX, VISIT AND DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN!

 

Let's try and save solar in PA. You guys are the pioneers; you deserve attention to be paid. The people who can change things need to hear your voice.

Please give us a call or an email if you have any questions."

Then, the four PDF's as links here on the bottom.

 

Please call me if any of this is unclear.

 

Key Facts

Press Release, May 24, 2011

Letter-Urging-HouseRep Support

Question & Answer

 

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