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Montana Legislature Approves Bill to Expand Community Solar Projects
Recently, the Montana Legislature passed a significant bill aimed at enhancing private community solar initiatives throughout the state. This move follows a national trend, as over 44 states have recognized the benefits of shared solar programs.
Sen. Chris Pope, a Democrat from Bozeman, sponsored Senate Bill 188, which establishes guidelines for shared solar projects and outlines their connection to public utilities within Montana. This legislation is poised to facilitate access to solar energy for residents who do not have the ability to install solar panels on their properties.
Community solar initiatives allow individuals—including renters and apartment dwellers—to invest in solar energy and receive advantages from shared solar facilities. “These projects are an essential component of a comprehensive energy strategy that our governor and committee members endorse,” Pope articulated during a recent committee meeting, highlighting the urgency of addressing Montana’s rapidly expanding electric grid.
Senate Bill 188 provides a legal framework for developers to construct solar facilities with a capacity ranging from 50 kilowatts to five megawatts. The energy produced will be sold to subscribers within the service area, who will benefit from monthly bill credits corresponding to their participation in the project.
The bill garnered robust bipartisan support, concluding with a significant 46-4 vote in the Senate. During deliberations in both legislative chambers, numerous stakeholders, including various organizations and individuals, expressed their backing for the bill. However, major utilities such as NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities voiced their opposition, raising concerns about regulatory implications.
Supporters of SB 188 argue that it broadens opportunities for individuals who would otherwise be excluded from the solar energy market, including those who rent or reside in multi-family housing. Additionally, it opens pathways for diverse developers, from public-private partnerships to farmers and ranchers seeking to utilize underused land for solar installations.
Matthew Hargarten, vice president of government and public affairs at the Coalition for Community Solar Access, emphasized the potential economic benefits of community solar projects. His organization, which represents over 130 businesses involved in thousands of shared solar endeavors nationwide, underlined the importance of such projects in lowering overall energy costs and stabilizing the grid.
Conversely, Alan Olson, NorthWestern Energy’s director of government affairs, expressed skepticism regarding the bill’s prospects. He advocated for a system where shared solar projects would function as qualifying facilities under existing regulations, suggesting this would ensure more stability and oversight. Olson also raised concerns about the administrative burden that utilities would face in managing community solar subscribers, although the bill includes provisions to shift this responsibility to project developers.
Justin Pearce, CEO of A-Team Roofing & Solar based in Billings, hailed the legislation as a vital economic opportunity for Montana. His company, which employs nearly 30 people in solar-related roles, anticipates growth as the solar sector expands. Pearce noted that Montana benefits from ample sunshine, rivaling renowned solar cities, and emphasized the state’s potential for job creation through solar energy development.
Senate Bill 188 has received endorsements from various groups, including the Montana Farmers Union, the Northern Plains Resource Council, and the Blackfeet Nation, among others. “This is a positive step forward,” Pope remarked during discussions, reinforcing the consensus around the bill’s benefits for the community.
With the support of 54 representatives during its final reading in the House and nearly unanimous backing in the Senate, SB 188 appears poised to make a notable impact on Montana’s energy landscape.
Source
www.renewableenergyworld.com