Pennsylvania Doubles Solar Power Output in 17 Months, PUC Says

July 23, 2025

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

Pennsylvania now has 2 gigawatts of installed solar power in operation, according to the state Public Utility Commission, doubling the 1 gigawatt mark reached in late 2023.

From the PUC release:

More than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity have been certified in Pennsylvania through the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) program. That’s enough clean energy to power the combined households of Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Scranton, York, and Williamsport — based on average electricity usage of 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year per household, and U.S. Census data estimating 2.4 persons per home.

Solar power is clean and renewable, but the recycling of turbines blades is a challenge, as is storage of energy for use when the sun isn’t shining.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regulates the supply and cost of energy in the state.

Here is a link to the PUC statement, and here’s a cut-and-paste version:

2-Gigawatt Milestone Underscores Pennsylvania’s ‘All-of-the-Above’ Energy Strategy Amid Growing Electricity Demand

LEWISBERRY, PA – Surrounded by solar panels nestled within the Quaker Race Day Use Area at Gifford Pinchot State Park, leaders from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) gathered today to mark a major clean energy milestone — 2 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar generation now operating across the Commonwealth – just 17 months after reaching the 1GW milestone in late 2023.

“This pace of growth is remarkable,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “We’ve effectively doubled our installed solar capacity in less than a year and a half — a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to a balanced, ‘all-of-the-above’ approach that supports our economy, protects our environment, and keeps the lights on for everyone.”

More than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity have been certified in Pennsylvania through the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) program. That’s enough clean energy to power the combined households of Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Scranton, York, and Williamsport — based on average electricity usage of 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year per household, and U.S. Census data estimating 2.4 persons per home.

Today’s event at Gifford Pinchot State Park — located in northern York County — showcased the integration of solar energy into public spaces, including panels installed by DCNR at the Quaker Race Day Use Area, where the press conference was held.

A Surge in Projects and Capacity – with More to Come

Recent AEPS data shows a steep increase in both the number and capacity of solar installations in Pennsylvania over the past two years — fueled by improving economics, developer interest, and strong policy foundations.

“What’s striking is not just the number of solar systems being registered,” DeFrank noted, “but the size and scale of these new projects. This signals a transformational moment for Pennsylvania’s energy mix, and we’re seeing it unfold in real time.”

The Commonwealth’s growing solar fleet reflects both widespread residential and commercial adoption and significant growth in grid-scale installations. Of the current 2GW total, roughly 47% comes from utility-scale solar projects that feed directly into the regional power grid.

Additionally, more than 500 MW of new grid-scale solar is already under construction across the Commonwealth, putting Pennsylvania well on the path toward its next clean energy milestone.

Preparing for a More Demanding Energy Future

The 2GW milestone also comes as Pennsylvania and the entire nation face growing energy demands — driven in part by population growth, electrification of homes and vehicles, and an explosion in power-intensive technologies, including the new and growing wave of artificial intelligence data centers and other high-load facilities.

Chairman DeFrank emphasized the need for continued investment in a wide range of energy resources — including renewables, energy efficiency, storage, demand response, and traditional baseload generation — to ensure that Pennsylvania’s grid remains resilient and affordable.

“We need every available tool — rooftop solar, utility-scale renewables, demand management, and advanced grid planning — to meet this moment,” DeFrank said. “We need to keep planning for the future, and that means making room for every viable energy solution.”

Solar & AEPS Background

The Pennsylvania AEPS program — administered by the PUC in collaboration with DEP — was launched in 2005 to ensure that a portion of electricity sold in the state comes from renewable and alternative sources. It has driven billions in clean energy investment and positioned Pennsylvania as a long-time leader in energy policy.

More information about Pennsylvania’s AEPS and solar generation programs is available on the PUC website and the official AEPS portal. Consumers can also find tips and resources about going solar — including interconnection guides, consumer protections, and renewable energy factsheets.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.