Inside House Bill 80: Who Loves The Sun?
Who Loves The Sun?–The Velvet Underground
The recent uproar caused by proposed House Bill 80 is enough to make you lose faith in the political process. The bill, which calls for the State to increase Alternative Energy standards to match those of neighboring states like New Jersey and Delaware, has allowed 30 amendments so far, creating a crowded field of detractors set to debate the entire energy crisis en masse. Frustrated lawmakers and policy wonks alike are left to wave their arms and cry ‘People, can we please stick to the script?’ This bill calls for diversification of the state energy portfolio, so that all power entities would be required to increase their offerings by 8% in the next 11 years. So why do we have to hear from every energy interest all at once?
Rep. Bill Keller
Among the opportunists seeking to ride the coattails of this legislation into the next decade is Representative Bill Keller, whose proposed amendment would require that all solar-photovoltaic systems and components be installed by licensed electrical contractors. Supported by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (who just happen to be 6-figure Keller campaign supporters), the amendment would seek to stymie the already vibrant solar industry in favor of unionizing solar installation.
To understand why this amendment is detrimental, it is important to note the history and the economics of solar energy. When solar panels were first introduced, they were sold with commercial licenses to power small devices like money-sorting machines and computer punch-card readers. It was around this time that NASA was looking for a simplified electrical system without the complex wiring associated with electric power systems of the time. In 1958, the Vanguard 1 satellite left the Earth as the first PV-powered satellite, with panels designed to reduce the need for complex maintenance and wire connectivity.
To this day, solar panel manufacturing remains a relatively simple technology with a 25-year lifespan and limited maintenance requirements. Perhaps this is why many roofers left their trade to start solar install companies.
Bill Keller and the IBEW argue that their opposition comes from concerns regarding safety but one wonders how so many solar companies have stayed in business if safety was a legitimate concern. More likely, electricians see a flood of new jobs coming on the heels of this alternative energy expansion. We at Solar States believe these electricians should get in line behind everyone else.
Solar energy advocates and professionals are working daily to lower the preventative costs and other roadblocks to increasing this technology in Pennsylvania. If we reduce the number of possible installers, making it harder for people to get jobs or to procure an installation, are we really going in the right direction?
But more importantly than this amendment is the flood of challenges to House Bill 80 that could end up stalling these important energy measures. Pennsylvania is already one of the biggest carbon polluters in the country. If we want to increase alternative energy options–measures that will increase public health and decrease cost of living–lets get this legislation passed. There will be plenty of time to sort out how we get there.
Author: John Steele