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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mark Cohen
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Cohen bill to remove roadblock to new solar energy products
HARRISBURG, March 10 – Hoping to spur the development of alternative energy products and companies in Pennsylvania, state Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., is working to get environmentally friendly and dollar saving alternative energy technology from the research lab into people’s homes and offices.
In the near future, Cohen will introduce a bill that would authorize a grant for the creation and initial operation of a Solar Rating and Certification Corporation-accredited solar thermal testing lab in Pennsylvania. The grant would be funded with a small portion of the energy-related funds from the federal stimulus package.
"The federal government is making a historic commitment to help private businesses and universities develop new energy technology. But what good is the technology if we cannot get it to the people who want to purchase it?" Cohen said. "With only one SRCC-accredited facility in the United States, located in Florida, and only one other in Canada, the waiting period to receive accreditation on a product could be as long as two years. This delay negatively impacts manufacturers wishing to provide solar products, and negatively impacts consumers who want to use money-saving solar technologies in their homes or businesses."
The SRCC was established in the 1980s as a third-party, non-profit organization whose purpose was to certify products produced by solar companies. This certification is meant to act as a safeguard for consumers, preventing companies from selling sub-standard solar products.
In addition to crafting legislation, Cohen has also sent a letter to Gov. Rendell suggesting that the governor may be able to authorize a grant for an SRCC-accredited solar thermal testing lab in Pennsylvania without having to wait for a bill to make it through the legislature.
"An SRCC-accredited facility in Pennsylvania would not only help solar manufacturers here in the Commonwealth and across the country get their products to consumers more quickly, but would create jobs here. That is why I am urging the legislature and Governor Rendell to find a way to make this lab happen," Cohen said.
Realizing the burden that this two-year waiting period places on businesses and consumers alike, Minnesota has already begun the process of drafting legislation that would designate a facility in that state. Cohen said Pennsylvania would do well to have SRCC-accredited solar thermal testing labs here.
A copy of the co-sponsorship memo for the proposed legislation is attached.
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