Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 349, now Act 44 of 2026, into law this month. The bill ensures responsible solar development and offers better protections for landowners.
The act established decommissioning and financial requirements for solar generation projects, and included a graduated phase-in process for financial assurances. It established five-year benchmarks using third-party professional engineers to assess and calculate the fair market value of projects and cost to decommission them.
“This new law establishes a clear framework for the responsible development of solar projects in Pennsylvania,” state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), who sponsored the bill, said. “It requires developers to plan for the full life cycle of their projects and provides greater accountability for what happens when those facilities are no longer in operation. By putting these expectations in place from the start, Pennsylvania is taking a more thoughtful and responsible approach to solar development.”
The bill had the support of several solar associations and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
“Senate Bill 349 is a critical step toward balancing the growth of renewable energy with the long-term interests of Pennsylvania’s farm families,” a bureau spokesperson said. “By establishing clear decommissioning standards and financial protections, this legislation ensures that farmers who host solar projects aren’t left with the cost or burden of removing infrastructure when a project ends.”