Permanently recognizing the third week in August as Solar Week in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Since 2019, the Philadelphia Energy Authority has organized the third week of August as Solar Week in Philadelphia, a week filled with learning, training, and outreach as well as innovation on the topic of solar energy solutions led by Solarize Philly, the largest program of its kind in the nation; and

WHEREAS, The generating of energy which produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces air pollution is necessary to Philadelphia in order to provide the citizens Constitutional guarantee of a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment; and

WHEREAS, Climate change, as a result of burning fossil fuels for energy, is responsible for the denigration of public health, which disproportionately affects low-income communities, communities of color, and urban communities who most often have to deal directly with the consequences of polluting power plants and the health risks that accompany living within close proximity to these non-renewable energy sources; and

WHEREAS, Solar energy is a smart investment. The savings from solar typically pay for the upfront cost in roughly 10 years, after which a resident will save significantly on the cost of their electricity bill; and

WHEREAS, Residential solar development is labor-intensive, leaving the opportunity open to create hundreds of local jobs. Solar creates nearly 15 jobs for every 100 households that participate. These are good-paying, livable wage careers that do not require a college degree; and

WHEREAS; Solar Energy reduces the need for dirtier, non-renewable energy, and supports cleaner air and reduced rates of asthma, as well cutting carbon emissions, helping Philadelphia meet its carbon reduction and clean energy goals; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia is already a leader in solar innovation and has made efforts to incentivize homeowners to solarize their homes and support educational and job training programs which create a pathway to employment, good health, and the betterment of the City as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia established Pennsylvania's first Solar Energy CTE Program, the first of its kind in the nation. Solar Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about solar career pathways for prospective trainees and to lift up the stories of those who have completed training programs and are working in the industry.

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s solar market has grown significantly over recent years as a result of programs like Solarize Philly and the Philadelphia Solar Rebate; and

WHEREAS, Solar installer is listed as a High Priority Occupation in Philadelphia based on employer demand; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Solar Week has provided an opportunity for a diverse set of stakeholders to celebrate the growth in solar adoption and to highlight success stories; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Solar Week provides an opportunity to encourage more Philadelphians to install solar at their properties. Rooftop solar installations create more jobs per dollar invested than any other energy project. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, solar can help put Philadelphia back to work in the wake of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, The pace of solar adoption is unfortunately not yet on track to meet the City's climate goals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, The City Council of Philadelphia, Will hereby permanently recognize the third week in August as Solar Week in the City of Philadelphia.

End