Pennsylvania State Solar Power Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives

Update 8/23/09

Considering solar in Pennsylvania? Great news! $100 million dollars is on the way in the form of Pennsylvania Sunshine, a provision added to Gov. Ed Rendell’s Alternative Energy Investment Act. That $100 million takes the form of grant funding for commercial and residential solar projects.

Pennsylvania Sunshine passed with a unanimous vote from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and they weren’t kidding with this incentive. It’s a great day for solar in Pennsylvania, no matter what the coal industry says. Here are the highlights of the incentive and what it means to you:

Eligibility:

Got to be a Pennsylvania resident. Obvious, but fine to point that out. Next.
There’s a $100 application fee for the rebate, unless you have income less than 60% of the median household income as defined by the Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare. In that case, the fee will be waved.
Application for the rebate must be submitted through an installer, who will also receive the rebate. After you get multiple bids for your system by clicking here, select the installer you are most comfortable with. Chances are you’ll be happy since we only connect you to good people we’d be comfortable sharing a meal with. You must give them at least a $250 deposit to get the paperwork going and you have to get the system installed within a year of being approved for the rebate.
Your solar system size needs to be between 1Kw (really small energy usage) to 10 Kw (Huge for super large homes and/or energy hogs.) If you’re a home that needs larger than 10 Kw, turn off the lights, because the state isn’t going to give you a dime for any more solar panels larger than 10Kw.
Rebate funds can’t go towards the cost of batteries, but big deal. You won’t need batteries being tied to the grid, and batteries are a pain to maintain anyway. You’ll rarely need a battery back up, anyway, so waste of cash.

How much? Short answer: Mucho Dinero, Gracias.

The rebate can be up to a maximum of 35% of the system’s cost. (If you meet the low income standards, the rebate is automatically 35% of the cost.)
The rebate is calculated by the size of your system, say 5Kw (5000 watts of pure solar juice) x $Current Step.
Note for small businesses. The rebate is $2.25/W for systems that are at least 3kW to 10 kW. For any kW larger than 10kW, you get paid $2/W for next 90 kW and a still sizable $1.75/W for next 100 kW.
As of this writing, the program just started, so home systems will get the highest step of $2.25/watt DC. After the program installs 10 megawatts, the rebate “steps” down to $1.75/watt, then to $1.25/watt after another 10 megawatts, and finally to .75/watt. (Theoretically, pre rebate installed prices will also have come down due to market forces, so you’ll really be paying about the same price.)

Example of a medium sized 5Kw residential system:

Note: Your system’s size could be more or less. It will depend on your energy usage and how much of your electric bill you want to offset.
Assuming the installed price is around (August 2009) the national average of about $7.25/watt. Could be less or more, depending on your type of roof and a lot of things. Could be in the $6/watt range by the time you read this, so always expect less. Couldn’t hurt.
$7.25/watt x 5ooo watts (5Kw) = $36,250 BEFORE THE REBATES and INCENTIVES
Subtract from that $11,250 ($2.25/watt x 5000 watts). Now you’re down to $25,000 to finance.
(If you qualify for low income status, you get a straight 35% off the 36,250 or $12,687. )
Subtract another 30% of that 25 grand, thanks to the Federal Tax Credit, or $7,500 you can use towards paying your taxes on April 15th. (This is also taxable as income, me thinks, but check with your tax dude.)
So if all goes well, what are we talking about, net cost for this 5Kw system if you’re lucky enough to get into Step 1 of the rebate program?

Net Cost: $17,500, give or take a grand or so for tax considerations….or a little less you qualify for low income status.

Payback time: About 12 years. (Remember that solar systems are guaranteed for at least 20 years, and usually go for 30 or more years.)

Utility cost savings over 25 years: About….$30,000 grand or so. Could be more savings if utility rates rise higher than 3% a year.

For a smaller 4Kw system: $14,000 after state and federal incentives.
For an even smaller 3Kw $10,500 after state and federal incentives.
If these numbers are confusing at all to you, take heart. They were initially confusing to us too! Simply connect with local solar installers and they’ll walk you through everything over the phone or in person.
Don’t forget that reducing your energy needs first through CFL light bulbs, energy star appliances, and insulation reduces your solar cost as well, since you’ll need a smaller system.

We recommend having multiple local installers come out and give you a quote for your solar system. Also, make sure they are able to help you with the application process or complete all the paperwork for you. That way, you’ll be getting expert help and can be sure you’ll be able to reserve funding without any missteps.

History from our earlier updates:

Update 9/1/08 -

We’re pleased to inform you that Governor Rendell signed the Alternative Energy Investment fund several weeks ago. However, specific details on how cash is going to flow from the new program to your checking account once you go solar are lacking. As a Pennsylvania homeowner considering solar, you should know the following if you are looking for money:

1. The Energy Cooperative of Pennsylvania will purchase the electricity your solar system produces for 20 cents/kwh. However, to participate in the program, you must be a member of the cooperative and they need to be in demand for your solar electricity as part of their energy mix. For 2008, they have already achieved their target of 3% of its energy coming from solar (By the way 87% comes from hydro-power). So currently, even if you go solar this year, they will not purchase the electricity you produce until they demand more. To be considered for 2009 budgeting they recommend you leave your full name and contact information with their office (800-223-5783 or 215-413-2122).

2. The Sustainable Development Fund historically has granted Pennsylvania homeowners up to $25,000 for qualifying solar systems. That’s a LOT of cash. However, they are now out of cash! Consequently, they are no longer accepting applications this year. Check back later they say. Frustrating, we know.

3. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the bulk of future state grants, rebates and incentives for Pennsylvania home solar installations. They are currently developing the specifics of the consumer and small business programs, as well as the guidelines and application procedures. To sign up to receive updates on their progress, click here. Hopefully, they get the ball rolling shortly. A lot of Pennsylvanians would like details before the federal tax credits for solar expire.

4. While the state is busy figuring out how the solar rebate and incentive procedures will be structured, we recommend having multiple local installers come out and give you a quote for your solar system in the interim. That way, you’ll know what your upfront cost will be before rebates and you can begin budgeting.

Update 7/16/08 -

Special Session Senate Bill 1

A few weeks ago, the Pennsylvania Senate held a special session and finally passed some meaningful solar energy legislation for home and business-owners. While the bill passed by a 44-5 margin, the House of Representatives still needs to vote on it. The odds are good that this bill passes. So, some congratulations are in order on making it this far. The bill earmarks $650 million for alternative energy investments and is front-loaded over the next two years to provide some immediate impact. Specifically, it provides up to $100 million dollars in loans, grants, and rebates of up to 35% of the purchase and installation costs of solar and PV panels. More information will follow once this bill hopefully becomes law. A factsheet of SB 1 is available here.

While this is great news, the legislature has stalled on passing House Bill 2200. This bill would allow almost all Pennsylvania utility customers to benefit from the implementation of smart utility meters and real time pricing. Many customers do not realize when they are being charged for energy consumed at peak demands. Smart meters would allow those customers to see when their usage is being charged at a higher rate, thus encouraging energy conservation. A factsheet about HB 2200 is available here.

Small Business Incentives

Here’s a list of where to get information, help, and most importantly, MONEY, for energy efficient improvements for your small business if you live in Pennsylvania. As far as homeowners are concerned, refer to the update at the top of this page.

1. EMAP, the Environmental Management Assistance Program was created by the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers which have consultants to help you (for free) in anything dealing with Energy Efficiency. Here you can sign up for an energy assessment and someone will come out and see where you would best be benefited by energy efficiency improvements. You can also call 877-ASK-EMAP and get a free consultant to answer any questions about energy efficiency.

2. The Small Business Advantage Program grants money for energy efficiency upgrades like solar power and pollution prevention. That’s free money…. but they’re out of it. Gotta wait till next year.

3. “Growing Greener” is a PA program with a boatload of cash ($600 mil) to dole out for green projects. Here’s how to apply.

4. “Energy Harvest” is another PA grant program where Pennsylvania fights for Federal grant money. Energy harvest is closed for 2007 but go here to be notified when it reopens.

5. “AFIG,” The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program is a fairly small PA grant program with money for things like bio diesel, so if you want to convert your old diesel benzo you might be able to get some free ducats here for that…. But no money for rims … I checked.

6. Yay, more acronyms… The PPAA, or Pollution Prevention Assistance Account Loan Program has low interest loans for small business taking on projects to reduce waste, pollution, or energy use (yay, that mean solar power!). You can get up to 75% of the cost of the project at a rate of, no kidding, 2%… BAM!

7. SAG, the Site Assessment Grant Program funds up to 80 percent of the cost of a site assessment. It’s closed for the time being… call 717-772-8951 to find out if and when it re-opens. Also, while you’re at it, another program out of money that will reopen is PEDA, the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority from which you can solicit money….. next year.

8. NEWPA offers some low-interest loans for small business complying with some energy efficient practices.

Hope this helps… this covers the vast majority of ways to get free money or cheap money in Pennsylvania for your solar power projects.

Click here to have multiple solar installers bid to upgrade your Pennsylvania home or business.

Read the 54 brilliant comments below or add yours!

ross

Comment on November 18th, 2007.

These sites all seem to be for businesses. Where can I find information about solar rebates for residential homes.

Catherine Neil

Comment on December 4th, 2007.

The site at Find Solar is really great for general information and is geared toward the home owner. It also can link you up with customer recommended installers.

Amy Sahm

Comment on January 24th, 2008.

The sites listed above are all for small business. Where can I find info about solar panel installation and possible rebates and tax advantages for residential use?

Doris

Comment on June 25th, 2008.

Hi. Im interested in getting solar heating for my home. The fuel bills will put me out of my house if I cannot come up with something more feasible. But like Brian asked, where can I find out about info on solar ins. and rebates for residental use? Thanks.

Allan Minard

Comment on July 3rd, 2008.

I am like the rest of the people psting here. All the listed information seems to be geared to the business owner and not the home owner. Where can I find information for the homeowner that wants to install solar and find possible wources of help?

Bruce

Comment on July 9th, 2008.

Hello??? Does anyone check the postings on this site? I to would like info for residential solar power incentives.

Gregory Gorbulsky

Comment on July 9th, 2008.

Dear friends! As I can see from your questions, you are homeowners like me. Unfortunately, there is no rebate program for homeowners in PA right now. Governor Rendall stepped forward last year with so calle Sunshine Initiative, which stipulates 50% rebate for us, homeowners, but this initiative still did not passed Senate. We have to write or call to our Senators to move ahead with this bill asap. Meanwhile, Ihave installed 3.1 kwt Solar System myself and have been enjoying free clean energy.

Lorraine

Comment on July 12th, 2008.

Didn’t the legislation just pass? Please be the first to post information about residential renewable credits from PA.

Sally

Comment on July 13th, 2008.

I see nothing on this page for financial help for PA homeowners…just small business. It is an enormas expense…how does one get help?

Jeff

Comment on July 13th, 2008.

This news release was on the PA DEP website. It mentions “$100 million to provide loans, grants and rebates that cover up to 35 percent of the costs residential consumers and small businesses incur for installing for solar energy technology”. Here is the web address. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=5150&varQueryType=Detail

Mike

Comment on August 3rd, 2008.

I got a quote but the “grant” would have sign over my energy credits indefinitely. Does anybody know why the grant program has changed its format so many times?

David Leinenbach

Comment on August 11th, 2008.

Careful Everyone. I’ve done some pretty extensive research and so far I have yet to see a site that deals exclusively with homneowners, residential, and individual use assistance, grants, and reasonable financing. I’ve had 3 or 4 contractors out to the house and I get the sense there will be some predatory activity initally given the intense interest as of late. ITS STILL THE RIGHT THING TO DO, but dont get sucked in too fast. Im pretty sure it can be done for a reasonable cost, but they’re not gonna make it easy as you can all see. Anyone find a site thats really helpful and informative to an average, middle class residence inquiry in PA, please let me know.

Dan Hahn

Comment on August 11th, 2008.

David,

Thank you for your concern and comments. We’re doing the best we can to accurately reflect what is going on incentive and rebate-wise for Pennsylvania homeowners. From the installers we have spoken to in our network, there is some consensus that solar will not be an easy option to pursue in Pennsylvania for at least a year or so. That is in comparison to other states with much clearer goals and passed legislation. When the aforementioned bills get passed, we plan on reporting what it takes to acquire solar in a fiscally responsible manner with an actual example from a Pennsylvanian family. Again, thank you for your concerns and comments. We’re not here to be predatory misinformers. If you could, please share your experiences with your contractors that came out to your home. Everyone reading this page will benefit.

Thanks so much,

Dan Hahn

Mike

Comment on August 18th, 2008.

I find it kind of funny that the governor of the state has a solar roof and gets a $20,000 grant to have it done but the working Keystoner can’t get any definitive answers when it comes to financial assistance. (lost the link to the page will post it when I find it)

Craig B

Comment on August 30th, 2008.

Hi,
I’m a retired NYC Police officer that fell ill after 9/11. Yep, I’m one of those guys that you hear about who are sick, and getting the shaft by the City. So seeing as I am on Social Security and 100% disabled, and living with my father who is also on social security, I need to find a way to lower my energy bills drasticly now. I want to go green, and get off the PPL trough. My dad and I live in a single wide mobile home in a nice area in PA, and the trailer faces exactly south with no obstruction. I was wondering if we’d qualify fir some kind of grant, or special loan to get full solar power up and running. We have only like 1100 sq feet. Is this possible? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to email me: nypd219@gmail.com

Tony

Comment on August 31st, 2008.

Please post something for the individual residential homeowner, there must be some funding out there and hybrid (solar and wind) systems are not on you list of choices.

Dan Hahn

Comment on September 1st, 2008.

Tony,

I provided an update today regarding the status of Pennsylvania homeowner rebates, incentives, and credits. Which ‘list of choices’ are you referring to?

Thank you all again for your comments and suggestions.

Joy

Comment on September 8th, 2008.

The state rebates are still being dickered over, as I understand it. The federal “30% up to $2,000″ is good for systems up and running by Dec. 31 2008. That cut off has been moved before, and (esp. if you call your congressman and senator) could be renewed / extended again.

use http://www.dsireusa.org/ to track funding opportunities; there are quite a few low-interest loans. Most Solar companies will help to hook you up with one. I would suggest buying a bit more inverter than your panels need, BTW, in case the panel cost and efficiency both improve in the next decade, so you can slot in a spare panel or two. BTW, with the federal credits currently slated to expire, good, fully sealed “made in USA” panels like the ones I got from http://www.solarworld-usa.com are in considerable demand!

john

Comment on September 9th, 2008.

Hello to all you folks talking about solar energy. Over the past 9 months I have designed and build my own solar water heating system. Over the past 3 months I have reduced my natural gas bill by approximately $50.00 a month and my investment was around a thousand dollars. The materials need to build a solar thermal collector are available at many plumbing supply stores. Good plumbing skills are a must have, if you wish to build your own system. I originally got most of my idea from http://www.builditsolar.com and just went ahead with what I wanted to do, make hot water with sunshine.

Julia

Comment on October 16th, 2008.

Here’s the latest word I’ve heard from the DEP about when residents can expect to hear about taking advantage of the Renewable Energy rebate program; the program is being funded by a bond, so they can’t activate the program until the bond has been issued. In our current economic situation, they’re not sure when that will happen. They’re projecting mid-2009. There will likely be stipulations that will determine your rebate eligibility, particularly energy efficiency; if you’ve demonstrated energy reduction in your home and/or have had an energy audit, you’re more likely to get a higher rebate (the maximum we’ve heard is 35%). I’ve also heard that there will be tax credits available as part of the program co-administered by the Department of Revenue.

DAVE

Comment on October 21st, 2008.

GOOD OLD RENDELjUST A BAG OF “HOT AIR”.
ALL SHOW AND NO GO!!

Rob

Comment on December 3rd, 2008.

I watched a little bit of the meeting between Obama and the governors last night and was wondering if anyone caught any concrete plans for solar subsidies in PA

Shana Haygood, Director of Sales

Comment on January 21st, 2009.

Anyone interested in signing up to hear exactly what the PA credits are, and exactly when they are going to be released, please visit http://www.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us/aeifsignup/ Please feel free to post back with any further questions. We expect to hear something definitive around March 2009.

Scott

Comment on February 13th, 2009.

Hey guys, for information on finance and incentive help in PA try http://www.disireusa.org. Its a database of state incentives for renewable energy. Federally the only real incentive is the 30% direct tax credit for the installation. That is not a deduction but a direct cash credit (same as cash) of 30%.

Jim

Comment on February 21st, 2009.

i am a do it yourselfer, and i have been unable to find any where that i can get the info i need and purchase a roof system for my home. of the places i found on th internet in pittsburgh area, they are all contractors and no help, with info do to my wanting to do it myself. can’t find anyone who will sell to the do it yourselfer. any info on where i can find whatever it is i need, please help!!

Brian

Comment on February 22nd, 2009.

Great Website !
We wanted to Announce an Energy Expo for Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council is a 501©3 non-profit organization that has been active within northeast Pennsylvania since 1980. The Pocono Northeast RC&D is a regional organization that encompasses and serves the following ten counties: Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne.

The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council and its partners will be hosting the Northeast PA Energy Solutions Expo on June 13-14th, 2009 at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas, PA. The event will focus on alternative and renewable energy opportunities as well as energy conservation for residents, landowners, municipalities, regional governments, and local businesses. The intent of the Expo a forum where people can come to see, witness, and learn about potential conservation and alternative energy solutions.

Mark

Comment on February 26th, 2009.

Does anyone know what % of a tax credit or rebate will be allowed for PA? Everything that I found for the State is for 08. Nothing for 09 yet. I have the Fed information, but can’t find anything exact for state rebates. Thanks in advance!

Jeremy Klotz

Comment on March 3rd, 2009.

Mark, it’s a $2 to $2.5 per watt rebate for PV. I have it from a good source that it’ll start in April. Here’s a draft of the legislation: http://www.paenergyfest.com/downloads/09-Jan-SolarProgramOutline.pdf

jeremy@solarishere.com

Daniel-Sun

Comment on March 4th, 2009.

Good to know folks in Pa. are paying attention(not just paying ppl).Being from Ca. I wasn’t sure how solar would be received, and am now confident the time is now!

druidclark

Comment on March 11th, 2009.

So much for the State giving it more than PPL. Solar is actually excluded from the rebate-eligible expenses. Look at this site and “Advanced Performance” (http://www.keystonehelp.com/info/eligible.php)And, you have to use one of their contractors. IMO, as long as the materials are certified Energy Star and the Contractor is registered and I can prove that they were installed correctly, that should be enough. FPhhfffft.

david

Comment on March 13th, 2009.

HI im dave i live in williamsport and i have been installing these systems for about 4 years, i am starting a renewable energy business and found an outline draft on how the state will only give grants to the systems that are installed by NABCEP Certified installers and they want energy audits to that have to be done only by RESNET OR BPI CERTIFIED I beleive this will stop a lot of people from getting one installed i have installed more of these systems than i can count , at least give us time to get the classes and test

J. Lubas

Comment on March 14th, 2009.

How does one become a state installer if you have to install at least 3 systems before you get on the list as a contractor. Is there any exception to this? Where can you apply to become a certified installer.

Jason

Comment on April 10th, 2009.

I agree completely we are starting a new business in this area and it seems we are fighting an uphill battle all the way. All I want to know is what tax credit is availible and how do I go about getting it. I’ve spent hours on the web trying to figure this out only to be left more confussed then ever. HELP!

david

Comment on April 17th, 2009.

hi dave form williamsport i just started my co. Renewable Energy For Pa llc . the D.E.P have been a big help.my email add is dave@renewableEnergyForPa.comcastbiz.net i have been installing these systems for 3 plus years and i cant wate to get the first one for my own co.

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Pingback on August 24th, 2009.

[...] just updated the Pennsylvania solar page, so you can see the eligibility requirements and some sample costs of a 3Kw to 5Kw [...]

stan

Comment on August 31st, 2009.

Does the solar energy installation come under the guidelines of the pa prevailing wage act? The project must be completely paid for before any government moneys come into play and then go to the customer as a rebate not the installer.
Please respond.

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Comment on August 31st, 2009.

Stan, Short answer: We don’t know about the prevailing wage act. Not sure you’re right about the subsidy being fronted by consumer, however. If you’re talking about residential, I believe under the Sunshine program, the consumer must fill out an application after being approved by the installer for solar (meaning that their home is right for solar and has enough sunlight, roof orientation etc.) and then submit the application through the installer, who in turn submits it to the State program. I believe, but am not certain, that it is the installer who gets the rebate check if the consumer signs off. Thanks for commenting.

stan

Comment on September 2nd, 2009.

My contractor sources say the rebate paperwork is submitted by the installer on behalf of the customer to insure efficiency levels and state requirements are being met. Should the customer owe the state any moneys they are ineligible for state rebates. Any rebate moneys due, by law, MUST be paid to the customer directly, only after the state receives proof of final payment to installer.
Therefore, does this qualify as a prevailing wage job? Thanks for your help and comments.
STAN

mitch

Comment on September 9th, 2009.

Is the state rebate taxed by the federal government?

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Comment on September 10th, 2009.

Mitch, I’m unsure about that, honestly. It varies by what tax person you talk to, so go with the advice of your expert. Sometimes they consider these rebates as a “reduction in price” rather than “income.” Again, please check with your tax person with their understanding of the guidelines.

Frank Vilk

Comment on September 25th, 2009.

I have read all the comments on this board but can’t find the answer to my question. Here it is… (When filing yearly state and federal taxes)If you cannot claim all of your tax rebate in one years filing, can you roll over the difference the following year or years until exhausted?

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Comment on September 25th, 2009.

Yes, Frank. You can carry over the 30% tax credit. How many years exactly is unclear, but at least until 2016 when the federal ITC expires. That’s our understanding, but you should always double check with your tax person, since we’re, you know, 3 solar dudes, not 3 tax dudes.

Frank

Comment on September 26th, 2009.

Thanks for the tax info..Now for a solar question… I have a contractor coming out next week to check my site for a system. His company charges $8.00 per watt for a ground mount system. My wish is to have a 6kw system, but at $8.00 a watt that comes to $48,000. Even with the state and Federal rebates the final cost to me for the system comes to around $23000 after state tax is added. Thats a little tight for me to handle so heres my question….is it possible to have a system installed (inverter, etc…) that will handle 6kw but only install panels equal to 3kw (3kw system = $24,000 with final cost of about $11,000+ inverter etc. upgrade) and as money becomes available, add additional panels to the system. I know that the upgrade for the inverter etc., will cost extra no doubt and I realize by doing this I cannot receive a tax credit for any future panels installed, but by doing this I have the option to add to the system in time when monies are available verses buying upgrade equipt. later. Thanks for your input….

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Comment on September 26th, 2009.

Hi, Frank.

Absolutely, that’s possible. More so than ever with “micro inverters.” Check our our archives about micro inverters. It’s very modular. Even going with a central inverter, what you described is certainly possible, although, as you noted, you won’t get any more rebates for the panels or installation. Going halfway can be very cost effective by itself if you have a tiered rate system with your utility. When you go modular without micro inverters, it does become less flexible, however, and you may need to buy the same exact panels later on for the best efficiency. Keep in mind that micros can get more expensive, also, although they may pay for themselves in their improved efficiency. 8 bucks a watt seems okay for a ground mount, but I would certainly recommend to everyone to get 2 if not 3 quotes and compare apples to apples price comparisons. In other words, if you’re comparing 8 bucks a watt, ask all of the people quoting you to give a quote in $/”DC Watts STC” or $/”AC Watts.” or $/kWh. Right now, DC Watts STC is most common. I’m assuming yours is $8/watt DC STC.

Check out these related articles here on Solar Power Rocks:

http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/solar-trends/microinverters-my-turn-the-boring-technical-stuff/
http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/energy-efficiency/whats-inverter-and-why-should-i-care/
http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/solar-technology/microinverters-%e2%80%93-a-major-advancement-in-solar-energy-technology/

Hope that helps.

Mike

Comment on October 2nd, 2009.

Hi We are looking into putting a 60 kw on the roof of our small business. We need to know if the SREC income can be paid to us monthly or qaurterly instead of yearly so we can pay on our morgage better?

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Comment on October 3rd, 2009.

Mike… I’m not sure. I think you can submitted on the SREC market whenever you produce a certain amount of kW, but I’m not certain about that. Please contact someone from http://www.srectrade.com. They’re the experts and will give you more details about the SRECs than I can find.

60kW sounds great! Good for you.

Cliff

Comment on October 12th, 2009.

What’s the latest from the Energy Cooperative of Pennsylvania? They or other utilities should be buying the solar power at pro rata prices. If we can’t sell the electricity our grid systems will generate, why would anyone be interested in doing this except for purely altruistic reasons?

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Pingback on October 19th, 2009.

[...] same could be true if you’re buying solar in Los Angeles, Boulder, Colorado, Philadelphia, and Phoenix, Arizona. The local solar rebates and incentives in these and other cities are a [...]

Robert lulloff

Comment on October 22nd, 2009.

Just a note to any one who did or is going to install salor on your own. The city of scranton is making me pay a fine for my self installed system. I am disabled and there for can not accsess the roof of our home. The panels are set in the side yard and feed to a controller that charges the set of only 6 12volt batterys, We use it to maitain low voltage lighting. We are not hooked to the grid. Pa just wants money for what somebodies else does. this is only a 12volt system. self installers beware!!!!

nick c

Comment on October 23rd, 2009.

i love the comments and great feedback. i’m thinking about starting a company and targeting residential townhomes. i was wondering if you could recommend a solar panel company to get info from, and are there any small business
grants available to help me get started? are there any seminars in the chester county area offering solar information?

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Pingback on December 14th, 2009.

[...] state is on the fast-track to becoming as environmentally friendly as it can. It currently offers solar power tax incentives to homeowners to the tune of a 65% tax credit, including 30% at the federal level. The reason [...]

herbert

Comment on December 29th, 2009.

I am retired and payout much money for doctors and such so the 30% from the Feds will not be of any help unless someone out there knows how to get that money in a grant

bob

Comment on January 10th, 2010.

Please help with any info you can!

To my dismay my HOA has declined my request to go solar. My plan was to use my rear south facing roof with low profile black solar panels. No wires would exposed and the frames of the panels would be black as well. I guess it’s my fault to be this naive in thinking that a HOA could stop a project this important to our planet. It’s my understanding that I can’t even take the matter before the township without the HOA approval?!?

My local township is East Fallowfield, Pa just outside Coatesville and West Chester Pa. The HOA for Brook Crossings Development is two people and from what they tell me a Attorney that reviewed the HOA bylaws. They concluded “Section 6.1 of the Declaration, solar panel arrays are not harmonious in design with the
design of your unit or that of others in the community.” One of the problems with this statement is Solar Panels/Arrays are not mentioned in the declaration at all.

How can this not be harmonious, not only within the development but the planet as well? Is there any person and or organization that can help? Please I can’t just sit back and let this happen not just for myself but for those who will want to make a difference in the future!

This type of thinking has put this county light years behind others in the world. What can be of more integrity than spending your time and money converting over to clean energy and reducing your foot print on the planet, saving it for future generations to come.

I’m not trying to be smart or malicious but short of bringing our troops home safe, there can be no greater cause in this country right now.

Tor a.k.a. "Solar Fred"

Comment on January 10th, 2010.

Bob,

Your story is sadly common in many areas. And sadly, you may need a lawyer to ultimately resolve this issue. However, I would recommend several tactics for persuading your HOA to reconsider.

1) First, I would contact votesolar.org and SEIA.org, the Solar Energy Industries Association. This is a common issue and they may have resources that you can use.

2) You might call/contact your congressmen and Pennsylvania legislator, and especially the governor’s office. Gov. Rendell is very pro solar, as you know. Staff there may also have recommendations.

3) If you really want to escalate things and perhaps upset neighbors, call the local media. Your newspapaer and all of the t.v. stations. Point out that there is a very good solar program going on, but HOAs like yours are standing in the way of you being able to take advantage of the programs.

These are all arcane laws. California and other states have prohibited HOAs from prohibiting solar panels, and yet HOAs still sue homeowners, even here. Their cases are ultimately without merit, since the law is fairly explicit, yet HOAs still try and after some legal bills, the cases are dismissed.

As far as I know, there are no laws in Pa preventing HOAs from dictating to you about solar. Again, I urge you to contact the above solar organizations for more advice and after that… head for the media. Someone has to lead the charge against this injustice to our planet and your local environment and your realty “right of happiness”–I believe that’s a legal term, even. You may have to be the test case.

Please let us know what you discover so that we can share it here for other Pa solar buyers!

If anyone else has experience with Pa HMO’s, please leave a comment as well!

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