Pensylvania's Rebates and Incentives for Solar Energy Systems

Things are looking sunnier for Pennsylvania homeowners these days. Governor Rendell recently signed into being the Alternative Energy Investment fund, worth $650 million to Pennsylvania homeowners and small-business owners looking to tap into solar and other renewable energy sources. Although, those of you looking to sign up today should know that Penn's Department of Environmental Protection is still working out the kinks on this one. Mainly, they are trying to figure out where, how, and in what proportion the cash will flow. In the meantime, here is what you can get for solar in the home of Pittsburgh steel and the founding fathers:

The Keystone Home Energy Loan Program

• Homeowners in search of some up-front help in getting their solar systems started can apply for a loan from Keystone HELP. Unsecured loans up to $10,000 and Home Equity loans up to $35,000 are available.
• Photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot water systems are eligible under the program. The listed budget is $20 million and many other technologies also qualify.

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF)

• Created by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, the SDF is an effort to provide homeowners and businesses with the help to get started with a variety of solar projects, including PV, space and water heat.
• Help comes in the form of grants or loans. The fund has been an excellent source of cash for Pennsylvania homeowners over the years. However, there is no longer any money available. The SDF has stopped taking applications. It is likely that the fund will remain exhausted as new funds will be rerouted through the Alternative Energy Investment Fund and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Net Metering

• Another result of the Alternative Energy Investment Fund is new net metering rules. It should be noted that the Pennsylvania PUC is still ironing out the final details of the net metering policy.
• However, what we do know is that residential systems up to 50 kW will be eligible and net excess generation (NEG) will be credited on the customer's next bill at the retail rate.
• It is still unclear how NEG will be handled at the end of the annual billing cycle. Also, any limits on enrollment are still unknown.

It is obvious that Pennsylvania has taken a big step toward promoting solar energy in the Keystone state. Right now, we are waiting while the details are figured out but regardless big things are coming. At least $100 million dollars in grants will be available for residential PV and hot water systems. You can sign up for email updates on the progress of the AIEF here. Otherwise, you will hear about it as soon as we do.

USEFUL LINKS

Department of Environmental Protection

Pennsylvania Energy Cooperative

Public Utilities Commission

DSIRE: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Solar Contractors