Pennsylvania Sunshine Grant Program

Michael Merck, President of West Penn Energy Solutions came to the library to share information regarding the State and Federal incentives for energy savings applications to our homes. The start date for the programs was May 18 for Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal (heating and water) has not yet been released. However, you can do the paperwork while you wait for the release.

SOLAR:
State Incentives:
Residential: 1kW minimum and limited to 10kW. The cost is around $700-800 per panel, with 5-6 panels (panels have a 20 year warranty) which require at least 100-150 sq. ft. The maximum incentive allowable is less than $22,500 or 35% of the installed cost. The equipment must be new, be listed as eligible under the California Solar Initiative (CSI), include a utility grade meter, have a SRCC OG-100 certification required for solar thermal collectors.

The work must be performed by a program-approved installer, PV systems must generally be grid-connected, shade and system performance analysis must indicate system output at least 80% of optimum, newly constructed homes must be Energy Star certified.

Contact information for the state:
Public Information - PA Sunshine
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Energy and Technology Deployment
PO Box 8772
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772
(717) 783-8411
pasunshine@state.pa.us
http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/energy

Federal Incentives:
The tax credit is available until 2011. Up to 30% tax credit (off the balance after using the state incentive) of the installed cost of a PV or Thermal system. At least half of the energy generated by the "qualifying property" must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.

Renewable Energy Credits (REC)
When 1,000Kwh have been generated, the owner has the right to sell their credit. The going market rate in PA is $350 per REC. Learn more from the Penn State Extension Service.

KEYSTONE HELP
The Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan & Rebate Program is designed to help homeowners improve energy efficiency with special financing and rebates for high-efficiency heating, AC, insulation, windows, door, geothermal and "whole house" improvements. Look at their web site for more application information and how to qualify.

REBATES
Energy Star Rebates are for the installation of qualifying Energy Star improvements or other improvements that meet program standards. The rebate is equal to 10% of the cost of purchase and installation, with a maximum rebate of $250.

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE ENERGY STAR REBATES
These rebates are for the installation of qualifying improvements that exceed Energy Star standards. The rebate is equal to 10% of the cost of purchase and installation, with a maximum rebate of $500.

Web sites for more information
www.dsire.org
www.energystar.gov