Mellow Touts Opening of PA Sunshine Solar Program

 

HARRISBURG, May 29, 2009 – State Senator Robert J. Bob Mellow today said the PA Solar Sunshine Program is now operational. The program provides $100 million in rebates to help fund solar electric and hot water projects.

“This innovative program will enable many consumers to install energy- saving solar equipment and save on their energy costs,” Mellow said. “I will continue to support efforts that utilize alternative energy sources to help stimulate our economy and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.”

Mellow said the program will reimburse eligible consumers up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology.  In combination with federal tax credits, consumers could reduce system costs by 45 percent.

Households may receive one solar photovoltaic (PV) rebate for up to 10 kilowatts (kW) of installed PV generating capacity plus one solar thermal rebate of up to $2,000.

Several projects are eligible for the rebate, including installation of solar panels that help provide electricity for pumping water, powering communications equipment, lighting homes or businesses, and running appliances.  In addition, installing a solar water heating system can produce hot water necessary for washing, cooking, cleaning, and other domestic and commercial uses of hot water. 

Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity. As the sun strikes a PV cell, the semi-conducting materials within the cell absorb the sunlight, producing electricity. Solar cells are often used as simple systems that power small calculators and wristwatches.  The use of PV cells can also be used to heat homes, or provide electricity at a lower cost, all while lessening the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. 

Pennsylvania resident homeowners are eligible to receive the rebate.  Vacation homes and investment properties do not qualify.  Small business applicants must be a for-profit business with no more than 100 full-time employees, located within Pennsylvania.  

Mellow noted that consumers do not submit the application themselves.  Consumers must choose an installer from a list of installers approved by the Department of Environmental Protection.  Installers will then complete and submit the application, available on-line at http://www.padep.powerclerk.com/.

            Applications are also available for solar photovoltaic and solar thermal installation contractors wishing to register to participate in the new Pennsylvania Sunshine Program.

“When a program can encourage people to utilize green technology to save money, and help reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses, everybody in Pennsylvania wins,” Mellow said.

More information about the PA Sunshine Solar Program is available at www.depweb.state.pa.us

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