PRESS CONTACT: 
Dawn R. Crump, Communications Manager
Dawn.Crump@phila.gov
(215) 686-3438

PHILADELPHIA (June 20, 2019) – Philadelphia City Council passed legislation introduced by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown (At-Large) that will launch a Solar Rebate Program for Philadelphia commercial and residential properties. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown stated, “Philadelphia can now serve as an example for residents and local businesses transitioning to clean energy. This Solar Incentive Program puts us one step closer in combating the impact that climate change is having on our planet.”

The legislation will help residents of Philadelphia offset the expiration of the current federal solar tax credit program, which has been offsetting the cost of solar installations by 30% since 2006. This tax credit begins stepping down at the start of 2020 and expires for residential properties at the start of 2022. The Philadelphia Solar Incentive Program gives all property owners an additional incentive to install a solar photovoltaic system and would be in effect from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2024. Any projects installed after July 1, 2019 will be eligible to apply for the incentive when the program opens at the start of 2020, making it possible for select projects contracted in 2019 to access both the 30% tax credit and the Solar Incentive Program. The proposed incentive is $0.10/watt for commercial projects and $0.20/watt for residential projects, meaning that a typical homeowner would receive an average rebate of $1,000 after installing solar on their home.

The bill allocates $500,000 for the Solar Incentive Program to be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis, with a potential prioritization of low-income households. The Office of Sustainability and the Philadelphia Energy Authority will work together to develop an application process to access the new Incentive.

Emily Schapira, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Energy Authority stated, “2019 is the year to go solar in Philly. The 30% federal tax credit starts stepping down next year and we need every incentive we can get to help Philadelphians go solar now. This Philly solar rebate demonstrates the City’s commitment to fighting climate change and creating living wage jobs, and we are grateful for Councilwoman Reynolds-Brown’s leadership.”

Micah Gold-Markel, Founder of Solar States said, “Policy in our neighboring states supports the solar industry, and they have many more solar jobs as a result. Simply put, the solar industry in Pennsylvania lacks that level of support from Harrisburg. The solar incentive authored by Councilwoman Reynolds Brown will push more projects through to the finish line in Philadelphia, and we expect to hire more Philadelphians as a result.”

Rooftop solar lets homeowners take control of utility costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Philadelphia has been in the national spotlight for solar growth since PEA launched Solarize Philly in 2017. This program, the largest single solar initiative in the country, has helped position Philadelphia as the fourth fastest-growing solar market. To date, 363 homeowners have signed solar contracts at a

discount through Solarize Philly, and more than 5,200 households have signed up for a free solar assessment. Fifty-two jobs have been created with the three participating installers. Solar Installer isnow listed by the Commonwealth as a High Priority Occupation for Philadelphia County, based on high employer demand.

Solarize Philly participants benefit from group discounts and consumer protections. PEA has reopened Solarize Philly for 2019, so that anyone who owns property in Philadelphia can have another chance to sign up to receive a free solar assessment of their home. PEA is accepting sign-ups now through September 30th at solarizephilly.org.

The Philadelphia Energy Authority administers Solarize Philly as part of City Council’s $1 billion Philadelphia Energy Campaign, which seeks to advance energy efficiency in buildings across the City, collect significant cost savings for property owners and taxpayers, help Philadelphia achieve its sustainability goals, and create 10,000 jobs over 10 years. PEA is an independent office created by City Council to further clean and affordable energy goals.

The post City Council Passes Legislation Creating a Solar Incentive Program for the City of Philadelphia first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

• existing resources that small businesses have for reducing their energy and water use,
• ways that PEA can support and improve upon these resources, and
• ways to reach business owners and deliver a program that works for them.

The post Small Business Energy Workshop – Northeast Philly first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

• existing resources that small businesses have for reducing their energy and water use,
• ways that PEA can support and improve upon these resources, and
• ways to reach business owners and deliver a program that works for them.

The post Small Business Energy Workshop – Center City (Rescheduled) first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Join Clean Air Council for the 13th annual Greenfest Philly! With over 100 exhibitors and vendors, Greenfest is the place to learn about living sustainably while having fun!

Highlights for this year’s festival are:
– Vegan cooking demos
– See the full line up of Toyota Hybrids and the fuel-cell Mirai
– Free yoga class
– DIY workshops
– Eco-friendly vendors & shopping
– Edible insects
– And more to come!

The Philadelphia Energy Authority will be in attendance as exhibitor informing the public about our Solarize Philly Program and Small Business Energy Efficiency Program.

For more information about Greenfest Philly click here.

The post PEA at 2018 Greenfest Philly first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Date

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is hitting the streets to share information about our Small Business Energy Efficiency Program.

Any small business owner can receive a free energy assessment and financial counseling. Businesses will  be given  a project proposal that will save them money on their utilities, help them replace aging equipment, and liven up their space for an improved customer experience. Some examples of energy efficiency improvements include lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking and hot water upgrades which can lower energy expenses by 30%!

Sign up today for PEA’s Small Business Energy Efficiency program: www.Philaenergysave.com

The post PEA Small Business Program Mt. Airy Corridor Walk first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Date

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is hitting the streets to share information about our Small Business Energy Efficiency Program.

Any small business owner can receive a free energy assessment and financial counseling. Businesses will  be given  a project proposal that will save them money on their utilities, help them replace aging equipment, and liven up their space for an improved customer experience. Some examples of energy efficiency improvements include lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking and hot water upgrades which can lower energy expenses by 30%!

Sign up today for PEA’s Small Business Energy Efficiency program: www.Philaenergysave.com

The post PEA Small Business Program Mayfair Corridor Walk first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Best Practice Forums are a series of workshops from SBN that use member case studies to create meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and build a better business.

This unique evening Best Practice Forum at West Laurel Hill will offer time for networking and socializing over delicious food from Birchtree Catering.

SBN is proud to present a strong panel of leaders in the energy industry:

• Alon Abramson, Program Manager, Philadelphia Energy Authority
• Laura Blau, Principal, Blupath Design/GreenSteps LLC
• Damali Rhett, Executive Director, The Energy Co-op

The panel will be moderated by Amy Kate Failing, SBN Board Chair and Manager at Community Energy Solar.

The conversation will focus on the business perspective around reducing energy and how local businesses can lead the region towards a more energy efficient future.

For more information click here.

To purchase tickets for the event click here.

Join the Sustainable Business Network before this event (4:30-6:00 PM) for a guided Impact Improvement workshop powered by B Lab’s Quick Impact Assessment in West Laurel Hill’s Conservatory. This free and confidential assessment will walk you through a series of questions to help you learn what it takes to build a better business – better for your workers, community, and the environment. Click here to register.

The post Alon Abramson Speaking at the Sustainable Business Network’s Best Practice Forum: Clean Energy Business Pioneers first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Date

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is hitting the streets to share information about our Small Business Energy Efficiency Program.

Any small business owner can receive a free energy assessment and financial counseling. Businesses will  be given  a project proposal that will save them money on their utilities, help them replace aging equipment, and liven up their space for an improved customer experience. Some examples of energy efficiency improvements include lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking and hot water upgrades which can lower energy expenses by 30%!

Sign up today for PEA’s Small Business Energy Efficiency program: www.Philaenergysave.com

The post PEA Small Business Program Tacony Corridor Walk first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Date

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is hitting the streets to share information about our Small Business Energy Efficiency Program.

Any small business owner can receive a free energy assessment and financial counseling. Businesses will  be given  a project proposal that will save them money on their utilities, help them replace aging equipment, and liven up their space for an improved customer experience. Some examples of energy efficiency improvements include lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking and hot water upgrades which can lower energy expenses by 30%!

Sign up today for PEA’s Small Business Energy Efficiency program: www.Philaenergysave.com

The post PEA Small Business Program Fairmount Corridor Walk first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Date

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is hitting the streets to share information about our Small Business Energy Efficiency Program. PEA’s Program Manager, Alon Abramson will be on a panel to discussing how small businesses can reduce their operation expenses.

Any small business owner can receive a free energy assessment and financial counseling. Businesses will  be given  a project proposal that will save them money on their utilities, help them replace aging equipment, and liven up their space for an improved customer experience. Some examples of energy efficiency improvements include lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and cooking and hot water upgrades which can lower energy expenses by 30%!

Sign up today for PEA’s Small Business Energy Efficiency program: www.Philaenergysave.com

The post Small Business Roadshow first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.