CONTACT:
Ben Block
Senior Manager, Communications
Philadelphia Energy Authority
(215)688-5134
Media@philaenergy.org

During the seventh annual Philadelphia Solar Week, City leaders join local solar energy installers to showcase the benefits of solar energy, raising awareness about incentives and financing tools available to the region’s homeowners, nonprofits, and commercial businesses.

Philadelphia, Pa., August 18, 2025 — The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), Philadelphia Green Capital Corp. (PGCC), and City leadership announce Philadelphia’s progress expanding access to affordable, clean solar energy. Philadelphia is one of the country’s most energy-burdened cities and has become a national leader in supporting solar access for all to address long-term utility affordability.

Philadelphia City Council recognizes the third week of August as Solar Week. Events this week celebrate the success of the local solar energy market and raise awareness of incentives and financing tools accelerating Philadelphians’ transition to affordable clean energy. See the full calendar of events at SolarWeekPHL.org.

“I am proud of Philadelphia’s leadership, ensuring that affordable, clean solar energy is within reach no matter your income level,” said Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. “City Council and Philadelphia Energy Authority set out to support a homegrown solar energy market for all Philadelphians. We now have thousands of rooftop solar arrays across the city, including many within our most vulnerable neighborhoods, all while creating hundreds of family-sustaining jobs.”

PEA launched Solarize Philly in 2017 to assist homeowners and businesses with navigating the rooftop solar installation process. The consumer protection and technical assistance program has since grown to become the largest solar initiative in the country. More than 4,000 households and businesses across Philadelphia have put solar on their roofs, connecting more than 23 megawatts of solar energy to the local grid.

Across the country, rooftop solar is becoming more available to everyone. Adoption among low-income households represents 26 percent of the nationwide market, according to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory survey. Philadelphia’s progress far exceeds national trends – among households that have installed solar energy, nearly 60 percent have incomes at or below 80 percent of area median income.

This progress is due in large part to the Solarize program’s expanded offerings. Since 2021, installer PosiGen has offered a solar leasing option, enabling homeowners of all income levels to go solar with no upfront cost and no minimum credit score. More than 2,000 Solarize contracts have since been signed by Philadelphia homeowners who reside in the city’s low- and moderate-income census tracts.

“The cost of our utilities continues to rise. More than a quarter of Philadelphia’s low-income households are severely energy burdened,” said PEA President and CEO Emily Schapira. “Rooftop solar provides a pathway toward long-term housing affordability, and is a critical tool for keeping Philadelphians in their homes. We are so proud of the progress we’ve made so far and will continue to support our neighborhoods to lead the way toward a more healthy, affordable future.” 

Recently enacted changes to federal clean energy policies pose obstacles to an otherwise thriving solar energy market. July’s federal budget reconciliation bill accelerated the phaseout of a 30-percent clean energy tax credit. Households must now have solar panels installed by the end of 2025 to qualify to receive the tax credit directly. Customers who lease solar will still be able to receive indirect benefits through a reduced lease cost. Commercial, nonprofit and municipal projects must begin construction by July 2026 to be eligible for the full 30-percent credit.

Regardless of changes to federal policies, innovative financing tools can keep the cost of solar energy within reach. Residential project financing will remain available through solar leases or power purchase agreements. Such financing tools can be combined with existing federal incentives and utility rebates, making it possible to install solar with no upfront cost. PECO launched a $500 solar rebate this year, available regardless of whether the homeowner purchases or leases their system.

PEA and its green bank affiliate, PGCC, launched Solarize Greater Philadelphia earlier this year, broadening Solarize Philly across the region. The expanded initiative brings together multiple programs that assist property owners in completing their transition to solar energy.

“Success of the Solarize model is now being replicated and expanded across the region,” said Tabeen Hossain, PEA Senior Manager, Solar Programs. “Solarize Greater Philadelphia offers consumer protections and technical assistance for homeowners, businesses, and non-profit organizations across Southeastern Pennsylvania. We encourage anyone interested to contact us and see whether solar makes sense for them.”

Join one of the solar energy tours taking place during Philadelphia Solar Week to learn how homeowners, businesses, and non-profit organizations are transitioning to solar energy. Learn more at SolarWeekPHL.org. 

About Philadelphia Energy Authority

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority focused on building a robust, equitable clean energy economy for Philadelphia. Launched in 2016, PEA leads the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a $1 billion, 10-year investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects to create 10,000 jobs. To date, PEA has supported over $1 billion in projects and created more than 8,400 jobs. Learn more at PhilaEnergy.org and on LinkedIn.

About Philadelphia Green Capital Corp.

The Philadelphia Green Capital Corp (PGCC) is the green bank affiliate of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. PGCC, a 501(c)3, works to scale and amplify PEA’s work, support the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, and bring new funding and financial products to the region’s clean energy economy that support equitable access to green capital. Learn more at PhillyGreenCapital.org and on LinkedIn.

About Philadelphia City Council

Philadelphia City Council is the legislative arm of Philadelphia municipal government. In 2010, City Council adopted a resolution to permanently recognize the third week of August as Philadelphia Solar Week. Keep up with Council on PHLouncil.com, and on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Seventh Annual Philadelphia Solar Week Celebrates Region’s Solar Energy Progress, Launches Solarize Greater Philadelphia first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

The initiative brings together multiple programs that assist Greater Philadelphia property owners in reaping the benefits of solar energy. 

PEA launched Solarize Philly in 2017 as a group buying program to help homeowners and businesses navigate the process of installing rooftop solar. More than 3,800 participants have installed solar through ownership or lease models, adding more than 22 megawatts (MW) to the grid.

Solarize Greater Philadelphia will continue these services, connecting Philadelphia homeowners to vetted installers while providing important consumer protections. Learn more about residential services

In addition, Solarize Greater Philadelphia offers support for the region’s businesses, municipalities, schools, and nonprofits. Through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Solar Center’s G.E.T. Solar initiative, the program provides free technical assistance and financial guidance to property owners in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Learn more about non-residential services

The G.E.T. Solar initiative assists participants in layering available federal, state and utility incentive programs, lowering the upfront cost of going solar. The program offers procurement support, collecting proposals from vetted solar developers through an unbiased, competitive bidding process. 

Solarize Greater Philadelphia is also partnering with Capital Good Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), to bring Pennsylvania BRIGHT to residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania BRIGHT uses an inclusive solar financing model to support eligible homeowners install solar at no upfront cost. 

Low- to moderate-income households may soon be eligible for Solar for All, a program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Solar for All is designed to pair rooftop solar installation with necessary roof repairs and electrical upgrades for eligible homes. Qualifying homeowners will be able to enter into a power purchase agreement and receive a minimum 20-percent savings on their electricity bill.

Questions about Solarize Greater Philadelphia can be directed to solarize@philaenergy.org.

The post Solarize Greater Philadelphia Launches, Broadening Region’s Solar Programs first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Contact:
Emily Schapira
Philadelphia Energy Authority
215-203-2906
eschapira@philaenergy.org

Contact:
Amy Barrios
PosiGen Solar
504-621-5646
amy@mmsnola.com

Contact:
Patricia Gillett
Philadelphia City Council
215-771-0099
Patricia.gillett@phila.gov

Philadelphia, PA —  The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) joined City leadership and one of Solarize Philly’s new partners, PosiGen Solar, to provide a live, hands-on demonstration of the new lease offerings in PEA’s Solarize Philly Program. On display today were weatherization measures that allow the homeowner to reduce energy use and a rooftop solar installation that allows the homeowner to generate their own clean, affordable energy. This option is now available to Solarize Philly customers at no upfront cost. 

“Solarize Philly makes it possible for all homeowners and businesses to go solar while saving money, creating jobs and improving public health and the environment,” said City Council President Darrell Clarke. “The new residential Solarize Philly offerings are a great tool to get more homeowners involved in the clean energy transition no matter their income level.”

“We’re delighted that the 3rd District is host to this hands-on demonstration of efficient and clean energy,” said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, 3rd District. “PosiGen is providing services through Solarize Philly that will help Philadelphians improve the comfort of homes and keep energy costs affordable long-term.”

“It’s exciting to see in person all of the local workforce development opportunities that are built into the Solarize Philly program,” said At-Large Councilmember Derek Green. “Weatherization and solar installation are well-paying, local jobs that benefit the economy and the environment.”

“The Philadelphia Energy Authority is excited to bring new solar developers to Philadelphia to expand solar access and continue to grow Philadephia’s clean energy economy,” said Emily Schapira, PEA’s CEO. “This builds on the nearly $200M of investment and 2,000 jobs created in clean energy over the last 5 years.”

Now in its fifth year, the PEA’s Solarize Philly Program has expanded to include a lease option with no upfront cost and no credit requirements to expand solar access to all Philadelphians regardless of income. PosiGen Solar, a Louisiana-based solar company, opened their Pennsylvania headquarters in Philadelphia to help provide these expanded services to Solarize Philly. PosiGen joins Solar States and Superior Solar as a prequalified Solarize Philly installer.

“PosiGen is a fabulous addition to the Solarize Philly program because it makes solar available to everyone,” said Philadelphia homeowner Aminata Sandra Calhoun. “Solar is not just for the wealthy but for people of all walks of life. I decided to go solar because I wanted to create a healthier environment and provide a better life for the next generation by passing down a home with no electricity bill. It’s an added plus that I get paid for any extra power I don’t use. With PosiGen I’m locked into a very low rate that won’t increase and I’ll also save thousands on my energy bills in the coming years.”

“When a city such as Philadelphia steps up to help fight climate change, it really makes a statement, said Tom Neyhart, PosiGen CEO. “That statement is now magnified with the inclusion of PosiGen’s No Credit Needed Solar for All Program. We are so excited to work side by side with the Philadelphia Energy Authority and City Council to reduce carbon and democratize solar and energy efficiency by bringing it to low-income families and communities of color. On top of that, PosiGen plans to bring over 80 permanent, full time, well-paying jobs to Philadelphia.”

As of 2021, over 750 households from across the City have already gone solar through Solarize Philly, making it the largest Solarize program in the nation. It is estimated that, for every 100 installs, the program creates 15 jobs.

Solarize Philly successfully installed rooftop solar on 50 low- and moderate-income homes with the Solar Savings Grant Program, and helped fund Bright Solar Futures, Pennsylvania’s first high school vocational solar program, the first of its kind in the country.

About Philadelphia Energy Authority

The Philadelphia Energy Authority is an independent municipal authority focused on issues of energy affordability and sustainability for Philadelphia. With the leadership of City Council President Darrell Clarke, PEA runs the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a $1 billion, 10-year investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects to create 10,000 jobs. PEA has supported over $200 million in projects and created over 2000 jobs so far. Learn more at www.philaenergy.org.   

About Philadelphia City Council

Philadelphia City Council is the legislative arm of Philadelphia municipal government. Keep up with Council on phlcouncil.com and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About PosiGen Solar

Headquartered in New Orleans, LA, PosiGen is the nation’s leading residential solar, energy efficiency and energy education provider for low-to-moderate income families. PosiGen has more than 19,000 residential customers, over 460 direct employees and supports more than 150 employees through its contractors in Louisiana, Mississippi, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. PosiGen’s unique services and products make solar energy affordable to homeowners of all income levels, and offer individuals, families and businesses the opportunity to achieve greater fiscal autonomy and energy independence by lowering their utility bills. To learn more about PosiGen, please visit www.posigen.com.

Other Media Hits

Philadelphia Inquirer

• Philly launches a solar lease program for homeowners

Philly Voice

• Homeowners in Philadelphia can now lease, install solar panels with no upfront cost

KYW Newsradio

• Philadelphia debuts new affordable solar energy program

6ABC

The post LIVE SOLAR AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY INSTALLATION Money-Saving Clean Energy Program, Solarize Philly, expands to include all Philadelphians, regardless of income first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) launched Solarize Philly in 2017 as a group discount program to support home and business owners to install rooftop solar at a reduced price with consumer protections. Rooftop solar helps Philadelphians power their homes with clean energy while lowering their utility bills, creating local workforce opportunities for installers, and reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

As of 2021, over 750 households from across the City have already gone solar through Solarize Philly, making it the largest Solarize program in the nation. For every 100 installs, the program creates 15 jobs. 

To further the goal that all Philadelphians enjoy clean, affordable, and local energy resources, Solarize Philly has expanded its offerings in Phase 5 – which is currently underway – to ensure that homeowners of all income levels can opt to go solar with a no money-down lease option and no minimum credit score. 

So far, in Phase 5, 1,200 households have signed up for the program and 33 new contracts have been signed. We thank our installers Solar States, Superior Solar Design, and PosiGen for helping us to deliver affordable and accessible clean energy to homeowners while creating jobs. 

Recognition like this resolution, introduced by Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, helps spread the word of the program’s success and the new opportunities for Philadelphians to go solar. 

Read the full text of the resolution and sign up for Solarize by January 31, 2022 to take advantage of discounted pricing!

The post Philadelphia City Council Celebrates the Expansion of Solarize Philly first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

PHILADELPHIA, October 22, 2021 – Mayor Kenney, Superintendent Hite, and many others joined the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) on Friday to celebrate a significant milestone in Pennsylvania’s equitable transition to clean energy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of a brand new Solar Training Lab at Frankford High School. In partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, funded by PECO and other industry partners, the lab provides training opportunities for Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing careers in solar and clean energy. The lab is used by high schoolers in the District’s Bright Solar Futures program, a 3-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) vocational program, the first of its kind in the nation, that launches young people into the jobs of the future.

Bright Solar Futures (BSF), funded with grants from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office and PECO, provides access to solar careers for young Philadelphians, growing a diverse and more equitable workforce that will help make national climate priorities a reality. The recently completed BSF Solar Lab provides a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment for Frankford High School students.

“Philadelphia is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, and that effort will create thousands of jobs,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “We need our young people to have access to those careers, and this lab will ensure they do. Congratulations to the School District, Frankford High School, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority on this important milestone.”

“I am proud to see Philadelphia and the School District leading the way in creating a diverse clean energy workforce,” said City Council President Darrell Clarke. “When we set out 5 years ago to invest $1 billion and create 10,000 jobs in clean energy, we knew we would have to work hard to make sure that those jobs reached communities that have traditionally been overlooked in this industry. Today, we cut the ribbon on the jobs of the future, right here at Frankford.”

“We’re proud to offer the first Solar Energy program, where our students have access to learn skills that will allow them to enter one of the fastest-growing energy careers,” said William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. “We’re also grateful for the support from the Philadelphia Energy Authority, PECO, and other industry partners for their investment in our students and their bright futures.”

“Supporting Bright Solar Futures and the opening of this new Solar Training Lab is at the intersection of two very important priorities for us at PECO – supporting clean energy resources to mitigate the impact of climate change and furthering initiatives to spur the clean energy workforce of tomorrow,” said Mike Innocenzo, President & CEO at PECO. “We are proud to be involved with this program and look forward to seeing the ‘bright’ futures ahead for these students.”

At Friday’s event, PEA was also joined by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which announced a new toolkit for prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the solar industry. Called Energy Justice Partnerships (EJPs), this concept allows very large, utility-scale solar projects to easily partner with an organization providing equity and access to solar jobs and solar power for historically marginalized communities. EJPs will allow solar developers and corporate and institutional buyers to incorporate these partnerships into their power purchase agreements, creating long-term funding for frontline organizations, and using renewable energy to support communities who have traditionally borne the brunt of the effects of fossil fuel production.

“I am thrilled that Bright Solar Futures has a home at Frankford High School here in the 7th District. Our young people deserve access to the best training possible for the jobs of the future, especially when they are living wage, green jobs. Frankford’s new Solar Lab sets the bar high in terms of innovation and technology and helps ensure that communities of color will have access to the jobs and benefits of solar energy. Congratulations to Principal Calderone, the School District, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority-under the leadership of Council President Clarke,” said Councilmember Maria Quinones Sanchez, 7th District.

“We are so proud to be here today at Frankford with these partners and these students. Solar is the fastest-growing job in Pennsylvania, and this lab will ensure equitable access to these jobs,” says Emily Schapira, President and CEO of Philadelphia Energy Authority. “Bright Solar Futures students train in solar and battery storage installation, sales, and design, along with weatherization, construction basics, and job site safety, ensuring that Philadelphia has the best-trained clean energy workforce in the region.”

About the Philadelphia Energy Authority The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority created in 2010 to advance energy affordability and sustainability for the City. PEA has facilitated over $167 million in clean energy projects in Philadelphia since launching the Philadelphia Energy Campaign in 2016, creating more than 1,700 jobs. To learn more visit us at www.philaenergy.org

Other Media Hits

Philly Voice

• Frankford High School’s new lab aims to prepare students for solar energy jobs

CBS Philly

• Frankford High School Unveils New Solar Training Lab For Students
• Ribbon Cutting Held For Solar Training Lab At Frankford High School

KYW News Radio

• Frankford High School introduces solar, clean energy careers training for students

Photo Credit: Jordan Baumgarten

The post Philadelphia Energy Authority Unveils State-of-the-Art Solar Training Lab at Frankford High School to Create Equitable Access to the Clean Energy Transition first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Theme: Be A Solar Hero For Your Community

Share your unique Solarize Philly story to inspire your neighbors to follow your lead! Submit a 2-3-minute video clip and tell us what inspired you to go solar. You can include the following in your story:

• Why you went solar
• Your experience with the installation process
• The impact of going solar (for example, changes to your electric bill)
• Message to your neighbors

Video Submission Guidelines

• Aim to keep your video clip at 2-3 minutes
• Be sure to film the video clip horizontally or in landscape mode
• Make sure the audio is clear with no background noise

To submit your entry for the competition, click here.

Top submissions will receive prizes sponsored by PECO. The winning video story may be featured on PEA and Solarize Philly websites and social media.

The post Solarize Philly Video Stories Competition 2021 first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

Theme: Create, Design and Resolve

Competition Category #1: Creators

Recommended Age: 5-8 years old

Look around, get inspired!

Create a drawing or a collage using materials (newspapers, household items, magazines, cardboard) in your home to show the benefits of solar energy.

Competition Category #2: Designers

Recommended Age: 9-13 years old

Your future, Your turn!

Create artwork to show how solar energy can impact our future. For example, you can create a painting to show how solar energy will lead to a sustainable future for our city and community.

Competition Category #3: Resolvers

Recommended Age: 14-18 years old

Share your take on the changing world!

Create artwork to propose a solar solution to an existing problem in your community. For example, how can solar energy be used to overcome environmental issues and promote a green economy? Share your thoughts through your artwork!

Competition Guidelines:

• Keep your submission under 24” x 24”
• Original artwork must be two-dimensional and can be in the form of a drawing, painting or collage
• Any medium can be used
• Scan or take a clear, high-res photo of your completed artwork and submit it as a JPG or PDF file
• Deadline: October 29th

To submit your entry for the competition, click here.

Top submissions will receive prizes sponsored by PECO. The winning artwork may be featured on PEA and Solarize Philly websites and social media.

The post Solarize Philly Art Competition 2021 first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

“Fighting the climate crisis while fully addressing the systemic racial and economic disparities among the City’s residents demands urgent and bold action,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. ”The Philadelphia Energy Authority’s Solar Savings Grant Program is exactly the kind of work we need to be scaling up to address these challenges. We are eager to see the program expanded to ensure that the transition to clean energy is equitable and inclusive.”

“The success of the Solar Savings Grant Program demonstrates that Philadelphians from every neighborhood in the city are ready to participate in the transition to clean energy. It is critical that we support solar adoption in low-income communities and communities of color so that our most vulnerable residents can benefit from the savings, jobs, and resilience that result from installing solar on local rooftops,” said Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District).

Philadelphia City Council today passed a resolution, introduced by City Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (At Large) honoring the Solar Savings Grant Program for its climate justice impact. “The Philadelphia Energy Authority continues to position Philadelphia as a national leader in using clean energy to drive equitable economic development. This innovative pilot program lays the foundation for thousands more low- and moderate-income households to go solar over the coming years,” said Councilmember Gilmore Richardson.

The participants were homeowners from across 26 city zip codes with household incomes less than 80% of the Area Median Income. PEA provided a grant to cover two-thirds of the total solar installation cost, with the remainder provided through a low-cost loan. There was no credit requirement and no upfront cost for participation, with savings starting in Year 1.

Cheri Avery Black, a Solar Savings Grant Program participant shared, “I am so grateful to be able to power our home with sunshine, nature’s clean, renewable energy, while also saving significant money on our family’s electric bills. I didn’t really have to do anything but say yes to the program. And we’re so glad we did! We’re pleased to show off our solar panels and to encourage others to participate.”

The Solar Savings Grant Program was made possible with support from Solarize Philly, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Solar States, Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation, the William Penn Foundation, Spark Therapeutics, and the National Energy Improvement Fund. “As you can see, this program took a lot of creative collaboration from our partners, and I am grateful for the leadership of Laura Rigell, our Director of Development, who worked tirelessly over the last two years to stand up this program,” said Emily Schapira, PEA’s President and CEO.

The Solar Savings Grant Program is a part of Solarize Philly, a citywide program to help all Philadelphians go solar. Since the launch of the program in 2017, nearly 6,500 Philadelphia homeowners have expressed interest in the program, over 750 homes have gone solar, and over $12MM has been invested in communities across the city. Solarize Philly is the largest initiative of its kind in the country. The Philadelphia Energy Authority will reopen Solarize Philly for Phase 5 in May 2021. Any homeowner and business in the city can sign up at www.solarizephilly.org.

About the Philadelphia Energy Authority 
The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority created in 2010 to advance energy affordability and sustainability for the City. PEA has facilitated over $167 million in clean energy projects in Philadelphia since launching the Philadelphia Energy Campaign in 2016, creating more than 1,700 jobs.

About Philadelphia City Council
Philadelphia City Council is the legislative arm of Philadelphia municipal government. Keep up with Council on phlcouncil.com, and on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

The post 50 Low and Moderate Income Households from 26 Philly ZIP Codes Go Solar Through New Solar Savings Grant Program first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

A Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) is an attribute that represents 1,000 kWh of electricity generated by solar. The Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act of 2004 (AEPS) requires utilities and electricity suppliers to demonstrate that 0.5% of the electricity they supply is generated by solar. Rather than purchasing solar energy directly, they have the option to purchase SRECs from solar projects in Pennsylvania to demonstrate their compliance with this requirement. Celentano discussed how to sell SRECs to energy brokers or aggregators and what the process entails.

Once a solar PV system is installed, owners are able to monitor the generation using systems such as SolarEdge or Enphase. These monitoring systems track how much energy is generated by the solar PV system on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. These monitoring systems also alert the homeowner and solar installer if there are any problems with the system. McCrohan showed how to use both interfaces and how different features can be used to monitor the system.

To learn more about SREC trading and how to use and understand monitoring systems, you can watch the webinar below. For any questions, please email us at solarize@philaenergy.org.

The post SRECs and Monitoring 101 Webinar first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.

PHILADELPHIA — The City’s Department of Licenses and Inspections announced significant changes today that will streamline the process of installing solar in Philadelphia. The changes make Philadelphia a more solar-friendly city by allowing solar projects to use a new EZ Permit for qualifying installations up to 10 kilowatts in capacity. This update, combined with the rollout of online permitting earlier this year, will make it faster, easier and more affordable to install solar. In response to the updates, Solarize Philly is offering an additional “EZ Permit Discount” of $250 to participants who sign a contract before the group buying program closes on November 30.

“Solar companies, we heard your call for a streamlined permitting process and responded. Philadelphia wants you to do business here in our city,” Mayor Jim Kenney said. “We need to substantially grow the use of solar in Philadelphia as part of our strategy to combat climate change, and we need your help to get us there.”

“The Philadelphia Energy Campaign, through Solarize Philly, has shown that solar benefits Philadelphia households and workers by reducing electric bills and creating living wage jobs,” said Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District). “We took this new step to make it as simple and affordable as possible to install solar in Philadelphia, because we know that the economic and climate impacts of solar projects are more important now than ever before.”

The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) established an EZ Permit for solar, meaning that plans are not required as part of the submission. Qualifying online solar permit applications will be reviewed within three business days; applications submitted in-person will be reviewed on the same day. L&I is holding a webinar today, Tuesday, October 13 at 1 p.m. to inform contractors of the new streamlined process.

“The EZ Permit for solar is one of many significant changes that L&I has made this year to improve the permitting process,” said David J. Perri, Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections. “By adding an online permitting platform, we eliminated the need for companies to come in-person to submit applications. We are confident that the new online option combined with the EZ Permit for Solar will improve the permitting experience for solar contractors.”

This announcement follows the City’s 2019 measure to establish a $200 cap for building permits for solar, a fee which was previously priced at up to tens of thousands of dollars. The building permit fee reduction and Solar EZ Permit represent improvements to the established solar permitting process, which was developed by L&I in partnership with the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability in 2016 and included an expedited review for solar permits and the exclusion of certain equipment costs in the electrical permit fee calculation. Philadelphia earned the designation as a Solsmart Gold City in 2017 for its efforts to streamline solar permitting and has since been highlighted as a national leader in reducing solar soft costs.

“Solar permitting has remained a challenge over recent years, which has deterred some companies from operating inside the city limits,” said Ron Celentano, President of the Pennsylvania Solar & Storage Industries Association. “The move by the City to introduce a Solar EZ Permit signals that Philadelphia is serious about being open for solar business.”

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) today announced a $250 “EZ Permit Discount,” which will be offered to qualifying Solarize Philly participants who sign a contract before the group buying program closes on November 30. To access the Solarize Philly group-buying discounts and the new EZ Permit discount, property owners can sign up at solarizephilly.org. Participants will be referred to Solar States, the pre-approved Solarize Philly installer, for a free solar assessment. Income-qualified households that sign up will be invited to participate in the Solar Savings Grant Program, a pilot program that pairs grants and financing to include low- and moderate-income households in Solarize Philly. The Solar Savings Grant Program still has a few spots remaining for qualified applicants so property owners are strongly encouraged to apply quickly.

About L&I
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) enforces the Construction, Fire, Property Maintenance, Energy, Plumbing, and Zoning Codes that govern the safe and lawful use of buildings across the City. L&I promotes a safer built environment through licensing and permitting processes, inspections, demolitions of dangerous buildings, audits and investigations, and enforcement actions that hold property owners and contractors accountable for code compliance. The Department has been recognized for excellence by the International Accreditation Service, making Philadelphia the largest city in the nation to have earned accreditation for its permitting and inspection services. Learn more at www.phila.gov/li.

About the Philadelphia Energy Authority
The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority building a robust, equitable clean energy economy in Philadelphia. PEA has facilitated $136 million in clean energy projects in Philadelphia since 2017, creating over 1,300 jobs. PEA’s Philadelphia Energy Campaign, led by City Council President Darrell Clarke, will create 10,000 jobs by 2026 by investing $1 billion in clean energy and energy efficiency projects. For more information visit www.philaenergy.org.

About the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability
The Philadelphia Office of Sustainability (OOS) works with partners around the City to improve the quality of life in all Philadelphia neighborhoods, reduce the city’s carbon emissions, and prepare Philadelphia for a hotter, wetter future. OOS is responsible for implementing Greenworks Philadelphia, the city’s comprehensive sustainability plan. Learn more at www.phila.gov/green.

The post City Announces New Solar EZ Permit, Resulting in Additional $250 Solarize Philly Discount first appeared on Philadelphia Energy Authority.