The PA Sunshine Solar Program is performing better than expected and has helped double Pennsylvania's solar generating capacity in under six months, according to Gov. Edward G. Rendell, D-Pa., and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The program also recently reached its first incentive milestone for small-business rebates: the deployment of 5 MW of solar.
The $100 million PA Sunshine Solar Program reimburses homeowners and small-business owners up to 35% of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology. In combination with federal tax credits, consumers can reduce system costs by 45%.
Since the program opened on May 18, the commonwealth has committed $12.5 million to 625 projects by residential and small business consumers. The projects represent at least $50 million in private investment, the DEP says.
More than 300 installers have been certified to install solar systems under the program, and the DEP continues to receive and accept applications.