Solar and Clean Energy Resources
December Moonrise - Susquehanna at Owego, NY
Brian Keeler Studio, www.briankeeler.com
Protect Northern PA has no formal relationship with the following organizations or companies. Their ideas and successes can allow your community to envision alternatives to fracked-gas industrialization. Their practical solutions may be viable in your community.
I. Information for Communities and Municipalities
Bradford Solar Farm Regulations Nearly Complete
With commercial solar energy farms expected to start being built in Bradford County in the near future, the county is hoping to have a draft of regulations for them written by next month. 2.22.23
Centered in Wayne and Pike counties, with members and potential projects throughout northeast PA. Community-owned business, looking for local community organizations excited about clean, renewable energy for possible project sites.
Ten Ways Your Community Can Go Solar
Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR)
Champions local self-reliance, a strategy that underscores the need for humanly scaled institutions and economies and the widest possible distribution of ownership.
Information for municipalities and Webinars
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
The March issue of PA Township News includes a major cover story on Solar Farming: The Next Big Thing by Jill Ercolino, Managing Editor.
Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development – Solar Energy Program
At Sustainable Energy Fund, we believe in financing projects that will help commercial, industrial, municipal, agricultural, and nonprofit entities save both money and energy while creating a more productive and safe workplace for your employees and creating a valuable impact on your community.
II. Information for Anybody
Net metering explained. May 11, 2023
Solar Investment Tax Credit (Solar ITC) Explained
Solar Tax Credit extended to 2034! The Residential Clean Energy Credit, previously known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), has been extended to 2034 and now offers 30% in tax credits to consumers who purchase solar panels. The increased credit can be retroactively applied to solar systems purchased at the beginning of 2022. The Solar Tax Credit was formally set to expire in 2024 but will now remain at 30% through 2032. It will drop to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. It is set to expire in 2035 unless it is renewed again.
Read more at these sites:
https://www.saveonenergy.com/solar-energy/solar-tax-credit/
https://www.seia.org/initiatives/solar-investment-tax-credit-itc
The official electric shopping website of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC).
Homeowner can switch home electricity to lower carbon sources.
Several downloadable webinars.
NEW! Pennsylvania Landowners Guide to Utility-Scale Solar Leasing
This guide is intended to inform landowners on terminology, background information, and considerations to make when approached to lease their land for utility-scale solar.
https://extension.psu.edu/pennsylvania-landowners-guide-to-utility-scale-solar-leasing
PennFuture - Net Metering Explained
Net Metering Works for Pennsylvania. March 31, 2021.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Resource guide for landowners, investors, planners, and government officials in considering the planning and siting of grid-scale solar systems.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Pennsylvania DEP Small Business Advantage Grants
Small Business Advantage Grant Open on October 7, 2022!
The Small Business Advantage Grant provides 50% matching grants, up to a maximum of $7,000 to enable Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes.
Solar Energy and Leasing Agreements – podcast. PFB’s Darrin Youker talks with Mette, Evans & Woodside attorney Jacob Kiessling about leases for solar development on farm land and what farmers need to look for before signing a lease.
Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
SEEDS, Sustainable Energy Education, Development & Support
A community-based organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania committed to developing a local renewable energy infrastructure and promoting more sustainable living in the area. Resources for anyone considering solar.
Sierra Club Pennsylvania - Clean Energy for All Team
Meets regularly via video call. Learn and get answers.
SolarPower.com
A variety of topics about going solar
https://www.solarempower.com/blog/
Founded in 2008, with a dual mission to install solar and educate the next generation.
Solar United Neighbors, a 501c3.
Solar United Neighbors is a community of people building a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. We help people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
III. Local and PA examples of powering with Solar
Homeowners
Solar installations jump across the state saving customers money. July 30, 2023
https://triblive.com/local/regional/power-up-solar-power-installations-jump-to-more-than-40000-across-the-state/
Farmers
A small array of solar panels soaks up the sun on a south-facing slope on Spring Hills Farm in Dalton.
The panels generate 10 kW, enough to supply half the electrical needs on the 200-acre farm
Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus
Greg Swartz, owner of Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus, Wayne County, constructed a solar array to power his entire farm and house.
Fred McNeal stands on the roof of a storage building, next to a newly-installed array of solar panels on his parents’ farm in Burlington Township.
Solar for Schools
https://generation180.org/solar-for-all-schools-pennsylvania/
Northampton Community College, Monroe
The campus has been recognized nationally for its environmental efforts including, LEED Gold certification for using environmentally responsible design and construction and supplying 100% of its electricity with renewable energy
Scalo Solar Solutions, LLC
Largest solar installation in Pittsburgh will soon be complete, powering Mill 19 at Hazelwood Green.
IV. Solar Listings
Solar Installers serving your county, e.g, Bradford County