Commercial Solar Incentives in Pennsylvania

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Greentech Renewables does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information displayed is not project-specific and will require an official written proposal by a certified installer. 

The Pennsylvania Sunshine Program

The Pennsylvania Sunshine Program is a state initiative encouraging solar energy usage among small businesses and homeowners. This program has set aside $100 million in rebates to help support solar electric systems. Unfortunately, this program is not eligible to be combined with other incentives.

Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Certificates

Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) allows solar system owners to earn one SREC valued at $30-$47 for every megawatt-hour of electricity their system generates. If businesses apply and participate in this program, they can sell their earned SRECs on the open market to generate income.

Business owners can leverage various federal solar incentives in combination with Pennsylvania's existing programs. Together, these incentives can substantially lower the cost of installing a solar system.

Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The business Energy Investment Tax Credit program allows businesses to claim 30% of their solar system costs as a federal tax credit. Additional tax credits are available depending on the district. 

Connect with a local installer to find out if you qualify for additional tax credits. 

Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)

Business owners in Pennsylvania may take advantage of the federal renewable electricity production tax credit (PTC). This provides an inflation-adjusted per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax credit for electricity generated by qualifying energy sources. Projects under 1 megawatt (MW) can receive 1.5 to 2.75 cents/kWh depending on the type of facility. Projects over 1 MW will receive a base tax credit of 0.5 cents/kWh.

Keep in mind that solar project owners cannot claim both the ITC and PTC for the same property. Discuss with a solar installer to understand which tax credit incentive you should claim for your solar system.

Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)

Pennsylvania business owners can take advantage of the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). This program allows business owners to recover some of the costs of solar panel installation through a five-year MACRS schedule.

Pennsylvania Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)

C-PACE is a financing program that allows approved commercial property owners to borrow money to pay for energy improvements without a large upfront cost coming out of the business' pocket.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP Grant) 

The USDA's "Rural Energy for America Program," or “REAP,” offers a grant to cover 50% of commercial solar system costs to encourage agricultural and rural businesses to maximize their energy efficiency with solar.

This grant is only available if you own a small business in an area with less than 50,000 in total population. 

FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY!

Connect with a local Pennsylvania installer to see which incentives can contribute to your solar system. 

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