Though the northeast might not see as much sun as California and other parts of the world, this does not stop them from keeping up in the solar industry. As solar spreads across the nation and the world, no one wants to be left behind. Creating more jobs in construction than any other energy based industry, suffering economies are quickly seeing that solar is the way to go in the changing world. In fact, Pennsylvania receives just as much solar radiation as South Florida, as explained in this useful website for potential Pennsylvania solar customers. Though the Pennsylvania industry is young, it is certainly growing helped by great incentives and rebates. In the summer of 2009, the Pennsylvania Sunshine rebate was passed. This is a provision to Governor Ed Rendell’s Alternative Energy Investment Act and provides $100 million in grants for solar electric and hot water commercial and residential projects between one and ten kW for Pennsylvania residents. This means that the rebate can cover up to 35% of the cost of the system.

Pennsylvania is putting special effort into getting solar on low-income households through their Low-Income Renewables Pilot Program. The state included renewable energy under utility service benefits for low-income households, allowing them to help the families cut costs by using solar hot water or solar electric on their homes. The program is also trying to educate the families about energy efficiency so that their lifestyle choices, combined with the installed solar, can additionally save money.

Though the solar industry may still be young, Pennsylvania is proud of what it has accomplished both in solar and sustainable living. In September they will host their annual Pennsylvania Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Festival, put on by the MidAtlantic Renewable Energy Association (MAREA). The festival will feature exhibitors from both the manufacturing and distribution industries, as well as live music, workshops, and other entertainment. As part of the preparation for the event, MAREA put on a solar installation workshop, where participants installed a local residential 9.9 kW solar electric installation. The workshop lasted a week and gave the students a chance to learn exactly how solar worked by putting it all together themselves, alongside trained professionals who also presented on a range of related topics. By the end the participants were able to watch the home’s meter spin backwards, which was certainly a rewarding feeling!

Just recently, on June 8, 2010, Pennsylvania had a great new step in its growth in the industry. groSolar, a Vermont based company, held the grand opening of its first Pennsylvania based sales office in Broomall, outside of Philadelphia. The office has been active since the end of May and as it grows will create many jobs in installation, sales, marketing and more, while putting solar on businesses and homes all over the mid-Atlantic region! 

So although the industry has remained small so far, excitement and energy for it is high, which will help it to continue to grow and prosper, getting more and more solar installations on Pennsylvania roofs!