By Bill Sabey, Member, Southeastern Pennsylvania Group; Co-Chair, Clean Energy Team
Installing solar is a great way to control electricity costs. A solar installation locks in an electricity rate for the power generated by the solar panels over an average life of 25 years. With electricity rates predicted to continue to rise, it is becoming even more important to control electricity costs by installing solar. The residential solar credit expired at the end of 2025, but the credit remains available for ‘commercial’ entities, including municipalities, schools, faith organizations, non-profits, and commercial enterprises.
The 30% federal credit is a significant savings for these entities that normally have limited reserves. For those who do not have the cash up front to pay for the installation, solar installers offer power purchase and lease agreements.. Many solar installers can also assist with finding financing.
Solarize Greater Philadelphia is a program offered by the Philadelphia Energy Authority that facilitates the acquisition of solar for commercial enterprises and non-profit organizations. They provide guidance and support, beginning with a feasibility study, through the request for bids process, and contracting with the solar installer.
Interested organizations can fill out this solar inquiry form if they are ready to explore their solar potential, or submit this information request with their questions.
There is still time to save money by installing solar. Encourage your municipalities, schools, faith organizations, non-profits, and commercial enterprises to consider installing solar by the end of next year. Timeliness is critical as the installation needs to be connected by the electric utility and operating before December 31, 2027. The process typically takes 12 months from feasibility to installation, so the sooner it is initiated, the better.
Here are some resources you may find useful:
Use It or Lose It- Accelerating Solar in Pennsylvania Resource Page ‣ KRC: a report on the value of the federal credit to entities that can install solar panels to offset their electricity costs -
Community Advocates for Clean Energy of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia Energy Authority - Solarize Greater Philadelphia
PA Solar Center - GET Solar Program
For additional support in connecting organizations with solar, email contactphillyca@gmail.com.
This blog was included as part of the July 2026 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!