The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), Philadelphia Green Capital Corp. (PGCC), and City leadership announce Philadelphia's progress expanding access to affordable, clean solar energy. Philadelphia is one of the country's most energy-burdened cities and has become a national leader in supporting solar access for all to address long-term utility affordability.
Philadelphia City Council recognizes the third week of August as Solar Week. Events this week celebrate the success of the local solar energy market and raise awareness of incentives and financing tools accelerating Philadelphians' transition to affordable clean energy. See the full calendar of events at SolarWeekPHL.org.
"I am proud of Philadelphia's leadership, ensuring that affordable, clean solar energy is within reach no matter your income level," said Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson. "City Council and Philadelphia Energy Authority set out to support a homegrown solar energy market for all Philadelphians. We now have thousands of rooftop solar arrays across the city, including many within our most vulnerable neighborhoods, all while creating hundreds of family-sustaining jobs."
PEA launched Solarize Philly in 2017 to assist homeowners and businesses with navigating the rooftop solar installation process. The consumer protection and technical assistance program has since grown to become the largest solar initiative in the country. More than 4,000 households and businesses across Philadelphia have put solar on their roofs, connecting more than 23 megawatts of solar energy to the local grid.
Across the country, rooftop solar is becoming more available to everyone. Adoption among low-income households represents 26 percent of the nationwide market, according to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory survey. Philadelphia's progress far exceeds national trends - among households that have installed solar energy, nearly 60 percent have incomes at or below 80 percent of area median income.
This progress is due in large part to the Solarize program's expanded offerings. Since 2021, installer PosiGen has offered a solar leasing option, enabling homeowners of all income levels to go solar with no upfront cost and no minimum credit score. More than 2,000 Solarize contracts have since been signed by Philadelphia homeowners who reside in the city's low- and moderate-income census tracts.
"The cost of our utilities continues to rise. More than a quarter of Philadelphia's low-income households are severely energy burdened," said PEA President and CEO Emily Schapira. "Rooftop solar provides a pathway toward long-term housing affordability, and is a critical tool for keeping Philadelphians in their homes. We are so proud of the progress we've made so far and will continue to support our neighborhoods to lead the way toward a more healthy, affordable future."
Recently enacted changes to federal clean energy policies pose obstacles to an otherwise thriving solar energy market. July's federal budget reconciliation bill accelerated the phaseout of a 30-percent clean energy tax credit. Households must now have solar panels installed by the end of 2025 to qualify to receive the tax credit directly. Customers who lease solar will still be able to receive indirect benefits through a reduced lease cost. Commercial, nonprofit and municipal projects must begin construction by July 2026 to be eligible for the full 30-percent credit.
Regardless of changes to federal policies, innovative financing tools can keep the cost of solar energy within reach. Residential project financing will remain available through solar leases or power purchase agreements. Such financing tools can be combined with existing federal incentives and utility rebates, making it possible to install solar with no upfront cost. PECO launched a $500 solar rebate this year, available regardless of whether the homeowner purchases or leases their system.
PEA and its green bank affiliate, PGCC, launched Solarize Greater Philadelphia earlier this year, broadening Solarize Philly across the region. The expanded initiative brings together multiple programs that assist property owners in completing their transition to solar energy.
"Success of the Solarize model is now being replicated and expanded across the region," said Tabeen Hossain, PEA Senior Manager, Solar Programs. "Solarize Greater Philadelphia offers consumer protections and technical assistance for homeowners, businesses, and non-profit organizations across Southeastern Pennsylvania. We encourage anyone interested to contact us and see whether solar makes sense for them."
Join one of the solar energy tours taking place during Philadelphia Solar Week to learn how homeowners, businesses, and non-profit organizations are transitioning to solar energy. Learn more at SolarWeekPHL.org.
About Philadelphia Energy Authority
The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) is an independent municipal authority focused on building a robust, equitable clean energy economy for Philadelphia. Launched in 2016, PEA leads the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a $1 billion, 10-year investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects to create 10,000 jobs. To date, PEA has supported over $1 billion in projects and created more than 8,400 jobs. Learn more at PhilaEnergy.org and on LinkedIn.
About Philadelphia Green Capital Corp.
The Philadelphia Green Capital Corp (PGCC) is the green bank affiliate of the Philadelphia Energy Authority. PGCC, a 501(c)3, works to scale and amplify PEA's work, support the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, and bring new funding and financial products to the region's clean energy economy that support equitable access to green capital. Learn more at PhillyGreenCapital.org and on LinkedIn.
About Philadelphia City Council
Philadelphia City Council is the legislative arm of Philadelphia municipal government. In 2010, City Council adopted a resolution to permanently recognize the third week of August as Philadelphia Solar Week. Keep up with Council on PHLouncil.com, and on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
