Pennsylvania homeowners and small business owners seeking to reduce their electric bills through alternative energy projects can find assistance through a new rebate program, state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana said.
The PA Sunshine Solar Program, passed by the General Assembly in 2008 as part of a sweeping energy legislation package, will provide $100 million in rebates to eligible consumers who purchase and install solar energy technology.
Fontana said consumers may be reimbursed up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar electric and solar hot water projects. The combined assistance of these rebates and federal tax credits could reduce system costs for consumers by 45 percent.
Several projects are eligible for the rebate, including installation of solar panels that help provide electricity for pumping water, powering communications equipment, lighting homes or businesses, and running appliances. In addition, installing a solar water heating system can produce hot water necessary for washing, cooking, cleaning, and other domestic and commercial uses of hot water.
