2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Progress, PA - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Progress.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Progress solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Progress?

High Performance Buildings Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000
Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million
Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000

Solar Alternative Energy Credits

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices.
Learn more:

Wind and Geothermal Incentives Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Manufacturer loans: $40,000 per job created within 3 years
Manufacturer grants: $5,000 per job created within 3 years
Loans for geothermal systems: $3 per square foot of space served up to $5 million; also limited to 50% of eligible costs for residential systems.
Loans for wind energy production projects: $5 million
Grants for wind energy production projects: $1 million
Grants for feasibility studies: 50% of cost up to $175,000
Loan guarantee grants: Up to 75% of deficient funds up to $5 million

High Performance Building Incentives Program

Incentive Type:
Grant Program
Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The term "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Different types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be offered by the Pennsylvania government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering agreement with your Progress utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives might be available to you if your solar system produces over a specified (usually small) amount of electricity. This category of incentives is normally handled at the state level. You can sell SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is typically considered part of your taxable income.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually applied before any solar tax credits are calculated. Rebates can be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying taxes on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives may be the first thing that comes to mind. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.

The ITC applies to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, equipment and accessories. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own and that is located in the United States. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Your local Progress solar panel installer can offer more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.

In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Now, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032, may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then see a slight annual decrease until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to obtain credits for energy storage systems under this new program.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to get in touch with your local Progress solar panel installation expert.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. As with federal incentives, these could include tax credits, rebates and more. The incentives — which may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Pennsylvania — might be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Progress

Nationwide solar energy use has gone up tremendously in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the increase in availability of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from your local utility company, the Pennsylvania government or the federal government. Your local Progress solar panel installation company can give you more information about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Progress, PA Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for different solar incentives?

In most cases, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on a property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those given out by the Pennsylvania government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Progress solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. You can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 250 pounds a year, or roughly 5,000 pounds in 20 years.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Be sure to go over your ideas with your local Progress solar installer. They can help you as you plan for your project and also help you understand the various incentives that you might or might not qualify for.

What if I am planning to add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences will fall into this category. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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