Pennsylvania is one of the few US states that have programs that focus on renewable energy sources. Solar power, in particular, has become one of the main points of these programs. The use of solar power in Pennsylvania dates back to the 1970s and 1980s when sunlight was used to heat the water used for heating homes, although heating water, technically, does not use solar power—generation of electricity using sunlight as the raw material.

There are several organizations and programs that promote solar power in Pennsylvania. The primary promoter is the state government itself. Pennsylvania is among several US states that have established universal service funds, also known as universal systems benefit funds or public benefits funds. The funds aim to assist people with low income rates as well as support conservation and renewable energy research and development programs. The state’s universal service, however, is unique since it is the one to include renewable energy in its definition.

This universal service primarily targets low-income households. It gives the households the opportunity to access reliable, state-of-the-art technologies that make use of renewable energy sources. The state’s program, however, is not the same with traditional weatherization efforts. Its objective is to establish an infrastructure now so that low-income households would be able to have future access to the technology.

The state leverages its activities using funds from the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program. The Commission on Economic Opportunity operates the Leveraging Project which assists local organizations in improving energy efficiency and developing renewable energy resources. This drive to promote solar power in Pennsylvania is based on the perception of the federal government that it is time to make use of renewable resources. The US government has funded and encouraged the development of renewable sources through different initiatives including the Million Solar Roofs Program of the Department of Energy (DOE). The main aim of this program is to reduce the country’s dependence on oil from foreign countries; address the problems of global warming and improve the quality of air in the country, among others.

Recently, Pennsylvania’s legislature passed The Clean Energy Funding Bill which provides $100 million that will be used to subsidize up to 35% of the cost of installing solar power systems on small businesses and homes. This rebate system can be availed by all Pennsylvania residents who use solar systems in their homes. The solar systems must generate between 1kW to 10kW. To avail of the rebate, an application fee of $100 is needed. This fee, however, is not applicable for residents whose incomes are 60% below the state’s median household income. For small businesses, the rebate is stands at $2.25/kW for solar systems that are produce between 3kW to 10kW. If the power generated is from 10kW to 90kW, the rebate will be $2/kW. For the next 100kW, the rebate is $1.75/kW. The energy bill also provides another $80 million for commercial solar projects.

Solar power in Pennsylvania is generated using active methods, meaning the use of photovoltaic systems. The systems are fixed and are grid-connected. Solar water heating is also done using active means. This, according to Commission on Economic Opportunity, is the state’s way of showing how solar energy flourishes in Pennsylvania.