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Solar Incentives in Pennsylvania

Let’s shine a light on Pennsylvania’s SREC Marketplace. 

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Making the Most of Solar Incentives in PA

Pennsylvanians are currently benefiting from some of the best solar incentives in the nation. As you work on navigating the Pennsylvania solar energy market, it is important to have all the necessary information to make a savvy financial and environmental decision. Understanding PA solar panel incentive programs and processes can initially be a challenge. However, we’ve compiled some resources below to help you understand how the solar energy process works and most importantly, how to make it work for you! 

How Do PA SRECs Work?
(Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credits)

During the day, a solar system that has been appropriately sized will produce enough energy to cover the energy needs of that home throughout the night as well. However, most of the energy that is produced is not used immediately and needs to be stored or used by neighboring homes and businesses. As such, the excess energy produced will go back into the grid. This excess energy is accounted for through a program called net metering. 

Additionally, utility providers in Pennsylvania offer Solar Renewable Energy Credits or SRECs. The PA SREC program differs from the net metering programs because the SREC program was developed to strategically incentivize the proliferation of solar via a tradable commodity, the SREC, that operates on an open market. For every 1,000 kWh of energy generated by a qualified solar system, a single SREC is issued.

Utility providers in Pennsylvania are mandated to have a certain percentage of their electricity sales sourced from solar generations but can also reach the required percentage by purchasing SRECs from solar owners. These SREC sales are facilitated by a PA SREC broker. Upon your solar purchase, you will be contacted by a PA SREC Broker to discuss potential selling options for your excess credits. The broker will further assist in the purchase of the PA SREC by the power company, ensuring that the transaction is smooth and that the solar owner is getting fair market value. Additionally, the profits from the sales of PA SRECs and the programs available for net metering in Pennsylvania can help offset solar costs.

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar owners to receive compensation, from the utility company, for the surplus energy in the form of a credit on their future energy bill. A solar energy system that is sized properly will ultimately achieve a net zero bill, where the customer does not owe the utility company anything by the end of the year. 

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We Believe in Our Products

A subpar product can affect the performance of your entire solar experience. At Lumina Solar, we searched far and wide until we discovered products we were satisfied ones we felt our clients would love.  

To maximize the efficiency of your system, we’ve partnered with industry-leading manufacturers to ensure every step of our process brings the best to the table. Our comprehensive warranty supports this belief wholeheartedly.  

Save Money, Save the Planet

We founded Lumina Solar with two goals in mind: helping home and business owners save money while making the planet an overall healthier place. Across the world, countries are formulating aggressive plans to transition their energy systems to green energy. We believe in doing our part to help accelerate this process by providing accessible solar energy to clients across Pennsylvania. If you’re interested in saving money and helping save the planet, you’ve found the right company. 

Our Process

Consultation

At Lumina Solar, we start our process with a thorough consultation. During this phase, we have a detailed conversation to better understand your energy demands. We use advanced technology, like digital AI satellite imagery, to see if solar power is a good choice for your property. By looking at your energy usage and unique requirements, we make sure that solar energy is the right fit for you. Our goal is to provide a personalized solar solution that matches your energy needs and helps you save money, making the switch to solar both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Property Survey

After the initial consultation, we move on to the second step in our process, known as the property survey. Our dedicated team of surveyors and engineers will conduct an in-person visit to your property, performing a thorough assessment with a sharp focus on detail. During this phase, they will take precise measurements, evaluate your electrical system, inspect your roof and attic, and address any remaining questions you might have. Throughout the entire property survey phase, your solar consultant will be on hand to offer assistance, ensuring a smooth and customer-oriented experience.

Permitting

Moving into the third phase, “permitting,” it’s crucial to understand that in specific areas and neighborhoods, obtaining the necessary permits for your solar system installation is a must. This may involve working in partnership with local authorities or adhering to guidelines set forth by Homeowners Associations (HOAs). At Lumina Solar, we handle the entire application process on your behalf, ensuring that your transition to solar power is smooth and hassle-free. Our objective is to simplify the permitting procedure, enabling you to focus on enjoying the benefits of your upcoming solar investment without being weighed down by complicated regulations.

Professional Installation

Our experienced experts handle your solar system installation with the utmost professionalism. Most installations take just a few hours, but the time may vary based on the system’s size. At Lumina Solar, we focus on the quality of the installation and keeping the work area clean. After the installation, rest assured that we thoroughly clean and maintain the site, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience for our valued customers.

System Inspection and Permission to Operate

Once the installation is done, we quickly organize a thorough system inspection with the local utility company. It’s important to note that your solar system can only start working after it successfully passes this inspection and gets the official Permission to Operate (PTO). Our commitment to a strict inspection process assures that your solar system is not just installed effectively but also fully meets the required standards, enabling it to begin producing clean, renewable energy.

Solar Incentive Review

Our team thoroughly reviews the range of available solar incentives in Pennsylvania to help you maximize your cost savings. If there are any application requirements, we’ll guide you through the process with expert assistance. Additionally, we provide you with all the necessary information and materials to make claiming Pennsylvania SRECs as easy as possible. This ensures a smoother path for your solar investment and ensures you receive all of the Pennsylvania solar incentives that you deserve.

System Monitoring and Ongoing Support

In the final phase of our process, system monitoring and ongoing support, we prioritize your ongoing satisfaction and the performance of your system. With the help of a user-friendly app, you can easily access a comprehensive analysis of your solar system’s performance. However, our dedication to your experience continues. Our devoted team is always available to address any inquiries or concerns you may have regarding your solar system and assist you in making the most of your solar incentives in Pennsylvania. This continuous support ensures that you have the information and help you need to optimize the advantages of your solar investment, all supported by our expertise and unwavering commitment to your satisfaction.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

Policymakers are working toward a green energy future and to help the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, the Federal government offers a Federal Income Tax Credit (ITC) for home or business owners that have made the move to solar energy. This incentive allows solar purchasers to qualify for a tax credit that is equal to 30% of the total system cost. Come tax season, your federal incentivization comes in the form of a one-time federal tax credit that can be applied to your federal tax liability. In the event that you can not use the entire 30% in one tax year, solar owners have up to five years to utilize that 30% credit in full.  

On a state level, Pennsylvanians can benefit from the PA SREC program we discussed above or those local to Philadelphia may qualify for a $200 rebate for each kilowatt of solar energy that they install. 

A consultation with your local licensed tax advisor is always important in order to understand what Pennsylvania solar panel incentives may work for your particular tax situation.

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Why Choose Our Company?

Choosing the right team for a home improvement job is the most important decision a homeowner can make. Lumina Solar empowers customers to have confidence in their solar purchases by ensuring clear communication with the client and a painless process. Lumina Solar has a proven track record and hundreds of satisfied customers. By offering residential and commercial solar projects in tandem with roofing, we can ensure that your project will be done with the best products and services. Our team understands the importance of the link between price, products, and service. We know the industry and are ready to assist solar customers in making the move the green energy. When dealing with local professionals, you know the job will be done right and, if there is any system service necessary, we are just a phone call away.

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A Look Ahead at Our Solar Future.

Despite this year’s record-breaking temperatures, experts warn that this is the coolest summer we will see unless there are changes made in how energy is produced. According to the EPA, 25% of emissions come from the production of energy. As greenhouse gases are heating up the earth at an exponential rate, it is our mission and duty as residents of this earth to make responsible decisions so that our grandchildren will still have an earth that is habitable. 

In response to the call to action, solar markets in the United States are expected to triple in size over the next five years. Lumina Solar is prepared to continue serving communities with their solar needs.

Staying Ahead of the Renewable Energy Trend in Pennsylvania

As communities grow, the demand on the power grid increases. Making the shift to renewable energy reduces the long-distance demand for energy in neighborhoods and strengthens the grid during high-demand hours. By making the decision to go solar, you lessen the number of rolling blackouts, fortify your community in the event of emergencies and reduce unnecessary infrastructure that would be put in place. Funds not spent on infrastructure can then be allocated to more pressing community issues. 

Utility companies increase rates nationwide at an average of 4% per year. By purchasing solar, home and business owners lock in the rate that they will be required to pay for energy. Plus, with solar, you do not have to continue paying for energy at whatever rate that energy is offered to you. After your system is paid off, you still get to benefit from your system’s production, you just don’t have to continue paying for it. Stay ahead of the curve and make an informed financial decision today.

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How Solar Helps Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Many people are familiar with the term ROI, but in renewable energy, return is often measured by the Environmental Return on Investment or EROI. The EROI of any renewable energy project is the amount of time that it takes for that renewable energy project to environmentally pay for itself by producing more clean energy than it took to produce or transport the products that the system is comprised of. Most solar systems have an EROI of around 7 to 12 years. By not using fossil fuels, solar owners are able to reduce their overall carbon footprint. 

Energy prices from electric companies are rising and the move to solar energy is happening. By taking advantage of PA SREC programs and the 30% Federal Tax Credit, solar can make incredible financial sense. Solar also helps to preserve our beautiful earth for future generations. Regardless, if you’re looking to make a switch, Lumina Solar is the most qualified team to help you take advantage of all available PA solar panel incentives and get you the best return on your investment! 

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Benefit From PA SRECs and Other Incentives by Going Solar

At Lumina Solar, we help ensure that you are able to make the most of your solar installation in Pennsylvania. Not only will you save significantly on monthly energy costs, but you’ll also have access to great incentives that reduce your expenses over time. Reach out today to get started.