Solarize Philly helps provide 186 homeowners with rooftop solar panels
The city program will provide subsidized financing for low- and moderate-income customers.
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The Philadelphia Energy Authority announced Tuesday that next month it will launch a second round of Solarize Philly, its group-buying program for residential solar customers. The new round will include an option of subsidized financing for low- and moderate-income households.
The authority said that its Solarize Philly campaign signed up 186 homeowners to install solar panels this year, exceeding its first-year target of 100. Under the program, three installers agreed to discount the rooftop panels if enough customers signed up by an Oct. 31 deadline. The installations represent an investment of nearly $3 million in rooftop solar.
As part of the program, PEA also trained 18 high school students in solar installation in 2017, and plans to train an additional 40 students in 2018.
The PEA announced the program at an event attended by Council President Darrell L. Clarke, Councilman Derek S. Green, and representatives of the installation companies, equipment providers, Peco Energy Co., the School District of Philadelphia, and other city departments.
Owners of solar systems produce some of their own electricity, reducing their utility bills. Residents interested in installing solar can visit www.solarizephilly.org to learn more.