Start A Renewable Energy Project

Biomass is organic material and can provide heat, electricity and/or power transportation. A fireplace, pellet stove or boiler can be used for heating. Large facilities may find that electricity production is also financially viable with a boiler or anaerobic digester.  Biofuels can power vehicles. The sources available will vary by region and ultimately dictate the financial viability of using this type of energy.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems utilize underground thermal energy to provide constant humidity and comfortable temperatures while using only enough electricity to power a blower to move the warm or cool air throughout a building. Correctly sizing the system to the space it will be heating/cooling is crucial for efficient operation. Climate, soil conditions, and available outdoor space will dictate the the layout of system. Retrofitting an existing building is possible. 

 Hydroelectric is often cost effective but requires running water on your property. The height the water drops (head) and the flow of water are used to determine the amount of electricity that can be produced and will dictate system design. Permitting can be a long multi-step process.  

Solar energy can be utilized in many different ways, from passive space heating to water heating to electricity generation. Incorporating passive heating design is easiest in new buildings, but steps can be taken to also utilize it in established buildings. A south facing location that is shade-free is the key factor in determining whether solar water heating and electric generation are possible.   

Wind energy can be an efficient way to generate electricity, when a resource is available. Proper siting of a turbine (including being in a windy location and well above obstacles, like trees and buildings) is essential for maximum power production. Wind maps can help determine whether advanced site analysis would be worthwhile.

If you are planning to generate your own electricity with solar panels or a wind or small hydro turbine, will you be using a battery-less grid-tied system, grid-tied with battery-back-up, or an off-grid system?  Most common is the battery-less grid-tied system.  When selecting to connect to the grid, you will have to notify your utility, because any electricity you generate impacts the grid.  We recommend contacting your utility very early in the process and building a good relationship with them.  Go to Homepower Magazine to learn more.

Depending on the type, size, and location of your project, you will probably need to seek approval before beginning.  Be sure to check with your local municipality to see if  there are any  regulations regarding your technology. You may also need to contact other organizations, such as state and federal government agencies to ensure all proper approvals are met.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Administered by USDA—Rural Development

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of projects. Offering both loan guarantees and grants, REAP helps eligible applicants install renewable energy systems, make energy efficiency improvements, and conduct energy audits and feasibility studies.

REAP Website

 
EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative
This program, through the UDSA NRCS, provides funding for an energy audit (Agricultural Energy Management Plan, or AgEMP) or energy efficiency improvements on the farm.

EQIP Website

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

ARC, a joint program of federal, state, and local governments in the Appalachians, provides a range of assistance to help communities develop clean energy programs, a well as support to help new energy businesses expand and create local jobs.

ARC Website

Federal Tax Credit
Administrated by the US Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy

This program allows a tax credit on fuel cells, small wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems (with a gradual step down over time, before being phased out). Homes, businesses, farms, industrial facilities and other organizations may qualify.

Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)

This tax strategy can be used by businesses to recover the cost of various renewable energy technologies.

Alternative and Clean Energy Program (ACE)
Administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority - Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The Alternative and Clean Energy Program provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds that will be used by eligible applicants for the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects in PA.

ACE Website

Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA)

The authority finances advanced energy projects in Pennsylvania through grants, loans, and loan guarantees.

PEDA Website

PA DEP Small Business Advantage Grant 
This program offers a 50% match of up to $7,000 to enable Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes.

PA DEP Website

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)

Commercial and agricultural property owners may develop a clean energy project and secure a capital provider to finance the project (including equipment, labor and soft costs). A low-cost, long-term loan payment that repays the costs of the upgrades is added to the property tax bill and collected as an assessment by the county/municipality. Available in participating locations.

PA C-PACE

ACT 129 and other energy efficiency/conservation initiatives 
Many electric utilities offer rebates and other incentives to reduce electricity consumption and peak demand.

Sustainable Energy Funds (SEF)
Created through the restructuring of electric companies, these funds promote sustainability and renewable energy in PA.

Metropolitan Edison Region Sustainable Energy Fund, Administered by the Berks County Community Foundation
Penelec Region Sustainable Energy Fund, Administered by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Met-Ed/Penelec SEF Website

Sustainable Development Fund, Administered by The Reinvestment Fund
TRF SEF Website

West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund
WPPSEF Website

Sustainable Energy Fund of Central Eastern Pennsylvania
SEF Website

Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)
Maintained by the Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center
Funded through the U.S. Department of Energy

DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and policies.

DSIRE Website