It’s SOLAR time!
The Philadelphia Solar Energy Association (PSEA) is a volunteer-based, member-supported nonprofit whose goal is to promote the rapid adoption of solar energy across the state. Founded in 1980, PSEA has sponsored the Junior Solar Sprint every year since 1993, inspiring many young people to pursue careers in math, engineering and science. PSEA has played a key role in the development of clean energy policies in Pennsylvania towards accelerating the adoption of solar energy to reduce our carbon footprint, improve resilience and energy security and increase our energy independence.
Our History & Mission
Sun Day Philly, Stunning Success
Sun Day in Love Park was indeed a celebration of the power and the fun of solar. Live music, and speakers were all solar powered; People of all ages enjoyed sun-inspired arts activities, making pop-up cards, solar buttons and more, and hundreds of people learned about and took steps to support important legislation that will bring more solar to more people across PA. The Love Statue provided the perfect way for people to show their love for solar.
Soaring Electricity Prices
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the entire region are experiencing unprecedented and unwelcome increases in energy prices. PECO customers saw a 12% rate increase in January of 2025, followed by an increase of 15% in June due to PJM's capacity auction. Unfortunately prices will rise at least another 5% due to the most recent capacity auction. PJM has created a bottleneck by not processing applications for new generation, at the exact time that the demand for electricity is rapidly increasing. An article from Inside Climate News does an excellent job of explaining the situation.
PA Funds 73 schools to Go Solar
Perfect timing! 73 grants to help public schools and community colleges across PA go solar and save big were announced. Five Philly public schools and Community College of Philadelphia are among the 25 winners in southeast PA. By going solar, each school can expect to save an average of $1 million dollars on their electricity bills over the next 20 years! This couldn’t come at a better time as electricity rates are rising again across Pennsylvania. Here is a list of all the winners statewide and here is a recent article in the Inquirer.. Governor Shapiro has put another $25 million in the budget to continue this program next year.
Solar Curriculum
Solar Schools Toolkit 2.0
Given all the changes to the solar tax credits, grants and other funding, we have revised the Solar Schools Toolkit. We've also created a separate version, the Solar Toolkit for Nonprofits. Both proformas and the model Request for Proposal have also been updated. All these materials and more are available to download from our website, free of charge. Remember: the Sooner you Go Solar, the More You Save!!
‘We’re not breathing fumes’: Homeowners use tax credits to purchase new EV, water heater
PSEA's own Liz Robinson hosted a Front Porch Ribbon Cutting event on September 3rd to celebrate another step in electrifying her family's home. She and husband Paul Ricker have been replacing all their fossil fuel appliances with new high efficiency electric appliances.