Solar Energy Program (SEP)
The Solar Energy Program (SEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds to promote the use of solar energy in Pennsylvania. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).
Grant Deadline
Deadline not available
Funding Amount
Range between $5,000 - $1,000,000 Both Grants and Loans, look into details for both
Type of Grant
Loans, Grant, Research and Development
Sectors
Clean Energy, Clean Tech, Electrical, Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Manufacturing, Technology
Demographics
Incorporation
For Profit, Non Profit, Government Institution
Perks
Region Restriction
This grant is restricted to whole of United States
Keywords
energy, Financial, economic development, safety measures, Media/Arts, Environmental Protection, Administered Jointly, Department, Solar
Age Restriction
This grant is age restricted from 18 to 100
Eligibility and Requirements
A. Eligible Applicants
The following applicants are eligible for grants/loans:
1. A Business – a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, business trust, or other commercial entity approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The term shall include venture capital firms, solar energy and solar thermal system installers, and other business entities capable of raising a significant amount of capital. The term shall also include not-for-profit entities.
2. An Economic Development Organization – a nonprofit corporation or association whose purpose is the enhancement of economic conditions in their community.
3. A Political Subdivision – A municipality, county, or school district.
B. Eligible Projects
1. Solar projects, including facilities to generate, distribute, or store solar energy, as well as manufacturing or assembly facilities for solar panels or other solar equipment. Solar photovoltaic (electric) technologies are eligible. Projects must have a useful life of at least twenty-two years.
2. The development or construction of facilities used for the research and development of technology related to solar energy.
C. Eligible Use of Funds
Funds may be used by the applicant to pay for any of the following project costs:
1. Acquisition of land and buildings, rights-of-way, and easements necessary to construct an eligible project.
2. The clearing and preparation of the land necessary to construct an eligible project.
3. Construction or renovation of a building that will be used to manufacture equipment or conduct research and development related to solar energy systems; engineering costs associated with construction or renovation shall not exceed 10% of the grant/loan award.
4. The purchase and installation of equipment used for the manufacturing of equipment or to conduct research and development related to solar energy systems.
5. The design, purchase, installation, and construction of facilities that generate electricity using solar energy. Engineering/design costs associated with the installation of a solar system shall not exceed 10% of the grant/loan award.
6. Energy storage costs directly related to the storage of electricity produced by the solar energy system.
7. Permit fees.
8. Administrative costs of the applicant to administer a Program grant or loan. Administrative costs include advertising and legal costs, as well as documented staff expenses. Administrative costs shall not exceed 2% of the Program grant or loan.
Ineligible costs include but are not limited to fees for securing other financing, interest on borrowed funds, refinancing of existing debt, and costs incurred prior to the approval of CFA financing.
Grant Application website
https://dced.pa.gov/programs/solar-energy-program-sep/
Contact
Give DCED a Phone Call
1.866.466.3972
PA Business One-Stop Shop
1.833.722.6778
Send Us a Letter
Commonwealth Keystone Building
400 North Street, 4th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225