Pennsylvania to Host National Solar Energy Conference in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania to Host National Solar Energy Conference in Philadelphia

HARRISBURG (April 30) – Pennsylvania will host the first-ever PV America Conference and Trade Show to be held June 8-10 in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.

The conference will focus exclusively on solar photo voltaic (PV) panel technology, the fastest growing segment of the solar industry. Solar photovoltaic panel technology converts sunlight directly into electricity and is commonly seen on rooftops. Despite the economic downturn, PV grew an impressive 81 percent in 2008 compared to 2007. The Mid-Atlantic market is poised for considerable growth in 2009.

Solar PV manufacturers, developers and installers will want to attend to market directly to businesses and consumers and for more than 50 valuable educational sessions on policies, workforce development and business growth strategies. Small business owners and entrepreneurs will gain from great networking opportunities and information on becoming part of the emerging PV industry.

DEP Secretary John Hanger will be one of the featured speakers at the conference.

The public is welcome to come and see PV technology and its applications for homes and businesses at Public Night on Tuesday, June 9 from 5 p.m.–8 p.m., where 200 companies will be represented in the expo hall. Admission for Public Night is free.

To register for PV America or to learn more, visit http://enews.state.pa.us/m/99dGd0v-o92DmjpFJ2oc_pUruIQnjsQ4SweOefVpk7Th08BGrA or contact Brian Mahar (bmahar@tigercomm.us, 703-302-8393).


Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program to Open Soon

The Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program will provide $100 million in grant funding to help fund solar electric (referred to as solar photovoltaic, or PV) and solar hot water (solar thermal) projects for homeowners and small businesses in Pennsylvania.

Funding will be deployed in the form of reimbursement grants for residential and small business projects. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis to approved applicants. Households may receive one solar PV grant for up to 10 kilowatts (kW) of installed PV generating capacity plus one solar thermal grant not to exceed $2,000. A small business may only submit one PV and one solar thermal application at a time and must complete the project and grant process prior to submitting another application.

Learn more:
http://enews.state.pa.us/m/531Gd0v-o92DmjpFJ2oc_pUruIQnwYBmgG8Lgxq4AaYvpjGK3g


Pa. Conservation Works!

The commonwealth is accepting comments on a new grant program that will help local governments and non-profit entities make shovel-ready, energy efficient or conservation projects a reality.

More than $23 million will be available to local governments and non-profit entities through the new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

Learn more:
http://enews.state.pa.us/m/a42Gd0v-o92DmjpFJ2oc_pUruIQnynWFoSYdfex972pC3uBGag