Philadelphia Energy Authority outlines Solarized Greater Philadelphia program to vet installers, support LMI and speed projects

Tabin Hosan, who manages the Solarized Greater Philadelphia program at the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), described how the municipal authority is using procurement and ongoing oversight to vet installers and protect consumers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. "Our big goal with the program ... it's a consumer protection focused program," Hosan said.

Hosan said PEA requires participating contractors to meet equipment and pricing standards, uses UL-listed criteria and the California Energy Commissionprograms list for vetting, conducts oversight after selection and assigns leads to vetted installers. The program also includes a low- and moderate-income support track and a workforce initiative tied to solar jobs training.

Lisa, a PEA colleague who discussed commercial and tax-exempt projects, described a partnership with the Pennsylvania Solar Center that runs feasibility studies, issues RFPs and collects and evaluates bids for nonprofit and commercial properties. Lisa urged tax-exempt and commercial property owners to act quickly if they want to capture available tax incentives, saying the commercial incentive window may close soon.

PEA also runs a residential intake form and resource hub for residents. Hosan noted a legitimate locally available rebate in some service territories: a $500 rebate from PICO's energy efficiency team that applies to ownership and third-party ownership models where PICO territory rules apply.

PEA said its program aims to lower consumer risk by standardizing vetting, requiring warranties and offering a centralized resource to route questions and leads. Contact information and an intake QR code were provided during the webinar for property owners interested in either residential or commercial support.