Philadelphia has made significant progress in cutting carbon pollution, and we know that the pace of progress must accelerate to meet Mayor Kenney’s commitment to cut citywide pollution 80% by 2050. In progress towards a clean energy vision, read on to find out how solar energy is becoming more accessible in Philadelphia.
SOLARrooftops – Philadelphia’s New Solar Potential Map
Thinking about installing solar on your roof? The City of Philadelphia’s SOLARrooftops application is a good first step! SOLARrooftops was created to enable residents and businesses in Philadelphia to estimate the solar potential of their rooftops by providing a conservative estimate of potential solar panel electricity production for every building in the city. The application also includes a list of resources and programs to help you find what is right for you. Visit SOLARrooftops to view your solar potential today: www.phila.gov/solarmap.
Solarize Philly
Solarize Philly is a citywide program run by the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) to help all Philadelphians go solar at home. Homeowners who install solar through this group buying program have access to pricing discounts and consumer protections. There is also a low-cost lease option available for eligible low- and moderate-income households.
SolSmart Gold
Did you know that Philadelphia is a SolSmart Gold designated city? Since 2011, the Office of Sustainability (OOS) and the Department of Licenses and Inspection (L&I) have worked together to improve the solar permitting process in Philadelphia. As a result of the City’s efforts to make solar more accessible, the City of Philadelphia received national recognition for adopting programs and practices that make it faster, easier, and less expensive to go solar. A SolSmart designation attracts solar industry investment, economic development, and local jobs. The solar permitting updates and resources outlined below helped Philadelphia earn the Gold designation.
Solar Permitting Updates
In 2016, the City updated the expedited solar permit standard to benefit small solar projects like those for households and small businesses. The recent changes give solar projects for one- and two-family dwellings that are 10 kW or less the following benefits:
- Permission to proceed with only an electrical permit (rather than also requiring a building permit).
- Expedited permit processing time through L&I’s commitment to process expedited solar permit applications within 5 days.
For guidance on the solar permitting process, check out L&I’s overview documents outlining the standard solar permit process and the expedited solar permit process.
