Solar Energy Resources

Solar energy uses the sun, a renewable energy source, and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Allegheny County, creates local jobs, saves money on energy costs, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and inclement weather events.

For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

• Explore the Solar Energy Industries Association (PA SEIA) website for state-wide information on the progress made in the solar industry.
• Estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.
• Consult the PA Solar Center for additional resources: The Pennsylvania Solar Center is a one-stop shop for everything solar.

Visit the Allegheny County Sustainability Initiatives Interactive Map to learn more about internal operations solar projects.

• In 2020, solar panels were installed on the roof of a shelter in North Park to provide renewable energy to the power outlets.
• Two miles of a popular pedestrian path along Corrigan Drive between Library and Brownsville Road are lit with 122 solar lights which offset 20,194 pounds of carbon dioxide, while also saving $13,000 in electricity costs over the next decade.
• In December 2022, the county installed solar photovoltaic arrays in Deer Lakes and White Oak Parks to generate enough energy to offset the energy consumed in both parks.
• White Oak Park generates 156,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
• Two systems in Deer Lakes Park, including a ground-mounted array and a roof-mounted system on the spray park's pumphouse, generate an estimated 180,000-kilowatt hours per year. 

Explore examples of other solar projects within Allegheny County

• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon was the first church in Southwestern PA to install solar in 2019. The solar array decreases energy costs for the congregation and offers opportunities for rebates for excess generation.
• In 2020, the PA Solar Center assisted the nonprofit Global Links in Greentree, a medical relief and development agency, to install a 63.2 kilowatt solar system. The facility also added a reflective white roof to increase the solar generation potential for the organization, offsetting 82% of their electricity consumption.
• The Borough of Etna within Allegheny County worked to receive a SolSmart Bronze designation in 2022. The Borough created an online solar permitting checklist to create transparency for community members and solar installers. The community also reviewed local zoning codes and identified restrictions that intentionally or unintentionally prohibited solar development. Explore the Borough of Etna’s Solar Energy Resources to learn more.
• The Mill 19 Building at Hazelwood Green is a former brownfield site that was redeveloped by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation, achieving a LEED v4 Gold certification. The project included installation of 4,784 solar panels to the frame of the former steel mill.

Typically, solar installations are paid for through loans, upfront payments, or a power purchase agreement (PPA). Federal and State incentives are available to help make solar an affordable option including updates on the status of these programs.

• A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing: learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.
• Tax-exempt organizations, including non-profit organizations, schools and government entities, can take advantage of the federal tax credit through “elective pay” (sometimes referred to as “direct pay”) until the end of the year. An overview of elective pay and frequently asked questions are available from the IRS, including details about deadlines for the program.
• Information about state incentives can be found in the DSIRE Database maintained by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center.
• Solar leases are expected to be more prominent starting in 2026. It is highly encouraged that homeowners proceed with caution regarding any leased solar projects, read all the details carefully, and reach out either to the county’s Department of Sustainability or to the Solar United Neighbors’ free Solar Help Desk with questions before signing any contracts. 

Find a solar contractor(s) to assess your home or business for solar energy and provide a quote.

• Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
• Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.
• Solar Owners Manual information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.