Relevant

Harrisburg:  Compiled by the PA Department of Environmental Protection, A Guide to Energy and Green Technologies Funding Programs in and for Pennsylvania helps potential users to find government programs by the categories of homeowner, low-income homeowners, business owners, business owners with more than 150 employees, municipalities, schools, and non-profit organizations.  The programs range from weatherization to solar to tax credits and green certifications.  This Guide is current to the end of June 2009.  For a downloadable copy of the guide, click here.  For more information, contact PA DEP by clicking here.

In just the first three months of the expanded program, over 3,600 applications for loans and rebates have been processed, with the value of funded and pending projects exceeding $15,000,000. Keystone HELP has also been a boon to Pennsylvania contractors. Over 1,200 have applied to become Approved Contractors under the program, with more than 700 participating in advanced training courses on building science and home energy performance held across the state.  

"Supporting the development of the latest industrial technologies plays an important role in helping U.S. industry to lead the world in energy efficiency and productivity," said Secretary Chu. "Working together with American manufacturing and IT industries, we will be able to create new jobs, reduce industrial energy use and limit damaging greenhouse gas emissions."

Projects being funded under the Recovery Act will focus on three main areas.

As 'energy efficiency' and 'reducing Pennsylvania's dependence on foreign oil' have become headline catch phrases within the past year, there are now several funding programs available for Lancaster County businesses that are taking on "green" projects or projects that involve energy efficiency. While the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County does not directly administer many of the "green" funding streams, we have assembled a quick list of programs that have been brought to our attention. Please check out the programs and links and keep in mind that EDC Finance has additional funding resources that can be packaged together to help finance other costs associated with a project. Check out the EDC Finance website for more information: www.edcfinancecorp.com.

Energy Efficiency Programs Quick List

PPL LEED Certification Program:  Up to a $5,000 reimbursement for registration fees, certification fees, and design review of an LEED project in the PPL service territory...http://www.pplelectric.com

USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy Programs:  Grant funding up to $500,000 and guaranteed loan options for rural small businesses implementing or improving energy efficient projects...www.rurdev.usda.gov

Solar Energy Program:  Grants up to $5,000 per job created, loans up to $35,000 per job created, and loan guarantees up to 75% for activities that invest in the generation and use of solar energy OR the manufacturing of solar equipment panels and components...www.newpa.com

Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA):  Grant funds for facilities and equipment related to alternative energy component manufacturing and the generation of alternative energy. New program looking for 'ready to go' projects, with applications due by May 29...www.depweb.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania Sunshine Program:  Rebates of up to 35% of project costs for the installation of solar electric and hot water systems for residences and small businesses. The program was newly created and will begin accepting applications in May 2009...www.depweb.state.pa.us

Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program:  Grants up to $25,000 or 25% of project costs for equipment and processes that improve energy efficiency for companies with less than 100 employees. Energy efficiency improvement projects include lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, process machinery, building insulation, and building weatherization...www.depweb.state.pa.us

Renewable Energy Program (Wind & Geothermal):  Grants up to $5,000 per job created, loans up to $35,000 per job created, and loan guarantees up to 75% for activities that invest in the generation and use of geothermal and wind energy OR the manufacturing of geothermal and wind energy components...www.newpa.com

High Performance Building Program:  Loans, grants, and loan guarantees up to $2 million for a small business with 100 employees or less and up to $100,000 for individuals for design, construction, and renovation costs associated with high performing energy efficient buildings...www.newpa.com

Pollution Prevention Assistance Program:  Loans for up to $100,000 or 75% of project costs at a 2% interest rate for machinery and equipment acquisition that reduces pollution, energy use, or raw material consumption in a small business with less than 100 employees...www.newpa.com

Please remember to visit the EDC Finance Corporation website at www.edcfinancecorp.com for the latest information on other financing programs available for Lancaster County projects.