45 Southeastern PA Communities Blaze Clean Energy Path

Nearly four dozen municipalities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania have committed to powering their facilities and vehicles with renewable energy. While the commitment to clean energy is commendable, a regional organization is calling on municipalities, businesses, faith-based organizations, charitable groups, and schools to take advantage of federal tax credits to undertake solar installations. 

To date, five municipalities in Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties have installed solar panels and arrays, dramatically cutting their energy costs.

In its fourth year of solar power use, West Rockhill Township has completely offset the $16,000 annually in taxpayer expenses associated with the 84 megawatts used to power municipal operations, including local government buildings, parks, traffic infrastructure, and water wells. In addition, the 16.3-square-mile Bucks County municipality has reduced carbon emissions by 644,814 pounds, according to a 2025 presentation. 

Bill Sabey, a volunteer with Community Advocates and Ready for 100 – Montgomery County, encourages municipalities to make the switch to solar power – and take advantage of federal tax credits in the process. To qualify for the 30 percent federal tax credit, entities, including nonprofits, schools, faith-based groups, and commercial businesses, must start installation by July 4, 2026, or finish by the end of 2027.

“By installing solar power systems and transitioning to clean energy, municipalities can significantly reduce carbon emissions, enhance public health by mitigating air pollution, set an example for the community, and save substantial amounts of money over time through lower energy costs,” Sabey said. “The move to solar energy is not only a financial decision, but also a public health, public safety, and environmental strategy. Moreover, it positions municipalities as leaders in sustainability, benefiting from the numerous financial, social, and environmental rewards that come with a greener energy future.”

Community Advocates volunteers work with towns to set goals of transitioning to 100 percent clean renewable electricity by 2035. To date, 45 municipalities have adopted similar clean energy resolutions, which also includes reaching clean energy for heat and transportation by 2050 community-wide and developing a plan to get there.

With solar installation incentives soon set to expire, Sabey hopes more communities get on board. 

Solar saves money and reduces reliance on other power sources

Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert said in 2023 that the borough estimated saving $330,200 over 30 months – or roughly $11,000 per month – as a result of solar power. 

“Solar power allows Lansdale Borough to produce its own sustainable energy, reducing reliance on external sources. This independence is crucial as it helps shield the community from the volatile natural gas market,” Herbert said. “By investing in solar panels, the borough mitigates the risks associated with unpredictable energy prices, ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply for residents.”

Doylestown Borough, earlier this year, finished a solar installation on its administration building roof and a section of its police station. The municipality received a one-time federal credit of $114,318, PECO rebates, and other solar incentives. Borough Manager John Davis said solar will save the borough more than one-third of its energy costs. 

Horsham Township announced in 2023 that the governing body had approved a solar project that would equip key buildings, including the municipal building, police station, community center, and public works building, with solar panels.

“Solar energy is a clean and renewable resource that will lower the township’s energy costs and help mitigate the environmental impacts associated with traditional energy sources,” according to Horsham’s 2023 State of Horsham report. 

Extra solar power pays 

Earlier this year, West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Shaun Walsh said that the solar array installation on the public works building is expected to generate 312,000 kWh of electricity in its first year. 

“This quantity exceeds the annual amount of power consumed by the Public Works building, hence the net metering requirement for this account,” Walsh wrote. “Meaning … we get paid for exporting power to the grid anytime our electricity generation is greater than our usage!”

The array consists of 468 panels. The project cost $537,000, with total projected cost savings of $1,375,000 based on a 30-year expected life for the solar panels The project has a 10-year simple payback. The project is eligible for a federal rebate of 30 percent of the cost.

To learn more about solar power installation funding help, grants and federal tax credits, visit https://www.communityadvocatesforcleanenergyphilly.com/local-govt. 

Credit: Submitted