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Going Solar

Getting Started with Solar

Buckingham Township is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for the community. Our community’s solar goals can be found in its Solar Statement. 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 website and watch the video below! Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – 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 Pennsylvania, creates local jobs, saves money on energy costs, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Click here to read homeowners guide to going solar 

Buckingham Township is working to become a SolSmart designated community by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy. SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that has helped hundreds of local governments become “open for solar business.” Learn more about the program here.

Buckingham Township signed a Resolution October 28th, 2020 setting fourth goals to use 100% clean, renewable energy, for all purposes no later than 2050. Buckingham has demonstrated commitment to reducing fossil-fuels energy in it's municipal operations through the installation of cost-saving LED lighting in its street lights, an effort recognized as forward-looking in area presentations by the Sierra Club's Ready for 100 campaign.

Going Solar Frequently Asked Questions

Is my roof suitable for solar? 
Check out your properties solar potential here Project Sunroof

Can I finance my solar Installation?
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) offers tools like PVWatts and the System Advisor Model (SAM) to estimate solar energy production, costs, and financial performance for renewable energy systems. Complementing these, EnergySage, a platform backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, simplifies solar adoption by connecting users with pre-screened installers and providing side-by-side quotes for rooftop and community solar projects. It uses electricity bills to calculate potential savings and offers tools like a solar calculator and marketplace for comparing financing options, helping users save up to 20-30% on installation costs. Acquired by Schneider Electric in 2022, EnergySage also supports energy storage, heat pumps, and EV charging solutions, empowering consumers to make informed decisions while reducing their carbon footprint. Solar installations can be financed through loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), or government incentives.

How Do I apply for a Solar Permit?
1. Complete Mechanical Application and Floodplain Questionnaire, homeowner signature required!
2.  $85.00 Zoning fee is due at time of application. A mechanical permit fee will be determined after the permit application is submitted.
3. If ground mounted, prepare a plot plan showing location of panels. Plot plan should include square footage of all areas of impervious surfaces (house, driveway, walkway, patio, pool, etc.)
4. If rooftop mounted, submit a drawing showing placement. Applicant must submit a letter from an engineer stating roof structure is sufficient to support panels.
5. Provide spec details of unit(s) being used and number of solar panels.
6. Underwriter approval on electrical plans.
7. Provide specification for mounting hardware, power optimizer, inverter, and mounting plane.
8. Provide proof of Workers Compensation with Buckingham Township as certificate holder or fill out our Workers Compensation wavier form. 

Are there incentive programs I can enroll in?

  • The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for residential solar systems at a 30% rate through 2032. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has released a Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics to provide further details.
  • In Pennsylvania, Renewable Energy Credits are managed under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS). The AEPS website offers guidance on registering in the system as well as the steps to sell and transfer credits.
  • In Pennsylvania, residential solar photovoltaic systems up to 50 kW qualify for net metering, enabling customers to sell excess electricity back to the grid and receive credit at the full retail rate. For more details on net metering in Pennsylvania, visit the Net Metering and Interconnection Rules on the PA PUC AEPS Act page and consult your specific utility provider.

For additional opportunities, the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) offers comprehensive information on incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency across the United States. Managed by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, DSIRE serves as a valuable resource for understanding available support in these areas.

Job Training and Educational Opportunities
Solar Energy Training program offered in partnership with Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

 More Useful Solar Information

ChatGPT said: a former Incubator award recipient, helps homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations estimate their potential energy savings from solar power. The platform connects users with pre-screened installers who provide customized estimates based on the user’s specific address. This allows customers to compare options and choose the solar system that best suits their needs. By using electricity bills to calculate potential savings, EnergySage has been shown to offer significant savings compared to traditional energy products.
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