PA Sunshine Program FAQs 
Q: Who is eligible for the Sunshine Program? 
A: Homeowners and small businesses are eligible for this rebate program.   
Residential Applicants:  Residential applicants must be Pennsylvania residents.  The applicant must be the owner of the home where the project will be installed.  All residential projects must be completed on the homeowner’s primary residence.  Vacation homes and investment properties will not qualify for funding as a residential project. 
Small Business Applicants:  Small business applicants must be a for-profit business located within Pennsylvania.  To qualify for small business funding, the applicant must be a separate legal entity with no more than 100 full-time employees.  The term includes an agricultural producer of a farm commodity. 
Applicants must not have any outstanding obligations to the commonwealth, including but not limited to outstanding taxes. 
Q: Is it possible to sign up now and begin the process of receiving a rebate? 
A: When the Sunshine Program is finalized, you may choose an installer from the department’s qualified installer list.  That installer will submit a pre-installation application on your behalf.  When the pre-installation application has received department approval, then a reservation will be made for your rebate. 
Q: An installer told me that if I don’t sign a contract now, funding for the Sunshine Program will run out too quickly and I won’t get a rebate.  Is this true? 
A: The Sunshine Program has $100 million in funding.  The department expects strong initial demand for rebates, however it is anticipated that the funding will be available for three to four years.  The department will provide spending updates on its website so that the public can see how quickly funding is being depleted.  
Q: I have received quotes from installers.  Where do I find the department’s qualified installer list? 
A: As the department continues to approve installers, lists will be posted at www.depweb.state.pa.us/pasunshine.   
Q: Should I be concerned that the program might not move forward because of the current economic situation? 
A: This program is part of sweeping energy legislation passed in 2008 and is a cornerstone of Governor Rendell’s energy policies.  The department intends to begin accepting applications in May.  
Q: Where can I find more information about Federal incentives for solar projects? 
A: You can find additional information at www.dsireusa.org.   
Q: Will Sunshine rebates be retroactive? 
A: To ensure that all installed systems comply with the eligibility requirements of this program, applicants may not receive reimbursements for systems installed before the opening of the rebate program.  Once program guidelines have been published, and the program begins accepting applications, applicants may begin incurring costs.  However, all costs incurred prior to receiving confirmation of a reservation are incurred at the applicant’s risk. 
Q: Can I receive a Sunshine rebate to perform the installation work and put a solar system on my own home? 
A: If you meet the qualifications and apply to be a qualified installer in the program, you may self-install a solar system on your home or small business.  Installer requirements and registration forms are available at www.depweb.state.pa.us/pasunshine.  
Q: What are Alternative Energy Credits, and if I receive a rebate through the Sunshine Program, can I still earn them? 
A: The Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) requires that an annually increasing percentage of electricity sold to retail customers in Pennsylvania is from alternative energy sources.  The program requires that retail energy suppliers utilize Alternative Energy Credits (AECs) for demonstrating compliance with the standard.  An AEC is created each time a qualified alternative energy facility produces 1,000 kWh of electricity.  The AEC can then be sold or traded separately from the power.  In other words, credits are worth money!  If you participate in the Pennsylvania Sunshine Program, it is likely that your system will generate AECs.  However, you must register your system with the Pennsylvania AEPS administrator to start earning credits.  For more information about system registration and current AEC values, please log onto www.paaeps.com. 
Q: I own an investment property or hotel, am I eligible for a Sunshine rebate? 
A: As long as your business meets the eligibility requirements for a small business, you may apply for a rebate.  
Q: I am a builder and would like to install solar on a group of homes in a development that I am building.  Am I eligible for a Sunshine rebate? 
A: As long as your business meets the eligibility requirements for a small business, you may apply for a rebate. 
Q: I am a non-profit, local government, school district, university, large business, or other entity not eligible for the PA Sunshine Program rebates.  Are there other state funding options for my solar project? 
A: Your project may meet the eligibility requirements for one of the department’s other rebate programs.  Please check out the requirements for the Energy Harvest Rebate and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority Rebate.  In addition, the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved guidelines for its $80 million solar program.  Updates for the CFA solar program will be posted at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword:  Energy Independence. 
NOTE: If you receive information that is contrary to this FAQ, please contact the department at 717-783-8411 or by e-mail at pasunshine@state.pa.us. 
For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us/pasunshine.