Pennsylvania

Note: The most recent solicitation (April 2009) for grant proposals under this program has now closed. The program typically re-opens with a new solicitation in March or April of each year. The summary below describes the 2009 program requirements.  
 
The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) issues periodic funding solicitations to provide support for innovative, advanced energy projects, and for businesses interested in locating or expanding their alternative-energy manufacturing or production operations in Pennsylvania. PEDA's April 2009 solicitation offers $21 million in total funding to support in-state projects, manufacturing or research involving the following types of fuels, technologies or measures: clean, alternative fuels for transportation; solar energy; wind; low-impact hydropower; geothermal; biologically derived methane gas, including landfill gas; biomass; fuel cells; coal-mine methane; waste coal; integrated gasification combined cycle; demand management measures, including recycled energy and energy recovery, energy efficiency and load management. Applicants are generally expected to provide some level of documented cost share or matching funds.  
 
Special eligibility limitations apply specifically to solar energy projects. Residential solar projects are not eligible for funding under any circumstances and small commercial projects must be larger than 200 kW in order to qualify for funding. Solar projects not eligible for PEDA grants may instead apply for funding through the new Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program.  
 
Projects that support revitalization by reusing or redeveloping brownfields and previously developed sites in urban, suburban and rural communities are preferred. The solicitation is open to corporations, partnerships, associations and other legal business entities; nonprofits; Pennsylvania colleges and universities; and any Pennsylvania municipality and any public corporation, authority or body. The maximum individual award under the April 2009 solicitation is $1.5 million and proposals must be received by May 29, 2009. The 2009 program is supported in part through funding from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Projects that receive ARRA funding must commence work within 120 days of the grant agreement and be completed within 18 months.  
 
For further information please consult the program website or use the contact information below for statewide projects. The grant solicitation also contains a list of regional contacts at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  
 
PEDA was established in 1982 to promote applied energy research, provide financial incentives for the deployment of clean, alternative-energy projects and promote investment in Pennsylvania's energy sector.