PHILADELPHIA REGION — 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.

Time is running out for commercial entities, churches, schools, and nonprofits to use federal tax credits for solar installations.

Nearly four dozen municipalities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania — and five from Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties — have committed to powering their facilities and vehicles with renewable energy by installing solar panels and arrays, dramatically cutting their energy costs.

Community Advocates for Clean Energy of Greater Philadelphia 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 include reaching clean energy for heat and transportation by 2050 and developing a plan to get there.

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.

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

“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.”

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.

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, officials said.

Click here to learn more about solar power installation funding help, grants, and federal tax credits.