If you’re a Pennsylvania manufacturer or ag business thinking about solar, now’s the time to take a serious look.
The RISE PA Grant is a new, state-funded solar grant designed to help a select group of Pennsylvania-based manufacturing and agricultural businesses reduce energy costs and invest in long-term savings.
And here’s why this is a game changer: eligible businesses can cover up to 50% of their solar installation costs with the Rise PA grant. But the opportunity isn’t open to all businesses, and the first application deadline is August 29, 2025.
Let’s walk through what this grant is, who qualifies, how much funding is available, and exactly how to apply so your business can capitalize on the cost savings that come with commercial solar investment.
What is the RISE PA Grant?
The RISE PA Grant is one of the most generous commercial solar grants we’ve seen in Pennsylvania and across the mid-Atlantic states we work in.
It’s designed to help businesses in Pennsylvania, particularly manufacturing facilities and ag operations, transition to clean, renewable energy by dramatically offsetting the upfront installation costs of solar.
Depending on your project size, here’s how much funding you could qualify for:
- Projects between $50,000 and $1 million: Receive up to 50% of the total project costs (Maximum award: $500,000)
- Projects between $1 million and $66 million: Receive up to 30% of the total project costs (Maximum award: $20 million)
When combined with the federal solar tax credit, bonus depreciation, and long-term electric savings, this grant can turn your solar project into a cash-positive investment almost immediately after the system is energized, even before you factor in the long-term electric savings and SREC income.
We’re currently working with several Pennsylvania businesses to capitalize on the RISE PA Grant. Take a look at two projects to see just how impactful this program can be, especially when combined with other incentives:
Manufacturing Facility in Lancaster County, PA:
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Total Installed Cost: $88,810
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Federal Tax Credit (40%): $35,524
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Bonus Depreciation Tax Savings: $20,666.09
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RISE PA Grant Award: $39,405
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PPL Business Incentive: $2,555.60
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Net Cost After Incentives: $-9,340.69
Manufacturing Facility in Lebanon County, PA:
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Total Installed Cost: $989,100
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Federal Tax Credit (40%): $395,640
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Bonus Depreciation Tax Savings: $230,163.57
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RISE PA Grant Award: $471,989
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FirstEnergy Utility Incentive: $31,712.25
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Net Cost After Incentives: $-140,404.82
Who Qualifies for the Rise PA Grant?
This program is not available for every Pennsylvania business. To be eligible for the RISE PA Grant, your business must operate in Pennsylvania and fall under one of the following NAICS sectors:
- Sector 11: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting
- Sector 21: Mining
- Sector 23: Construction
- Sectors 31-33: Manufacturing
Additionally, your business must have active manufacturing at the location where the solar panels will be installed. That means if you’re just warehousing or distributing goods, you likely won’t qualify. You must be fabricating, processing, or producing onsite.
When is the Deadline to Apply for the Rise PA Grant?
The first application deadline is August 29, 2025.
But don’t worry if you miss it. Additional competitive rounds will be held every four months through August 2028, or until the funds are exhausted.
Once you’re awarded the grant, you’ll have 12 months to receive permission to operate (PTO) on your solar project. You’ll also need to complete a GHG Emissions Assessment 12 months after PTO as part of the program’s long-term sustainability tracking.
How to Apply for the RISE PA Grant
If your solar project is under $1 million, our team at Paradise Energy Solutions can submit the grant application on your behalf. We’ll handle the paperwork, help you gather the required documents, and walk you through every step.
For larger projects, we’ll connect you with the right partners and grant-writing resources.
Either way, here’s what you’ll need to complete your Rise PA grant application:
- A completed Site Emissions Assessment (available from PennTAP)
- SAM.gov registration
- A summary of your past and future sustainability efforts
- 12 months of utility bills (not just electric)
- W-9 Form
- Financial commitment letter
- Current financial statements
It might sound like a lot, but don’t worry. We have an experienced in-house grant writing team that will help you every step of the process.
Ready to Cut Costs and Claim Your Share of the Rise PA Grant?
If you’re a Pennsylvania manufacturer, ag operator, or another qualifying business, this is a limited-time opportunity to reduce your operating expenses, improve energy resilience, and invest in improving your bottom line at a significantly reduced price.
Our team of local solar consultants is ready to help you explore solar for your business. The first step is to request a site visit and custom quote. Don’t miss out on this tremendous opportunity to essentially get paid to invest in the future of your business.
