Media Joins Solar Power Program To Drive Down Costs

MEDIA, PA – Media Borough is going green by joining other municipalities in the area in a solar power initiative that will help bring more solar power to the area, while potentially causing greater economic development and job growth.

The township is getting on board with SolSmart, a national program providing official recognition and expert assistance to help communities expand solar energy development.

By joining SolSmart, the borough will be able to grow the local solar market by making it more affordable for residents and businesses, all while encouraging new economic development and jobs.

"SolSmart grants designation to cities and counties at the gold, silver, and bronze levels," the company said in a statement. "Designation is based on a system of prerequisites and points that shows communities have met uniform, national criteria for encouraging solar market growth."

Meida – along with Cheltenham, Edgmont, Upper Merion, Philadelphia, Chester, Lower Merion and Pottstown – earned the SolSmart designation by taking action to reduce solar non-hardware expenses that can increase the time and money needed to install a solar energy system.

Reducing these "soft costs" leads to savings that are passed on to consumers.

Media and the other municipalities also applied and were awarded SolSmart Advisors to provide personalized, one-on-one technical assistance.

The advisors, who are employees of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), are working to help these communities achieve designation as quickly as possible.

SolSmart is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative.

SolSmart is administered by a team of national experts led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association.

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