In 2008, while economists were wringing their hands over the biggest financial crash since the Great Depression, Micah Gold-Markel was inspired. “I attended an event at the Academy of Natural Science featuring Van Jones, civil rights advocate and author of The Green Collar Economy. “He said there’s a revolution coming, and if we weren’t inclusive, it would be a disaster for our environment.”

Inclusivity had a special meaning for Micah, who had grown up in Powelton Village, attending both public and private schools. He realized that his public school friends wouldn’t likely have the advantages of a college education or be able to access to high-paying union jobs.

To disrupt the system, Micah launched Solar States, which not only improves the environment but offers free solar training and employment to inner-city residents. “We want to be the on-ramp to the green economy for inner-city Philly,” said Micah. To achieve this, Solar States became a Certified B-Corporation, committed to serving 75% of local homeowners and businesses.

As a result of Solar States educational outreach, North Philly now has more solar homes than other sections of the City. “The idea that solar was expensive was true sixteen years ago, but it’s no longer the case,” said Micah. “You can do solar with zero dollars down. Plus, with the Inflation Reduction Act there’s a 30% federal tax credit. If you’re a nonprofit, you get it as a cash grant.”

To make solar energy available to more Philly residents, Solar States partnered with the Philadelphia Energy Authority through the Solar Savings Grant Program to make solar energy available to low to moderate-income homeowners, including the Hunting Park Solar Initiative. This program empowers Hunting Park residents to obtain solar energy and subsidize climate justice work done in the
neighborhood.

“This is why we are seeing a record number of solar plants coming online,” said Micah. “We install as many solar panels as will fit on your roof which provides up to 100% of electric usage. PECO has to pay you for the electricity you are not using. We have clients who get checks from PECO!”

Solar States projects include Yards Brewery, the first multi-tenant commercial solar project celebrated in 2020 by Gov. Tom Wolf and Mayor Jim Kenney. The project was also honored by a visit by US Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm along with Senator Bob Casy. More recently, Solar States completed the installation of solar panels at Cristo Rey Charter School at 17th & Allegheny.

“We engaged Solar States to install solar panels at Trolley Car Diner several years ago,” said developer Ken Weinstein. “Restaurants use a lot of electricity, so going solar was a smart move for us. It was not only eco-friendly. It sent a strong message to our community and customers that we care about our
planet.”

So, where will you find solar power in Philly? Thanks to Solar States, just about everywhere. Solar States is installing panels at the new Weavers Way Food Coop in Germantown and has provided solar energy for homeowners in Mt.Airy, Powelton Village, West Philly, and throughout the tri-state area. One of Solar State’s most exciting projects was providing solar power to Temple University’s Ambler Campus so that agriculture could grow under solar power.

“People love solar. Our biggest hurdle is educating people about how great it is. They think it’s an expensive investment when it’s a tremendous cost-saving factor,” said Micah.

For more information about ways to lower your electric bill while improving the environment, contact Solar States at 215.939.6699.