Capital Good Fund is expanding its activities Pennsylvania CLEAR statewide solar leasing program following an investment from Candide Group Afterglow Climate Justice Program. Founded in 2024, Pennsylvania BRIGHT arranges the leasing of solar projects for households earning less than $165,000 annually or in low-income, disadvantaged communities. Customers qualify regardless of credit score, and the lease agreements are designed to reduce monthly energy costs and handle long-term project maintenance.
Credit: SnapNrack
“Afterglow is proud to support the Pennsylvania BRIGHT housing program. Projects like Pennsylvania BRIGHT are critical to ensuring all communities can participate in a just climate transition,” said Neal Parikh, Co-Director of the Climate Justice Fund at Candide Group. “The savings these projects will deliver will help Pennsylvanians spend less of their income on energy bills. Capital Good Fund’s work in increasing access to affordable clean energy alternatives is a critical solution to the rising energy costs facing U.S. households.”
The statewide expansion comes as the residential investment tax credit expires at the end of 2025.
“Expanding Pennsylvania BRIGHT statewide is a milestone for energy equity,” said Andy Posner, founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund. “At a time when energy costs are putting real pressure on working families, this program proves that solar energy can be a powerful tool, opening doors so more Americans can save money and secure their energy independence.”
With support from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Henry L. Hillman Foundation and BQuest Foundation, Capital Good Fund launched pilot programs in Southwestern and Southeastern Pennsylvania last summer. The Southeast program is made possible through local partnerships with Philadelphia Green Capital Corporation and the Philadelphia Energy Authority, which operates Solarize Greater Philadelphia. Through Solarize Greater Philadelphia, participating installers will offer job opportunities and workforce training within the same low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities where the solar systems are rented.
“Pennsylvania BRIGHT makes it possible for LMI homeowners to reduce costs through clean, affordable solar energy,” said Maryrose Myrtetus, executive director of the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp. “Although federal tax credits for residential installations expire later this year, solar leases offer clear benefits. Pennsylvania BRIGHT removes upfront costs and credit barriers. By partnering with Solarize Greater Philadelphia, we are making it possible for homeowners of all income levels to access savings and stability.”
Pennsylvania BRIGHT has helped more than 60 households reduce energy bills and build resilience across the Commonwealth.
“We have three grandchildren and we want to send a message that things can be done differently,” says Mark Gorman of Pittsburgh, who saw his solar system go live this spring. “Programs like Pennsylvania BRIGHT help bridge the gap so everyone can be part of the clean energy transition.”
News item from Capital Good Fund
