A modern sports facility in Pennsylvania needs modern amenities to help athletes and spectators feel comfortable and have an enjoyable experience. One crucial component to creating a world-class sports facility is LED lighting.
Many organizations are now using LED lighting for their sports fields and arenas because it provides many benefits over traditional metal halide or high-pressure sodium lights. Not only is LED lighting more energy efficient, but it also produces less heat, which can be a huge benefit in hot weather conditions.
If you’re wondering how to fund your LED sports lighting project in Pennsylvania, you’re in luck. There are a number of ways to finance your project. Both your state government and local utility companies offer grants and rebates that help offset the cost of upgrading to LED lighting.
Let’s take a look at your options!
We recommend to try our LED sports lighting cost calculator to get a customized cost estimate for your lighting project.
State grant and financing programs for LED sports lighting projects in Pennsylvania
The first step is to do your research and figure out which grants and rebates are available to you.
Alternative and Clean Energy Program (ACE)
The Alternative and Clean Energy Program is a grant and loan program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
This unique program offers funds for every stage of your project. You can secure up to $175k for feasibility studies of your site, as well as 50% of total project costs for your new LED lighting solution.
Designed to help commercial institutions improve their energy efficiency via modern equipment, the ACE Program offers a great way to finance your LED sports lighting project in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Finance Program
The next state-backed program is the Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Finance Program.
As its name suggests, this program is dedicated to helping Keystone State municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals improve sustainability and reduce their carbon foot. Because LED sports lighting is so energy-efficient, your installation project is perfect for the program.
The PennSEF process can take some time, so partnering with an experienced local LED lighting professional is vital. Your project manager can take the lead on your process and help you navigate the paperwork and red tape.
Utility company commercial rebates
Government funds aren’t the only way to finance your LED sports lighting project in Pennsylvania. Your local utility company also offers rebates for commercial customers who upgrade to energy-efficient equipment.
PECO
PECO’s lighting equipment rebates are available for both indoor and outdoor lights. Whether you are installing your LEDs in an enclosed sports arena or on an open-air field, PECO offers incentives for both.
To best understand the total amount you will receive from PECO, your team should communicate with the utility company in the early stages of your project.
Knowing what you need to do to qualify for a rebate can help you make sure your project stays on track and doesn’t go over budget.
Financing and incentives on different levels of government
For Pennsylvania LED sports lighting projects, you should look beyond your state government and utility company rebates.
The federal government also offers amazing grant programs, as well as tax incentives, that can help you finance your project.
We have written more about them in our separate sports lighting grants and funding guide.
As with any governmental program, there is a process and paperwork that you need to follow. But with the help of an experienced team, you can make sure your project stays on track while also taking advantage of all available financing options.
Get a cost estimate for your LED sports lighting project before applying for programs
If you think you’re ready to get started with an LED sports lighting project, you should secure a cost estimate. Some of the options we discussed above require matching funds from applicants. Knowing and understanding your total costs will help you determine which funding options are best for you.
Our easy-to-use LED sports lighting calculator gives you a ballpark estimate for your project. All you need is some basic information about your venue and we’ll give you the numbers you need.