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A roof solar array is within reach for many Philadelphians, thanks to the federal tax credit

Home solar isn’t essential to home electrification, but for those with the financial means, it offers environmental and budgetary benefits, says Cora Wyent, senior director of research at the electrification nonprofit Rewiring America. “We’re trying to switch our whole grid to renewable electricity, and anywhere we can convert to solar is good,” Wyent says. “You’re

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3 mins read
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State and local rebates and assistance for home improvements abound

While the federal inflation reduction act currently provides homeowners thousands of dollars of electrification incentives through tax credits, that is only one piece of a larger savings puzzle. The next biggest piece are federal rebates established under the IRA. Unlike the tax credits, which require homeowners to have enough taxable income in order to benefit,

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2 mins read
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To address climate change, gas-powered stoves, water heaters, dryers and HVAC systems must go

Sam Calisch has electrification bona fides. There’s the MIT engineering degree, the years spent in a lab tinkering with electromagnetic devices and his time on Capitol Hill as a scientist-turned-advocate, successfully campaigning for the inclusion of historic climate measures in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. So why is his new gig all about the humble

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5 mins read
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A great energy audit starts with the right expert

Before you begin your journey toward electrification, you need to find out where your home is losing energy. A skilled energy auditor doesn’t just inspect — they diagnose, prioritize and recommend solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs. Selecting the right person can make all the difference. Ask these questions to help determine whether a

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Philly parents and students are joining a global movement to reimagine the school commute

It’s a Friday morning in October, and there’s a steady stream of cars driving down 43rd Street in West Philly’s Spruce Hill neighborhood. Then, through the traffic, a cavalcade emerges of about 20 parents and children on bicycles — a mix of kids on electric cargo bikes, kids on the front of folding bikes, kids

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5 mins read
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Here’s what you need to know before you go all-in on electrifying your home

1. Make a plan! Experts say that before homeowners start installing new electric appliances, they should evaluate some fundamentals. First, is their house properly weatherized? And second, is their electrical system properly wired? After all, even an industry professional like Cora Wyent, the senior director of research at electrification nonprofit Rewiring America, can make mistakes.

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3 mins read
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Purchasing smaller electric appliances, like a leaf blower or hot plate, is a good way to try out newer technologies, especially on a budget

A few years ago, Cora Wyent, senior director of research at electrification nonprofit Rewiring America, and her partner were weighing the purchase of an induction oven to replace the old gas model in their kitchen. Induction ovens run off electricity and, thanks to some fascinating engineering, boast such perks as cooking elements that not only

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2 mins read