Donegal Insurance Group has received approval to offer Pennsylvania’s first energy-efficiency discount to the state’s homeowners.

The “green discount” approved by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department applies to homeowners who use solar energy or thermal heat pumps and obtain coverage through Donegal, a property-casualty insurer based in Marietta, Pa.

“Some insurers are taking an active role in promoting environmental awareness and taking advantage of growth opportunities in this emerging insurance market,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario in a statement. “We believe this is a trend-setting insurance option for those who are concerned about the environment and leading an eco-friendly lifestyle. Additionally, it makes risk-management sense because alternative energy sources keep homes operating when there is a power loss.”

The Donegal policies, which go into effect May 1, offer two discounts. The solar energy discount is 5% applied to the policy premium for homes that use solar energy to generate electricity for use in the policyholder’s home or generate energy use for heating the home. The other 5% discount applies to the policy premium for homes where a geothermal heat pump is installed on or connected to the policyholder’s home. The system must meet “Energy Star” program requirements at the time of purchase.

The Donegal Insurance Group consists of Donegal Mutual Insurance Co., Atlantic States Insurance Co., Southern Insurance Company of Virginia, Le Mars Insurance Co., The Peninsula Insurance Co., Peninsula Indemnity Co., and Sheboygan Falls Insurance Co.