Solar power in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania could use some room for improvement as far as solar incentives go; there are no statewide or utility-specific rebates offered for residential solar systems. However, there is a net metering law in place which has the potential to dramatically decrease homeowners’ electric bills.
Despite the lacking incentives, when you combine mandatory net metering with the 26% federal tax credit there is potential for great savings when you make the switch to solar in Pennsylvania.
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania solar power facts
$2.62 watt
Average cost: 5kW solar power system
?6 Years 11 Months
Average payback time
$59,350
Average lifetime savings
?6¢ kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
35¢ kWh
If you don't get solar
?9,230 kWh
Annual power production
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of a 7.76kW system
This 7.76kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill in Pennsylvania is $150, however, your situation may vary so try our solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
6
Solar companies in Pennsylvania that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
How much can solar panels save you in Pennsylvania
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Pennsylvania
| System Size | Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,016 | $6,497 |
| 4kw | $7,903 | $8,535 |
| 5kw | $9,694 | $10,470 |
| 6kw | $11,455 | $12,372 |
| 7kw | $13,105 | $14,154 |
| 8kw | $14,741 | $15,920 |
| 9kw | $16,250 | $17,550 |
| 10kw | $17,760 | $19,181 |
How much do solar panels cost in Pennsylvania?
$2.62 per watt
Cash purchased solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$4.06 per watt
Financed solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$0.0¢ /kWh
Lease/PPA
Ave 15 year term, 2.5% price escalator
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels in Pennsylvania?
The main advantage of installing solar panels in Pennsylvania is the state’s net metering law, which requires retail sellers of electricity to provide their solar customers with credit that is equal to the retail rate of electricity for the excess generation their systems create. With power prices above the national average, the return on investment for an installation of solar panels in The Keystone State is one of the best in the US. Pennsylvania homeowners can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, as well.
SolarPowerRocks provides a great breakdown of solar incentives and policy for each state within the US.
The disadvantage of installing solar panels is that Pennsylvania receives less sunshine than some other states. This means that a solar system will produce a little less here than it will in sunnier states like Arizona. Also, the state does not require a property tax or sales tax exemption on solar energy equipment like many other states do. Plus, Pennsylvania lacks state and utility solar incentives and rebates.
Enter your details to calculate the potential costs and savings you can expect to receive from installing solar panels for your home.
Best solar companies in Pennsylvania
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Pennsylvania
Best brands of solar panels
To find the best brands of solar panels you can use America's most trusted solar panel comparison and reviews website, SolarReviews.
However, reviews of solar panels can be a bit meaningless because most consumer owners have not had any issues and so while solar company reviews are very important when choosing solar installers they are of less use when choosing solar panels.
For more information to help you make an informed decision about this topic, I would recommend this article about buying solar panels.
How much electricity will solar panels produce in Pennsylvania
Solar panels produce different amounts of energy in different locations.
Around the Philadelphia area solar panels installed on a south-facing 27-degree pitch roof will typically produce:
1,254kWh
per year per 1kW of peak DC
(direct current) capacity
For more information about how your location, roof direction, and roof tilt affects solar power production use the solar panels calculator and enter your zip code.
I want to buy a solar panel kit and install it myself
What rebates, solar tax credits and other solar incentives are available in Pennsylvania?
Net metering in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law requires all electric distribution companies to make net metering available to their customers. The policy states that each excess kilowatt hour (kWh) sent to the grid from a solar system must be credited at the full retail rate of electricity. The high electric rates in Pennsylvania mean that homeowners who install solar systems will see greater savings here than in other areas within the nation.
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard
Thanks to the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard Act of 2004, all electric distribution companies and electric generation suppliers in Pennsylvania must derive 18% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2021. Of that 18%, 0.5% must come from solar.
In order for companies to comply with these standards, they must procure alternative energy credits (AECs) which represent the positive environmental attributes of generating 1 megawatt hour of renewable energy. A home solar system generates AECs that can then be sold to utility companies or to AEC aggregators, which can add some extra cash into your pocket.
Pennsylvania Solar Calculator
Regardless of what you want to know about the economics of installing solar panels for your home or business in Pennsylvania, we have a solar calculator that can show you exactly the information you require.
What you can find out about installing solar panels in Pennsylvania using our full monthly solar calculator
This solar calculator requires you to input your address, utility company, your average monthly power spend - It tells you:
- What size solar system do you need?
- Answers the question of How many solar panels do I need?
- How many square feet of roof space you need for solar panels
- Solar electricity production in annual kWh (kilowatt-hours) you can expect from your solar system in Pennsylvania
- The value of solar tax credits and other incentives you are entitled to based on the estimated size of system you need, your location and your utility provider.
- Likely cost based on an average of prices charged for solar systems of that size in the last year in Pennsylvania or Philadelphia ;
- The likely payback period on your solar panels and your investment return.
- Your total lifetime solar savings based on each of the major solar finance options, a cash purchase, a cash purchase funded with a HELOC sol (home equity line of credit) and a zero-down PPA or third party lease product.
If you want to see all of the above but also see live pricing, the three best solar deals available in your city and get binding quotes from each of these solar companies then use this Pennsylvania solar panels calculator. This calculator requires you to also input your name and contact details because most of our 200+ installer partners will only authorize the sharing of their live solar pricing where we have validated that you are a real homeowner with a home in their service area. We respect the privacy of your data and only share your contact details with the solar companies you ask us to get binding quotes from.
Going solar in Pennsylvania
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Pennsylvania can help you be more energy-efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Your city may have further incentives to offer. Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives is the solar installers who specialize in your area.
