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Pennsylvania · PA

Solar Panels in Pennsylvania:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Pennsylvania averages 1214.1 kWh per kWp per year with 4.5 peak sun hours per day. At 20.19¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,961/year and pays back in about 7.7 years.

Pennsylvania Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day4.5 hrs
Avg solar yield1214.1 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate20.19¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)7.7 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,961/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Pennsylvania

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

SREC market, PECO/PPL/FirstEnergy net metering, property tax exemption

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Pennsylvania

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
SREC Market — Earn certificates for energy produced
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Pennsylvania Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 6 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Philadelphia
1272.6 kWh/kWp · 7.4 yr payback
Pittsburgh
1111.5 kWh/kWp · 8.4 yr payback
Allentown
1261.6 kWh/kWp · 7.4 yr payback
Erie
1168.2 kWh/kWp · 8 yr payback
Reading
1270 kWh/kWp · 7.4 yr payback
Scranton
1200.5 kWh/kWp · 7.8 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Pennsylvania.

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All Pennsylvania incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Pennsylvania?
Generally yes — solar makes financial sense in Pennsylvania for most homeowners. The 7.7-year payback is near the national average. At 20.19¢/kWh, annual savings on an 8 kW system run approximately $1,520. Pennsylvania has an active SREC market (SRECs at $20–$40), net metering, and a Philadelphia Solar Incentive Program.
What solar incentives are available in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through PECO / PPL / FirstEnergy. Pennsylvania has an active SREC market (SRECs at $20–$40), net metering, and a Philadelphia Solar Incentive Program.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania averages 1214.1 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 19% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 9,713 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 101.2 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Pennsylvania produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Pennsylvania?
The average 8 kW system in Pennsylvania costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and moderate climate, good year-round production in the south.

Going Solar in Pennsylvania: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Pennsylvania. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Pennsylvania average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 20.19¢/kWh in Pennsylvania, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Pennsylvania does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. SREC market.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Pennsylvania typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania averages 1214.1 kWh/kWp/year with 4.5 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 20.19¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,961/year and pays back in 7.7 years. SREC market, PECO/PPL/FirstEnergy net metering, property tax exemption.