There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Pennsylvania has had an up-and-down solar incentives picture for over the past decade. The state currently has a strong net metering policy, which is good for you as a prospective solar panel homeowner. That means you get credited at near retail rate electric prices for the solar power you create but can’t use!
Also, if you’re lucky enough to live in Philadelphia, you can access new $200-per-kilowatt home solar rebates. Philly plays host to 10% of the state’s population, so the rebates have a chance to make a real impact in the lives of people who want to go solar.
There is another strong incentive pending in the form of a requirement for utilities to ramp up their harvest of clean energy from sources like your rooftop, which may lead to higher renewable energy certificate (SREC) prices. You can sell those SRECs your panels produce every year, so read on!
Learn what solar incentives are available to Pennsylvania homeowners
See what Pennsylvania solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Pennsylvania solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Pennsylvania
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Since 2008, Pennsylvania law has required all investor-owned utilities to offer net metering to all residential customers with solar power systems up to 50 kW in capacity. If you produce more energy than you consume, the surplus is carried over to your next bill at the full retail rate. Net metering gives Pennsylvanian's the opportunity to save big on their electricity bills!
Aside from the federal solar tax credit, there aren't a ton of solar incentives available in Pennsylvania. And there hasn't been much movement from the state legislature on getting more rebates for needy homeowners. The good news is that solar has fallen an additional 60% (and counting) in price over the last 10 years, so even without cashback from utilities, you can be sure you're getting a sweet deal on your shiny new solar panel system.
In addition to making electricity, your home solar panels generate something called a solar renewable energy certificate, or SREC for short. Utility companies can purchase them from you to claim they are hitting their renewable energy targets. The more certificates utilities acquire, the less risk they have of missing the mark.
Currently, state lawmakers require utilities in Pennsylvania to source 0.5% of their electricity from solar power. Therefore, they are willing to pay a small amount to access your SRECs, so they aren’t hit with fees from the state. SRECs are currently selling for about $45 apiece.
Your solar panel system creates an SREC each time you generate a megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity. An average 6 kW solar system in Pennsylvania makes about 8 MWhs a year, so that’s roughly 8 SRECs. Multiply that by current SREC prices and you can potentially net an extra $360 a year in income. Not a windfall, but still nice.
If you’re lucky enough to live in Philadelphia, you can get a $200 per kW rebate for your home solar system from now until the end of 2024. On an average-sized 6 kW system, you can claim $1,200. However, there are only $500,000 in funds available every year. That means these funds are only going to provide relief to about 500 residences annually.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 9.2kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
79 solar companies in Pennsylvania provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.91 323 Reviews
PhillyFilly28, 6 days ago
Our experience with Pete Hayes and Lumina solar was radically different from our experience with their competitors. Our meeting with Pete was via zoom. Pete was well-versed in his product and very informative. He did not sit in our home for hours and try to pressure us into signing a 50+ page contract with an 25 year financing option that is predatory. And he beat his competitor’s price by $9000! Lumina has a staff that handles contacting your township and your utility company so that you do not need to even make a phone call for permits, etc.. Their staff was responsive and quickly coordinated the job. The staff provides you with a window of what to expect timewise for your installation. I am pleased to say that our job was done within one day and performed ahead of the schedule given. And Pete was involved all the way, following up each step. When you examine the contract of some competitors, you will learn that the installation of your panels is performed by subcontractors from parts unknown. Not so with Lumina solar! Your installation is performed by Lumina solar employees, who are all trained,certified and well versed on their product and certified before setting foot on your roof . I doubt you will have that experience from a subcontractor who is the lowest bidder for your project from a competitor. Our experience with Lumina solar left us very satisfied!
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PhillyFilly28, 6 days ago
Our experience with Pete Hayes and Lumina solar was radically different from our experience with their competitors. Our meeting with Pete was via zoom. Pete was well-versed in his product and very informative. He did not sit in our home for hours and try to pressure us into signing a 50+ page contract with an 25 year financing option that is predatory. And he beat his competitor’s price by $9000! Lumina has a staff that handles contacting your township and your utility company so that you do not need to even make a phone call for permits, etc.. Their staff was responsive and quickly coordinated the job. The staff provides you with a window of what to expect timewise for your installation. I am pleased to say that our job was done within one day and performed ahead of the schedule given. And Pete was involved all the way, following up each step. When you examine the contract of some competitors, you will learn that the installation of your panels is performed by subcontractors from parts unknown. Not so with Lumina solar! Your installation is performed by Lumina solar employees, who are all trained,certified and well versed on their product and certified before setting foot on your roof . I doubt you will have that experience from a subcontractor who is the lowest bidder for your project from a competitor. Our experience with Lumina solar left us very satisfied!
4.88 502 Reviews
SEW Fan, 4 days ago
We learned about Solar Energy World (SEW) through our neighbors in Arlington, VA. They seemed really happy with their install and we had a new electric car on the way and so wanted to explore the benefits. We were newbies and Zachary did a fantastic job of explaining how solar works (installation, cost, working with your power company, etc.). He also set realistic expectations of what we could expect. Using historical data from our electric bill images of our roof, pitch, trees, etc., Zachary pulled together a quote for us. He also had folks come out and inspect our roof which was 20 years old. Yep, we needed a new roof so we did everything at once-- through Zachary. Zachary was also super helpful in suggesting a easy to use way to finance the job (new roof and 38 panels). Zachary also helped us with timing to avoid potential cost increases and made it feel like a one stop shop (even though financing was with another company). Our job was probably medium difficulty to install as we have a detached garage and so additional lines had to be run. SEW did all of the engineering and presented us with a plan. Once we signed, we were off to the races. The installation was really well done and included great names like Silfab and Enphase. SEW made every effort to make the install look nice and SEW handled everything-- including inspection. We just had to be home to let workers/inspectors in. After the job was complete, Zachary and Erica did a fantastic job of answering our questions-- we still had many and so will you. They also went above and beyond in helping us to get our local power company to approve our system to maximize savings. SEW is legit and does not over promise. Honestly, we were disappointed initially when Zachary told us that 38 panels would not cover our entire electric bill. A lot of companies could tell you otherwise and simply not deliver. We knew up front that our installation would cover around 70% to 80% which was still worth it for us. Our installation is new enough where we are still tracking bills but electric prices have definitely dropped and now I can power my new EV truck with solar power which is incredibly efficient from both a cost and time perspective. There is a learning curve with solar in terms of design, installation, dealing with your power company and cost. Do your homework and ask a lot of questions. Definitely ask for Zachary and Erica-- they are a fantastic team and made our process so much easier. Would I use SEW again or recommend to a friend? The answer is an absolute yes-- and we have already done so. Great job Zachary, Erica and SEW!
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SEW Fan, 4 days ago
We learned about Solar Energy World (SEW) through our neighbors in Arlington, VA. They seemed really happy with their install and we had a new electric car on the way and so wanted to explore the benefits. We were newbies and Zachary did a fantastic job of explaining how solar works (installation, cost, working with your power company, etc.). He also set realistic expectations of what we could expect. Using historical data from our electric bill images of our roof, pitch, trees, etc., Zachary pulled together a quote for us. He also had folks come out and inspect our roof which was 20 years old. Yep, we needed a new roof so we did everything at once-- through Zachary. Zachary was also super helpful in suggesting a easy to use way to finance the job (new roof and 38 panels). Zachary also helped us with timing to avoid potential cost increases and made it feel like a one stop shop (even though financing was with another company). Our job was probably medium difficulty to install as we have a detached garage and so additional lines had to be run. SEW did all of the engineering and presented us with a plan. Once we signed, we were off to the races. The installation was really well done and included great names like Silfab and Enphase. SEW made every effort to make the install look nice and SEW handled everything-- including inspection. We just had to be home to let workers/inspectors in. After the job was complete, Zachary and Erica did a fantastic job of answering our questions-- we still had many and so will you. They also went above and beyond in helping us to get our local power company to approve our system to maximize savings. SEW is legit and does not over promise. Honestly, we were disappointed initially when Zachary told us that 38 panels would not cover our entire electric bill. A lot of companies could tell you otherwise and simply not deliver. We knew up front that our installation would cover around 70% to 80% which was still worth it for us. Our installation is new enough where we are still tracking bills but electric prices have definitely dropped and now I can power my new EV truck with solar power which is incredibly efficient from both a cost and time perspective. There is a learning curve with solar in terms of design, installation, dealing with your power company and cost. Do your homework and ask a lot of questions. Definitely ask for Zachary and Erica-- they are a fantastic team and made our process so much easier. Would I use SEW again or recommend to a friend? The answer is an absolute yes-- and we have already done so. Great job Zachary, Erica and SEW!
4.85 99 Reviews
John K, 4 weeks ago
We had a large ground mount solar installed for our house. There were some delays due to county permitting, but Paradise installed at budget and on time. I found them to be honest and easy to work with. Doug Fenninger was particularly helpful with navigating the county requirements (Queen Anne's County), which were not easy. Very happy with our system - it's performing well
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
John K, 4 weeks ago
We had a large ground mount solar installed for our house. There were some delays due to county permitting, but Paradise installed at budget and on time. I found them to be honest and easy to work with. Doug Fenninger was particularly helpful with navigating the county requirements (Queen Anne's County), which were not easy. Very happy with our system - it's performing well
4.84 62 Reviews
J Murphy, over 1 month
System has been installed since Feb 2023 (21.75KW) Sales Process- Rob was both knowledgeable and easy to communicate with from the start until today. Planned for future EV in the design. Value- competitively priced Office Staff- very good communication with Rasha all along the way. She is on top of her game! Handled the permitting, inspections, interconnection app, SREC app. Seemless! Timing- They delivered on time, even with supply chain issues Field install- Install took two days. Guys were efficient, answered any questions, cleaned up and they were gone. Great experience. Interconnection with PECO- no issues, Terrasol handled it Sunpower App- Easy and fun to use and see power being produced, by the hour, day, week, month, year etc.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$25,900 ($5.18 per watt)
J Murphy, over 1 month
System has been installed since Feb 2023 (21.75KW) Sales Process- Rob was both knowledgeable and easy to communicate with from the start until today. Planned for future EV in the design. Value- competitively priced Office Staff- very good communication with Rasha all along the way. She is on top of her game! Handled the permitting, inspections, interconnection app, SREC app. Seemless! Timing- They delivered on time, even with supply chain issues Field install- Install took two days. Guys were efficient, answered any questions, cleaned up and they were gone. Great experience. Interconnection with PECO- no issues, Terrasol handled it Sunpower App- Easy and fun to use and see power being produced, by the hour, day, week, month, year etc.
4.84 114 Reviews
Charles L., over 1 month
I started working with Exact Solar in June 2021. They were consistently responsive and very helpful in all aspects of the design and permitting part of the process. Once the necessary approval and supply issues were taken care of, the installation itself was completed quickly and professionally, with the system going online in December/January. Exact Solar was also very helpful with setting up net metering and SREC accounts. I highly recommend their services!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$12,400 ($2.48 per watt)
Charles L., over 1 month
I started working with Exact Solar in June 2021. They were consistently responsive and very helpful in all aspects of the design and permitting part of the process. Once the necessary approval and supply issues were taken care of, the installation itself was completed quickly and professionally, with the system going online in December/January. Exact Solar was also very helpful with setting up net metering and SREC accounts. I highly recommend their services!
4.76 78 Reviews
Alyssa Colangecco, 4 weeks ago
My husband and I would highly recommend Evoke Solar. From the initial planning stages to the installation process, we were impressed by the professionalism and services provided. We are extremely pleased with our solar panels!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$23,200 ($4.64 per watt)
Alyssa Colangecco, 4 weeks ago
My husband and I would highly recommend Evoke Solar. From the initial planning stages to the installation process, we were impressed by the professionalism and services provided. We are extremely pleased with our solar panels!
4.72 491 Reviews
Jon, 9 hours ago
Excellent installation team. I believe their name is muffin men?
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Jon, 9 hours ago
Excellent installation team. I believe their name is muffin men?
4.66 45 Reviews
Vinod Krishnamoorthyu, over 1 month
I have read about the transition to Solar and had got the quote from few other providers. While other providers were trying to upsell their product and finance options, Jordan from SAVKAT was very professional and his first meeting with me was very open to tell me that the project is not likely to have the expected ROI for the electricity rates in my City. Since I was in the market for EV, wanted to pursue this further and requested Jordan to give me a quote anyways and he worked with me addressing all my needs to share various option to address my current and future needs. The one stop shop for all Solar needs and warranty provided by SAVKAT (SunPower) made this deal a preferred option for me and from the time I signed the contract with them the communication was follow up constantly by the various people involved from SAVKAT and coordinated by Jordan all along. The team was quite professional and took care of all the formalities and the pre-inspection, installation and inspection process seamlessly to secure the activation ahead of time. Jordan has continued to stay in touch to share updates about the App and also about the functioning of the installation. Overall I am a very happy customer and strongly recommend SAVKAT
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Vinod Krishnamoorthyu, over 1 month
I have read about the transition to Solar and had got the quote from few other providers. While other providers were trying to upsell their product and finance options, Jordan from SAVKAT was very professional and his first meeting with me was very open to tell me that the project is not likely to have the expected ROI for the electricity rates in my City. Since I was in the market for EV, wanted to pursue this further and requested Jordan to give me a quote anyways and he worked with me addressing all my needs to share various option to address my current and future needs. The one stop shop for all Solar needs and warranty provided by SAVKAT (SunPower) made this deal a preferred option for me and from the time I signed the contract with them the communication was follow up constantly by the various people involved from SAVKAT and coordinated by Jordan all along. The team was quite professional and took care of all the formalities and the pre-inspection, installation and inspection process seamlessly to secure the activation ahead of time. Jordan has continued to stay in touch to share updates about the App and also about the functioning of the installation. Overall I am a very happy customer and strongly recommend SAVKAT
4.64 60 Reviews
Jared Fretz, over 1 month
I had a solar project installed in December of 2021. I wanted to wait to see how the system performed before leaving a review. It's now September and I haven't had an electric bill since March. In fact, my energy use has been in the negative. We produce more than we use. I love it! In addition, the monthly loan payment is at or around what my electric bill was. It's a total win. Everyone we had contact with in the company were very friendly, professional and knowledgeable. My wish is that I had done this sooner.
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Jared Fretz, over 1 month
I had a solar project installed in December of 2021. I wanted to wait to see how the system performed before leaving a review. It's now September and I haven't had an electric bill since March. In fact, my energy use has been in the negative. We produce more than we use. I love it! In addition, the monthly loan payment is at or around what my electric bill was. It's a total win. Everyone we had contact with in the company were very friendly, professional and knowledgeable. My wish is that I had done this sooner.
4.61 35 Reviews
Jim Morano, over 1 month
Charlie, Catherine and the office staff were very responsive to my every call and question. Their installation crew and subcontractors did their jobs on time and very professionally.<br />
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Average cost (5kW system)
$30,950 ($6.19 per watt)
Jim Morano, over 1 month
Charlie, Catherine and the office staff were very responsive to my every call and question. Their installation crew and subcontractors did their jobs on time and very professionally.<br />