FAQs About Going Solar in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Goes Solar with SunPower^®

Solar is the key to savings in the Keystone State

The state of solar in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania experiences an average of 179 sunny days each year, placing the state slightly below the national average of 205 days.* However, Pennsylvania makes the most of the sunny weather it gets by prioritizing solar installations and solar energy production throughout the state.

Pennsylvania is currently the 22nd highest-achieving state in the U.S. for solar energy production and currently produces about 0.35% of its statewide electricity from solar systems.* In 2020, solar installation numbers in Pennsylvania skyrocketed, with installations adding 265 MW of new solar power to the grid.*

*. BestPlace.net, Pennsylvania, (Aug 2021) https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/pennsylvania
*.
*. NBC Philadelphia, Solar Power Shows Signs of Life in Pa., With Installations Skyrocketing in 2020, (Mar 2021). https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/changing-cli...

How much solar energy does Pennsylvania produce?

Pennsylvania currently has the capacity to produce 786.7 MW of solar energy through existing systems, which is enough to power 96,859 homes across the state.* If the state continues with its current solar installation rate, it could begin producing 1,306 MW of solar energy annually within the next five years.

*. SEIA, Pennsylvania Solar, (Q1 2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/pennsylvania

What are the advantages of going solar in Pennsylvania?

Switching to solar energy is an effective way to show your commitment to clean energy in an affordable method. The prices of solar panels for home use have fallen by 43% in Pennsylvania over the last five years, making now the most cost-effective time for Pennsylvania residents to go solar.*

On top of historically low prices, Pennsylvania residents can save money on their energy bills when they switch to solar power. Pennsylvanians are projected to save an average of $4,000 over the 20 years following their solar purchases.* These savings emerge from the lower costs involved in generating and using solar energy compared to using fossil fuel energy from the grid.

*. SEIA, Pennsylvania Solar, (Q1 2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/pennsylvania
*. Google, Project Sunroof solar savings estimator, (Nov 2018)

How much does solar cost in Pennsylvania?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

Household’s energy needs
Quality of the solar panels
Roof space
Weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Pennsylvania, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $11,500 to $20,100, or in other words from $2.30 to $4.02 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Utilizing Pennsylvania’s solar incentives to your advantage can also reduce your costs of going solar.

The federal investment tax credit program allows homeowners nationwide to receive a 26% income tax credit after installing solar panels on their homes.*
Pennsylvania homeowners can also make money from their solar energy production system. The Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) program in Pennsylvania allows state residents to receive compensation for every kWh their solar systems generate.*
Additionally, Pennsylvania participates in net metering, which allows homeowners to sell their excess solar power to their utility companies at the same prices they would buy it. This program also reduces the overall costs of switching to and generating solar energy.*

*. Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
*. SRECTrade, Pennsylvania, (Aug 2021). https://www.srectrade.com/markets/rps/srec/pennsylvania
*. The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What’s the best way to go solar in Pennsylvania?

Now that you have decided to switch to solar energy, your next step is to contact a reliable solar provider to walk you through the process. Solar providers can significantly ease the process of switching to solar, as these professionals have all the resources and experience necessary to recommend the best system for your home and optimize your savings.

Talking to a solar provider can also help you make the most of additional solar solutions that could save you money or ease your installation. For example, if you are looking to maximize energy production, a solar professional could recommend high-efficiency panels. If you want to take advantage of net metering or on-site battery storage, a provider can recommend a system that generates extra power.

Get started now by requesting a free consultation. We’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.