Scranton keeps the office’s lights on with solar energy

The state of solar in Scranton

With just 174 days of sunshine per year, Scranton is far from the sunniest city in the U.S.^*Best Places. Climate in Scranton, Pennsylvania. May 2021. However, 89% of the city’s rooftops are solar viable,^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). and coal mining is on the decline in Lackawanna County, encouraging the adoption of clean energy solutions. Legislation is also in the works to raise the state's renewable energy goal from 8% to 18%, which is likely to spur more solar incentives for residents.^*Vote Solar. New legislation would put PA on the road to economic recovery. March 2021.

How much solar energy does Scranton produce?

Although neither Scranton nor Lackawanna County have released solar capacity stats, based on the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) for Renewable Energy Credits (REC), Lackawanna County has at least 134 solar installations producing 1,281.38 kW of solar energy. Google Project Sunroof estimates 53 of those installations are in Scranton.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

Expansions in solar energy development in the area have made headlines in recent years. The Lackawanna Energy Center located just outside Scranton came online in 2019.

The 1,485 MW natural gas combined-cycle electric generation facility is the largest in the state. Its Administration and Control Building features a solar array on the roof that helps make the facility 60% more energy-efficient than similar conventional buildings.^*Power Technology. Lackawanna Energy Center begins operations in US. July 2020.

What are the advantages of going solar in Scranton?

The potential for electricity cost savings is one of the biggest advantages of going solar. A 5 kW solar PV system in Scranton can offer cost savings of up to $18,000 over 20 years and potentially pay for itself within 11 to 12 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Scranton, PA. May 2021.

You also won’t have to worry about inflating electricity prices as solar energy comes at a fixed rate, and with battery storage, you can improve your energy security. With backup storage, if grid power goes down, your lights will stay on.

Known as the “Electric City,” Scranton recognizes its beginnings as an industrial center for iron and coal production while earnestly looking towards cultivating clean energy resources to repair the environmental ramifications of its past.^*Lackawanna Country. Attractions Coal Mine. May 2021. Solar energy is carbon-neutral and can help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions in our community.

How much does solar cost in Scranton?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors, such as:

• Household’s energy needs

• Angle of the roof

• Efficiency of the solar panels

• Permitting fees

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.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020

In Scranton, we found that the cost of purchasing a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,600 to $20,100, or in other words, from $2.72 to $4.02 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

If you install a grid-tied system, you may be able to take advantage of net metering to offset any energy usage from the grid.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Net metering allows you to earn a credit on your bill for any excess electricity you produce.

Staying connected to the grid has other benefits too. The Pennsylvania solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) program provides one SREC per megawatt-hour of electricity your solar PV system generates, which you can sell.^*Local incentives and rebates vary and are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. While the price of an SREC varies based on supply and demand, as of May 2021, an SREC in Scranton is worth around $23.^*SRECTrade. Pennsylvania. May 2021.

Finally, if you purchase rather than lease your system, you may be eligible for the 26% federal tax credit, which applies to your solar system’s installation, equipment, and permitting costs.^*Tax credits are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

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

Many factors go into determining an appropriate solar system size and setup. You'll need to consider your budget, roof angle, energy production needs, and much more. Given the complexity and cost of solar system installation, it's best to work with a reputable solar provider.

A good installer can also walk you through different solar and battery storage versus solutions and answer any resulting questions. You should also receive a detailed price quote for your customized solar design.

Get started today by requesting a free consultation, and we’ll follow- up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.