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
80 solar companies in Pennsylvania provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.90 429 Reviews
paul casciotta, over 1 month
I am very happy with Jack and the Lumina Solar team with my Solar installation. A stellar company and staff. They went a above my expectations.
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paul casciotta, over 1 month
I am very happy with Jack and the Lumina Solar team with my Solar installation. A stellar company and staff. They went a above my expectations.
4.87 88 Reviews
Jeff B., 6 days ago
Our experience with TerraSol has been fantastic from the initial site visit and quote all the way through to installation and permitting. Friendly, knowledgeable, and always quick to answer any of our questions throughout the process. Highly recommended!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$25,900 ($5.18 per watt)
Jeff B., 6 days ago
Our experience with TerraSol has been fantastic from the initial site visit and quote all the way through to installation and permitting. Friendly, knowledgeable, and always quick to answer any of our questions throughout the process. Highly recommended!
4.86 121 Reviews
Burkholder Mfg. Inc., over 1 month
This is my 3rd solar system. I totaly trust Paradise Energy with the whole project. Pretty much signed the papers and let them run with it. The whole project was well managed and I was well informed. We enjoy working with Paradise.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Burkholder Mfg. Inc., over 1 month
This is my 3rd solar system. I totaly trust Paradise Energy with the whole project. Pretty much signed the papers and let them run with it. The whole project was well managed and I was well informed. We enjoy working with Paradise.
4.82 115 Reviews
William, over 1 month
I did a LOT of research before fulfilling my determination to go solar. The rest of the contenders were national firms, some very big names, with varying degrees of reputation. Only Exact really understood my local power company's policies. Some of the other nationals didn't understand that I could qualify for my anticipated use, not just current use, as we transition the home away from fossil fuels. Also, Exact uses its own crews, not some shadowy local sub-contractor. That means they are accountable for their work--- you see the same guys every day of the work, and when the inspections get done. They handled the local permitting process without additional charge. I was a cash customer, so I can't speak to financing, but the payment schedule was fair and it didn't feel like they were running their business on my "up front" money. Plenty of flexibility as far as architecture--- I really wanted micro-inverters, and they accommodated that. When it came to the install, the crew were great folks. It was hot, so I set them up a hydration station, for which they were grateful. Also brought in lunch every day. Fun guys to talk to and felt good about having them on-site. Like people I'd invite back for a party. The installation itself is beautiful. So flat and tidy. And the system has performed flawlessly for 10 weeks, providing as much power as I use to cool my home and do my laundry and cook my food. Both sales and engineering were great to work with--- I'm an electrical engineer myself, and they didn't talk down to me. I feel very fortunate to have found Exact in a local FB group via a referral.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$12,400 ($2.48 per watt)
William, over 1 month
I did a LOT of research before fulfilling my determination to go solar. The rest of the contenders were national firms, some very big names, with varying degrees of reputation. Only Exact really understood my local power company's policies. Some of the other nationals didn't understand that I could qualify for my anticipated use, not just current use, as we transition the home away from fossil fuels. Also, Exact uses its own crews, not some shadowy local sub-contractor. That means they are accountable for their work--- you see the same guys every day of the work, and when the inspections get done. They handled the local permitting process without additional charge. I was a cash customer, so I can't speak to financing, but the payment schedule was fair and it didn't feel like they were running their business on my "up front" money. Plenty of flexibility as far as architecture--- I really wanted micro-inverters, and they accommodated that. When it came to the install, the crew were great folks. It was hot, so I set them up a hydration station, for which they were grateful. Also brought in lunch every day. Fun guys to talk to and felt good about having them on-site. Like people I'd invite back for a party. The installation itself is beautiful. So flat and tidy. And the system has performed flawlessly for 10 weeks, providing as much power as I use to cool my home and do my laundry and cook my food. Both sales and engineering were great to work with--- I'm an electrical engineer myself, and they didn't talk down to me. I feel very fortunate to have found Exact in a local FB group via a referral.
4.81 595 Reviews
Najeeb Danish, 3 days ago
I couldn’t be happier with my recent home solar panel installation! From start to finish, the entire process was seamless and professional. The installation team was punctual, knowledgeable, and incredibly efficient. They took the time to explain everything and answered all my questions with patience and clarity. The quality of the solar panels is great, and I’ve already noticed a significant reduction in my energy bills. It’s amazing to see how much I’m saving while also contributing to a greener planet. The customer service was exceptional, and they followed up to ensure everything was working perfectly. I highly recommend Solar Energy World to anyone considering solar energy. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction are truly commendable. My special appreciation to Scott Grams! who explained the whole process in detail. I have shopped around and got estimates from other places but I liked the way Scott explained all the details. I was not surprised by anything during or after the installation. He also made sure that I receive 5 star customer service during and after the process. Thank you for making my home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly!
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Najeeb Danish, 3 days ago
I couldn’t be happier with my recent home solar panel installation! From start to finish, the entire process was seamless and professional. The installation team was punctual, knowledgeable, and incredibly efficient. They took the time to explain everything and answered all my questions with patience and clarity. The quality of the solar panels is great, and I’ve already noticed a significant reduction in my energy bills. It’s amazing to see how much I’m saving while also contributing to a greener planet. The customer service was exceptional, and they followed up to ensure everything was working perfectly. I highly recommend Solar Energy World to anyone considering solar energy. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction are truly commendable. My special appreciation to Scott Grams! who explained the whole process in detail. I have shopped around and got estimates from other places but I liked the way Scott explained all the details. I was not surprised by anything during or after the installation. He also made sure that I receive 5 star customer service during and after the process. Thank you for making my home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly!
4.79 84 Reviews
Eric G, over 1 month
I decided to get solar early in 2023. When I signed the contract, there were supply delays with the panel manufacturer, and they gave me a late 2023 (Oct-Nov) timeframe for installation. But they worked with the manufacturer and were able to get them sooner and installed second week of August. I've had them now for 3 months. In August, since it was a partial month, I had a small electric bill. But Sept and October, my net usage was 0, so my bill was $15 (the monthly customer charge). And I banked almost 400 kwh in those 3 months. Overall, I'm happy with my solar. The panels that I chose aren't the cheapest around but they are one of the best on the market. The Evoke team have specific people dedicated to each step, from ordering to permits to install to post-install. And you can get one of the owners (husband/wife) on the phone easily if you have questions, Very easy to work with.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$23,200 ($4.64 per watt)
Eric G, over 1 month
I decided to get solar early in 2023. When I signed the contract, there were supply delays with the panel manufacturer, and they gave me a late 2023 (Oct-Nov) timeframe for installation. But they worked with the manufacturer and were able to get them sooner and installed second week of August. I've had them now for 3 months. In August, since it was a partial month, I had a small electric bill. But Sept and October, my net usage was 0, so my bill was $15 (the monthly customer charge). And I banked almost 400 kwh in those 3 months. Overall, I'm happy with my solar. The panels that I chose aren't the cheapest around but they are one of the best on the market. The Evoke team have specific people dedicated to each step, from ordering to permits to install to post-install. And you can get one of the owners (husband/wife) on the phone easily if you have questions, Very easy to work with.
4.79 81 Reviews
Sam, over 1 month
I have been very satisfied with my experience at SAVKAT Solar. They were easy to work with, knowledgeable, and flexible. We had chosen Sunpower for our solar installation. This was in April 2024 immediately prior to their bankruptcy and restructuring. SAVKAT was assigned as our installer. We reached the point of final inspection on 16JUL24, the same day Sunpower issued a stop work on all solar installations. SAVKAT eventually finished the work without waiting for Sunpower approval to move forward allowing us to begin producing power. I credit this effort entirely to SAVKAT and the Mystic Solar company. Thanks!
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Sam, over 1 month
I have been very satisfied with my experience at SAVKAT Solar. They were easy to work with, knowledgeable, and flexible. We had chosen Sunpower for our solar installation. This was in April 2024 immediately prior to their bankruptcy and restructuring. SAVKAT was assigned as our installer. We reached the point of final inspection on 16JUL24, the same day Sunpower issued a stop work on all solar installations. SAVKAT eventually finished the work without waiting for Sunpower approval to move forward allowing us to begin producing power. I credit this effort entirely to SAVKAT and the Mystic Solar company. Thanks!
4.74 36 Reviews
Mark Schneider, over 1 month
I had reached to few solar company's and public service solar fit my needs the best. They were very professional and helpful for start to finish.
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Mark Schneider, over 1 month
I had reached to few solar company's and public service solar fit my needs the best. They were very professional and helpful for start to finish.
4.73 55 Reviews
Luke, 2 weeks ago
From the initial consultation to the installation, everything was seamless. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. They walked me through the process and answered all my questions. My solar panels are working great. Highly recommend them for anyone looking to go solar!"
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Average cost (5kW system)
$12,000 ($2.40 per watt)
Luke, 2 weeks ago
From the initial consultation to the installation, everything was seamless. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. They walked me through the process and answered all my questions. My solar panels are working great. Highly recommend them for anyone looking to go solar!"
4.73 662 Reviews
Joshua Bentley, over 1 month
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.
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Joshua Bentley, over 1 month
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.