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
77 solar companies in Pennsylvania provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.92 378 Reviews
Ed M, 1 week ago
We are now up and running with solar energy courtesy of Gabriel Shabtai and the Lumina Solar team. It was so easy, no disruptions and everything happened on time. So, now our utility costs have plummeted to near zero and we didn't have to do anything, including getting all the incentives. Lumina looked after us perfectly.
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Ed M, 1 week ago
We are now up and running with solar energy courtesy of Gabriel Shabtai and the Lumina Solar team. It was so easy, no disruptions and everything happened on time. So, now our utility costs have plummeted to near zero and we didn't have to do anything, including getting all the incentives. Lumina looked after us perfectly.
4.86 82 Reviews
KRam, 1 week ago
Excellent value, communication and workmanship. Can’t speak highly enough of our experience. Rob was very clear in explaining the proposal and, once signed, Rasha was excellent with communicating progress with permit approvals and installation timing. The installation crew was efficient and polite. We were operational 2 months after signing thanks to quick permit approvals.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$25,900 ($5.18 per watt)
KRam, 1 week ago
Excellent value, communication and workmanship. Can’t speak highly enough of our experience. Rob was very clear in explaining the proposal and, once signed, Rasha was excellent with communicating progress with permit approvals and installation timing. The installation crew was efficient and polite. We were operational 2 months after signing thanks to quick permit approvals.
4.86 115 Reviews
Al, over 1 month
The crew worked well together, efficient and very concerned with safety. They took time to answer all my questions with professionalism. I am pleased with the instillation. I just wish they could make it so that it is only cloudy at night.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Al, over 1 month
The crew worked well together, efficient and very concerned with safety. They took time to answer all my questions with professionalism. I am pleased with the instillation. I just wish they could make it so that it is only cloudy at night.
4.84 364 Reviews
D. Marsh, 5 days ago
Green Power Energy has given me great customer service from day one. Always considerate of my schedule. Never tried to push me into committing to a new system; instead allowed me to consider investing in a solar system for almost a month. They worked around my travel plans, but finished the work on the original timeline. In the end, I have a system that produces more energy than I use, even with Connecticut's cloudy weather! Their software allows me to monitor my system at home or away. Being a multi-state business with a local presence in Durham CT, I believe Green Power Energy will provide any support needed to operate and my system for years to come. A big Thank You to all the staff at Green Power Energy who helped make this possible.
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D. Marsh, 5 days ago
Green Power Energy has given me great customer service from day one. Always considerate of my schedule. Never tried to push me into committing to a new system; instead allowed me to consider investing in a solar system for almost a month. They worked around my travel plans, but finished the work on the original timeline. In the end, I have a system that produces more energy than I use, even with Connecticut's cloudy weather! Their software allows me to monitor my system at home or away. Being a multi-state business with a local presence in Durham CT, I believe Green Power Energy will provide any support needed to operate and my system for years to come. A big Thank You to all the staff at Green Power Energy who helped make this possible.
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!
4.83 556 Reviews
Laurent Pierre Philippe , 1 week ago
Solar Energy World provided an excellent solar installation experience. The entire team , led by the project manager Mr. Jacques Frink , delivered on all of their commitments on time. Without hesitation I would recommend Solar Energy World to friends and family members.
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Laurent Pierre Philippe , 1 week ago
Solar Energy World provided an excellent solar installation experience. The entire team , led by the project manager Mr. Jacques Frink , delivered on all of their commitments on time. Without hesitation I would recommend Solar Energy World to friends and family members.
4.79 80 Reviews
Jerry B., 1 week ago
I have yet to have multi-day power outage since installing 2-13.5 kwh SunVault batteries. During winter months I leave fully charged since sun & possible snow cover will impede solar production, so a fail-safe for the long power outage possibility. Now that better weather is here and not worried about freezing pipes, I am running the batteries overnight to power the home. So far, has the SunVault system has been working great with balancing the battery, grid and solar production usage in the home. I use about 50% of the batteries (one battery) each evening and it is typically charged up by 11 am local time, a little later on the cloudy days (yes, arrays still produce). My system is sized enough to power home on all but the darkest days where the battery supplements. If we get multiple days of rain, then I'm back on the grid using some of the credits I have stored at Eversource after the batteries are 100% recharged each day. I have no idea when the SunVault system switches to battery from the grid and vice versa, no issues with any electronics in the home when it does and it works in the "normal" daily living space fantastically. I will update this review if my micro-grid fails during a multi-day grid power outage as it is my expectation the solar array will not be shut down so the house and batteries can use the produced electricity until the grid is repaired. This is the real reason I go the batteries as had a 2018 summer Tropical Storm knock out power for 6-days and it was sunny for 5 of those days but my solar array was useless without a battery system attached. Fingers crossed this works as promoted and promised. The staff was great at every process of the sales, install and post-install support process as there are always questions and weird things with electricity that sometimes needs a call. Thank you, Jordan, my install team and Kim for helping and teaching me about the system. SavKat is a local, family-owned operation that is simply the best, highly recommend talking to them before going too far into your solar planning.
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Jerry B., 1 week ago
I have yet to have multi-day power outage since installing 2-13.5 kwh SunVault batteries. During winter months I leave fully charged since sun & possible snow cover will impede solar production, so a fail-safe for the long power outage possibility. Now that better weather is here and not worried about freezing pipes, I am running the batteries overnight to power the home. So far, has the SunVault system has been working great with balancing the battery, grid and solar production usage in the home. I use about 50% of the batteries (one battery) each evening and it is typically charged up by 11 am local time, a little later on the cloudy days (yes, arrays still produce). My system is sized enough to power home on all but the darkest days where the battery supplements. If we get multiple days of rain, then I'm back on the grid using some of the credits I have stored at Eversource after the batteries are 100% recharged each day. I have no idea when the SunVault system switches to battery from the grid and vice versa, no issues with any electronics in the home when it does and it works in the "normal" daily living space fantastically. I will update this review if my micro-grid fails during a multi-day grid power outage as it is my expectation the solar array will not be shut down so the house and batteries can use the produced electricity until the grid is repaired. This is the real reason I go the batteries as had a 2018 summer Tropical Storm knock out power for 6-days and it was sunny for 5 of those days but my solar array was useless without a battery system attached. Fingers crossed this works as promoted and promised. The staff was great at every process of the sales, install and post-install support process as there are always questions and weird things with electricity that sometimes needs a call. Thank you, Jordan, my install team and Kim for helping and teaching me about the system. SavKat is a local, family-owned operation that is simply the best, highly recommend talking to them before going too far into your solar planning.
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.
4.73 588 Reviews
Lillian, 5 days ago
The only part of the process that was painless was the great salesman, but I guess that is their gimmick, "Rope you in with first impressions and then screw you along the way." The first day they were supposed to work 1 man showed up claiming the other worker was in an accident, but he would do all he could alone, he worked half a day and barely nothing was done. But assured us all would be competed the next day when the team was together. The next day, no one showed. My husband called, they said they had to finish another job first and would be over before 12. They showed after 3 pm, but did stay to finish the installation. Next step was the electrical which they said would be no problem with my existing box, when electrician showed he claimed that was not the case they needed to run new lines and add a bigger box.... hence more waiting time! They never set up an appointment for the work and just showed up when they wanted, thank goodness my husband was working from home. When the box was completed there was a humming in my house which the electrician claimed had nothing to do with him even though it was not there previously, my husband had to fix the problem himself. Now time for inspection, they said they would call to make an appointment, never did, but showed up at the house without an appointment, once again husband was home working so he gave them access to the garage. Electricity failed inspection ! It is now more than 4 months later, no adjustments made and no inspection. This weekend we went to open our pool and guess what? They eliminated the circuit for the pool filter, hence the pool is not working. When we try to get in touch with them neither Sunova or Venture take responsibility they need 7-10 days to review the complaint/ request. What a mess!!!!! They are unreliable and inexperienced!! Never mind impossible to get in touch with after initial sale, DO NOT SIGN WITH THEM!
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Lillian, 5 days ago
The only part of the process that was painless was the great salesman, but I guess that is their gimmick, "Rope you in with first impressions and then screw you along the way." The first day they were supposed to work 1 man showed up claiming the other worker was in an accident, but he would do all he could alone, he worked half a day and barely nothing was done. But assured us all would be competed the next day when the team was together. The next day, no one showed. My husband called, they said they had to finish another job first and would be over before 12. They showed after 3 pm, but did stay to finish the installation. Next step was the electrical which they said would be no problem with my existing box, when electrician showed he claimed that was not the case they needed to run new lines and add a bigger box.... hence more waiting time! They never set up an appointment for the work and just showed up when they wanted, thank goodness my husband was working from home. When the box was completed there was a humming in my house which the electrician claimed had nothing to do with him even though it was not there previously, my husband had to fix the problem himself. Now time for inspection, they said they would call to make an appointment, never did, but showed up at the house without an appointment, once again husband was home working so he gave them access to the garage. Electricity failed inspection ! It is now more than 4 months later, no adjustments made and no inspection. This weekend we went to open our pool and guess what? They eliminated the circuit for the pool filter, hence the pool is not working. When we try to get in touch with them neither Sunova or Venture take responsibility they need 7-10 days to review the complaint/ request. What a mess!!!!! They are unreliable and inexperienced!! Never mind impossible to get in touch with after initial sale, DO NOT SIGN WITH THEM!
4.66 48 Reviews
The Hess Family, over 1 month
The process was very easy and quick. Almost everything was done via text or email. The workers that did the installation were superb! They were so friendly and did excellent, neat work. They made it a point to keep us informed of everything they did. We were extremely pleased.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$12,000 ($2.40 per watt)
The Hess Family, over 1 month
The process was very easy and quick. Almost everything was done via text or email. The workers that did the installation were superb! They were so friendly and did excellent, neat work. They made it a point to keep us informed of everything they did. We were extremely pleased.