Adding solar panels and switching rate plans can lower your PECO Energy electric bill

There are three ways you can reduce your PECO bill: changing your habits, switching your rate plan, and adding solar panels.

You've probably heard a lot about reducing energy consumption by doing things like switching to LED lightbulbs and adding insulation to your walls, but these fixes are relatively easy compared to the far more impactful step of making changes to your lifestyle.

The second thing you can do is switch your rate plan. PECO doesn't offer time-of-use billing that can help you save money by shifting your usage of energy-intensive appliances to off-peak hours, but there may be other options for you .

Finally, you can reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill by installing solar panels on your home.

On this page:

How much can I reduce my PECO Energy bill by switching to a different rate plan

For some people, the savings from switching rate plans may only be a few dollars per month, but for many it can be $20-$100 per month. That's between $240 and $1,200 that you may now be paying to PECO Energy each year for no reason.

Finding out what's available to you is as simple as a phone call or email to PECO Energy. Even a small savings can be worth it.

Are solar panels worth it for PECO Energy customers?

Absolutely. Pennsylvania has a solid SREC program which amounts to annual cash payments in your pocket for you when you go solar as a PECO Energy customer. PECO’s net metering policy also ensures you get credited on your power bill at full retail rates for the excess solar electricity your panels produce. Your credits are rolled over and applied to your next month’s bill.

Does PECO Energy offer full 1 for 1 net metering credits for exported solar power

No, PECO Energy does not offer full 1 for 1 net metering. This means that when you export surplus power from your solar panels, you will be paid less by the utility than what you are charged to buy the equivalent amount of power from the grid.

The amount you are paid by the utility is known as a feed-in tariff. In the case of PECO Energy, this feed-in rate is $0.15 per kWh.

PECO is one of just a few utilities which credit you at full retail electricity rates for the amount of electricity you produce above your usage over the course of a year. 

What incentives, tax credits and rebates are available to PECO customers for installing solar?

The major financial incentive currently available until the end of 2023 is the 30% federal solar tax credit. The way this works is that the full cost of the system needs to be paid to the installer, and this tax credit can then be claimed back as cash when you next do your taxes.

Many states, local governments and utilities also offer incentives for homeowners who go solar. This help can take the form of state tax credits, rebates, tax breaks, SRECs or even performance-based incentives. The best part is that all of these incentives apply in addition to the federal credit.

Here is every incentive you may be eligible for as a PECO customer:

*Based on 11.17 kW system, average installation cost $26,196

How much does installing solar panels save the average PECO Energy residential customer?

If you input the details for a PECO customer with a power bill of $160 per month into the best online solar panels calculator, it tells you that you need a 11.17 kW solar system that will produce 14,578 kWh per year and that this system will return the owner a $49,058 profit after repaying the cost of the system.

The solar savings possible for you as a PECO customer will depend on the amount of electricity you use and the cost of the solar system you buy. Savings also vary based on the direction of your roof or any shading of your roof that affects output.

Here is a monthly and lifetime solar savings estimate for the same relatively typical PECO customer with a $160 per month electric bill prior to solar and who installs a 11.17 kW solar system.

Detailed information about your estimate

Please note that the investment return figures do not include the possible increase in property value.

What are the environmental impacts of PECO Energy customers installing solar panels?

While most homeowners decide to install solar panels because of financial savings over time, the environmental impacts of this choice are the primary motive for others. Here is a breakdown of the environmental benefits from a PECO Energy customer installing a 11.17 kW solar system on their property:

Saves you

$1,962

on average per year

Reduces CO₂ emissions

7.22

tons per year

Equivalent to planting

51 trees

per year

Equivalent to driving

15,963 mi

less per year

CO₂ emissions calculation based on the electricity generation and emissions data for your state in 2015 as published by the US Government Energy Information Administration.

What factors affect the price of solar panels for PECO Energy customers?

The cost of installing solar panels will vary with brands of solar panels and inverters you choose and also the installation company you choose to install them.

It is common to see really good systems, using quality brands of equipment, being sold for around $2.35 per watt or $19,387 for a standard 11.17 kW solar system after the customer claims the 30% federal solar tax credit.

Related solar news