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
78 solar companies in Pennsylvania provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.89 405 Reviews
charles grebe, 1 week ago
paying two times as much for electric than before, called rep, took a bad review on here to get a return call, asked for different paperwork, had that over a month now with no call back, called today again with no answer, these people are bad to deal with in my opinion, they need to get this stuff off my roof and stuff it up you know where, not one bit of truth to what the rep told me, lumina is no good, seems all bad reveiws get lost, i,m thinking they write their own , i,v talked to other customers of theirs with the same experiance as i,m having
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charles grebe, 1 week ago
paying two times as much for electric than before, called rep, took a bad review on here to get a return call, asked for different paperwork, had that over a month now with no call back, called today again with no answer, these people are bad to deal with in my opinion, they need to get this stuff off my roof and stuff it up you know where, not one bit of truth to what the rep told me, lumina is no good, seems all bad reveiws get lost, i,m thinking they write their own , i,v talked to other customers of theirs with the same experiance as i,m having
4.86 84 Reviews
Simon Dennis, 2 weeks ago
TerraSol installed a solar panel system on my house. I highly recommend them to anyone. From the first meeting to the post installation follow-up, they have been incredibly professional, helpful, efficient and trustworthy. They guided us through the entire process from start to finish, gave us a realistic timeline which they kept to, undertook all the steps in the application and initiation processes so that we didn’t have to anything, and installed the panels surprisingly quickly after they were approved, doing an excellent job in the process. All the team members that we met with or communicated with have been very friendly and knowledgeable. They were patient when we had an HOA issue and gave us great advice on how to resolve it. Rob and Rasha, in particular, have communicated so well at every stage, explaining what is happening and why. Now that the panels are installed, we haven’t been left to our own devices. They have diligently followed up with us to ensure that everything is working to plan, which it is, by the way. Their prices are also very competitive.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$25,900 ($5.18 per watt)
Simon Dennis, 2 weeks ago
TerraSol installed a solar panel system on my house. I highly recommend them to anyone. From the first meeting to the post installation follow-up, they have been incredibly professional, helpful, efficient and trustworthy. They guided us through the entire process from start to finish, gave us a realistic timeline which they kept to, undertook all the steps in the application and initiation processes so that we didn’t have to anything, and installed the panels surprisingly quickly after they were approved, doing an excellent job in the process. All the team members that we met with or communicated with have been very friendly and knowledgeable. They were patient when we had an HOA issue and gave us great advice on how to resolve it. Rob and Rasha, in particular, have communicated so well at every stage, explaining what is happening and why. Now that the panels are installed, we haven’t been left to our own devices. They have diligently followed up with us to ensure that everything is working to plan, which it is, by the way. Their prices are also very competitive.
4.85 119 Reviews
Barry, 6 days ago
The folks at Paradise were well prepared to perform our solar installation. They did everything from engineering studies to permitting with the local office and the utility to ensuring everything was in great working order. Their personnel did not shy away from ensuring all questions that we had were answered and our satisfaction was paramount. The foreman for our job went out of his way to make us feel like we were the top priority. Lastly, we would recommend Paradise to anyone who is looking at converting to green energy. We have been very satisfied thus far with the output that the solar panels have been achieving.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,000 ($3.20 per watt)
Barry, 6 days ago
The folks at Paradise were well prepared to perform our solar installation. They did everything from engineering studies to permitting with the local office and the utility to ensuring everything was in great working order. Their personnel did not shy away from ensuring all questions that we had were answered and our satisfaction was paramount. The foreman for our job went out of his way to make us feel like we were the top priority. Lastly, we would recommend Paradise to anyone who is looking at converting to green energy. We have been very satisfied thus far with the output that the solar panels have been achieving.
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.
4.81 572 Reviews
Don't do it, 1 week ago
Price point was very good. Installation was very good. It took about a month. From planning to full installation. Service was terrible. We never saw another service team after the install to address the full operation of the solar system. It is like going to a 5 star restaurant, the waiter tells you about the 4 course menu and how amazing it is. You order it. After entree /3rd course, you never saw the waiter again. You go to the host desk and ask about your waiter. They tell you to use an email to get your last course! You have to pay NOW using phone or a computer. However, you haven't gotten your last course. How do you like that service?
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Don't do it, 1 week ago
Price point was very good. Installation was very good. It took about a month. From planning to full installation. Service was terrible. We never saw another service team after the install to address the full operation of the solar system. It is like going to a 5 star restaurant, the waiter tells you about the 4 course menu and how amazing it is. You order it. After entree /3rd course, you never saw the waiter again. You go to the host desk and ask about your waiter. They tell you to use an email to get your last course! You have to pay NOW using phone or a computer. However, you haven't gotten your last course. How do you like that service?
4.79 80 Reviews
Jerry B., over 1 month
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., over 1 month
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.
4.72 34 Reviews
Anthony, 2 weeks ago
These guys are great. Easy to work with, with no BS. I did shop around but went with Public Service Solar in the end. Why? I got the most straight answers from them. They always answered the phone or email. They install the system themselves. I read multiple horror stories about fly by night contractors installing systems and things going pear shaped quickly. So yes I would recommend theses guys.
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Anthony, 2 weeks ago
These guys are great. Easy to work with, with no BS. I did shop around but went with Public Service Solar in the end. Why? I got the most straight answers from them. They always answered the phone or email. They install the system themselves. I read multiple horror stories about fly by night contractors installing systems and things going pear shaped quickly. So yes I would recommend theses guys.
4.72 53 Reviews
John H, 1 week ago
There are many solar installation contractors eager for your business. Some are better than others. I was in touch with another provider first. That sales rep exaggerated (lied) and he knew I recognized it. He gave up the chase, and I moved on. A friend in Mechanicsburg had a very positive experience with Bright Eye Solar, so I contacted them. From the start they were professional, and did a fastidious job in the installation. Great efforts were taken to hide the conduit as much as possible, painting it to match the siding, and moving one box into the basement, minimizing the pieces that needed to be attached to the outside of the house. The electrician/crew chief Zach was the primary guy responsible. He was eager to please the customer, pleasant to work with, and obviously a bright guy. But all of the staff were good at their jobs and a credit to the company, making a complicated project as easy and pleasant as possible. I would recommend Bright Eye Solar without any hesitation. I can't imagine finding a better company.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$12,000 ($2.40 per watt)
John H, 1 week ago
There are many solar installation contractors eager for your business. Some are better than others. I was in touch with another provider first. That sales rep exaggerated (lied) and he knew I recognized it. He gave up the chase, and I moved on. A friend in Mechanicsburg had a very positive experience with Bright Eye Solar, so I contacted them. From the start they were professional, and did a fastidious job in the installation. Great efforts were taken to hide the conduit as much as possible, painting it to match the siding, and moving one box into the basement, minimizing the pieces that needed to be attached to the outside of the house. The electrician/crew chief Zach was the primary guy responsible. He was eager to please the customer, pleasant to work with, and obviously a bright guy. But all of the staff were good at their jobs and a credit to the company, making a complicated project as easy and pleasant as possible. I would recommend Bright Eye Solar without any hesitation. I can't imagine finding a better company.
4.69 610 Reviews
Baptiste Aimé, 3 days ago
I chose to work with Venture Solar over larger (and cheaper) Solar companies hoping that in the instance of issues, they would be quick to resolve them and live up to what the advertised customer service. I could not be more disappointed with the (1) quality of the install, (2) the lack of communication when I reported the issues, (3) the urgency to resolve the issue, and ultimately (4) the lack of accountability in the end. Here are some of the details: (1) The bracket used to fix the conduit split the wood sidings of my house, several times in several locations. According to the manager, these cracks “do not compromise the integrity of the wood” (!) and can “easily fixed by me”. I could not believe it… When asked if this was common practice at Venture Solar to split wood siding when installing brackets, I was told it happens a lot! But no repair patch, isolation, or silicone to apply by YOUR team when you created these? Hard to believe. The elbow conduit designed by the technician on-site fell short a few inches to create a perfect vertical line from the box to the roof. As a result, the conduit made excessive contact with the gutter, dislodging it from the wall, and added extra pressure on sidings and window trim below (see pictures). When asked why the technician chose to make contact with the gutter instead of staying clear from it, I was given no explanation. (2/3) Once I reported my concern along with photos of the damages from the installation, I was quickly given a phone call, which I appreciated. From there, everything moved pretty slowly for a local company (I am in Connecticut). One technician showed up without a ladder “oh I thought this was a first floor home”. I let him borrow mine, but it made me feel like none of the pictures and the file were looked at closely. 2 weeks after, another technician came by and reassessed the status of the damages, with very little to no prior knowledge of the case. Again, I felt that there was no communication between members of their team and had a sense at that point that this was going nowhere. (4) The fixing of the sidings of my house, which THEY damaged when attaching their brackets, along with the gutter realignment and seal needed due to their conduit putting pressure on it, causing water damage through the sidings, ended up costing me $600 or so. I submitted receipts for all the labor done. The carpenter and gutter contractor even put in writing that the solar installation caused the damage. Venture Solar offered to pay for absolutely NOTHING. Hence why I am sharing this. Do not make the same mistake I made going with Venture. Do your research and make sure you choose a company that holds itself accountable!
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Baptiste Aimé, 3 days ago
I chose to work with Venture Solar over larger (and cheaper) Solar companies hoping that in the instance of issues, they would be quick to resolve them and live up to what the advertised customer service. I could not be more disappointed with the (1) quality of the install, (2) the lack of communication when I reported the issues, (3) the urgency to resolve the issue, and ultimately (4) the lack of accountability in the end. Here are some of the details: (1) The bracket used to fix the conduit split the wood sidings of my house, several times in several locations. According to the manager, these cracks “do not compromise the integrity of the wood” (!) and can “easily fixed by me”. I could not believe it… When asked if this was common practice at Venture Solar to split wood siding when installing brackets, I was told it happens a lot! But no repair patch, isolation, or silicone to apply by YOUR team when you created these? Hard to believe. The elbow conduit designed by the technician on-site fell short a few inches to create a perfect vertical line from the box to the roof. As a result, the conduit made excessive contact with the gutter, dislodging it from the wall, and added extra pressure on sidings and window trim below (see pictures). When asked why the technician chose to make contact with the gutter instead of staying clear from it, I was given no explanation. (2/3) Once I reported my concern along with photos of the damages from the installation, I was quickly given a phone call, which I appreciated. From there, everything moved pretty slowly for a local company (I am in Connecticut). One technician showed up without a ladder “oh I thought this was a first floor home”. I let him borrow mine, but it made me feel like none of the pictures and the file were looked at closely. 2 weeks after, another technician came by and reassessed the status of the damages, with very little to no prior knowledge of the case. Again, I felt that there was no communication between members of their team and had a sense at that point that this was going nowhere. (4) The fixing of the sidings of my house, which THEY damaged when attaching their brackets, along with the gutter realignment and seal needed due to their conduit putting pressure on it, causing water damage through the sidings, ended up costing me $600 or so. I submitted receipts for all the labor done. The carpenter and gutter contractor even put in writing that the solar installation caused the damage. Venture Solar offered to pay for absolutely NOTHING. Hence why I am sharing this. Do not make the same mistake I made going with Venture. Do your research and make sure you choose a company that holds itself accountable!