Cost of Solar Panels in Pennsylvania: Best Solar Companies, Cost and Installation

Solar is a complicated decision and OhmHome has compiled this guide to Pennsylvania solar with the cost of solar panels in Pennsylvania and advice on how to estimate cost and savings, navigate state and federal incentives, and find the best solar companies in Pennsylvania.

Solar Trends in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania solar permits increased 110% to 63 in June from 30 in June 2016 and decreased 30% from May 2017 (YTD increase of 50%)

Cost of Solar Panels in Pennsylvania

The cost of solar has dropped significantly in recent years due to the increase in module supplies and other supply chain efficiency improvements. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Q4-16 Sunshot report, the median price of residential solar in major markets was $4.20 per watt with the lowest 20% at approximately $3.50 per watt.

Solar Incentives in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers net metering, which allows homeowners to sell excess power back to the grid. Homeowners in Pennsylvania can also sell Solar Renewable Energy Credits based on their solar system production. As of July 2017, the prices per MWh of SRECs in Philadelphia is only $7.00 (oversupplied relative to other markets), so homeowners can expect $40 a year approximately if they have a 6 kW system that generates 6 MWhs.

Federal Solar Tax Incentives

The IRS offers a 30% tax credit for solar systems based on the cost after state rebates and credits (discussed above). It is important to note that that federal tax credit only applies to purchased systems and you need sufficient tax liability to claim the credit. The federal solar tax credit was set to expire in 2016, but was recently extended through 2019, at which point it will start to decrease to 10% by 2022. The IRS form 5695, Residential Energy Credits can be found here.

Solar Financing in Wisconsin

The number of solar financing options has expanded significantly in recent years to includes a number of low-interest rate loans, as well as power purchase agreements or solar leases. To learn more, refer to our lease or buy solar guide.