Pennsylvania Homeowners Guide to the Cost of Solar Panels in PA

One of the biggest concerns that keeps many Pennsylvanians from going solar is the perceived cost of solar panel installation. People often worry that it’s too expensive, won’t generate enough energy to meet their needs, or could even decrease property value.

We’re here to debunk those myths and give you a clear breakdown of what solar really costs in PA. Not only are solar panels more affordable than you might think—they can actually help reduce your electricity bills and increase your property’s value.

Is It Worth Getting Solar Panels in PA?

Pennsylvania is a really good state to go solar in thanks to things like Net Metering and the availability of PA Solar Renewable Energy Credits.

Although Pennsylvania only sees 179 sunny days a year, which is below the average in the US of 205, it should not interfere with your energy production. Don’t think that a homeowner in Arizona, Texas, or even New Mexico is getting a better value than you because of the amount of sunlight they get. Many of our clients install solar energy systems that eliminate their monthly electricity costs. We have even installed solar systems that more than eliminate monthly energy costs and supply power to other homes around them. 

Plus, if you’re thinking about the future, solar power is also a growing industry in Pennsylvania, and the state has set a goal of generating 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Solar power is an important part of Pennsylvania’s clean energy future.

How Much Does it Cost to Install Solar Panels in PA?

In Pennsylvania, solar panels are a great investment. The average cost of a residential solar panel system in the state is $15,250. The average solar panel cost in Pennsylvania is $3.05/watt. The average payback period is eleven years. So, as soon as your solar panel system is installed you begin to generate your own solar energy, the payments you make on the system are now moving you towards a level of financial freedom that otherwise would be out of your grasp. 

Cost of Solar Panels in PA Calculator

Want to know exactly how much your system will cost? This calculator shows what you can expect to pay for installation.

What Affects the Cost of Solar Panels in PA?

While the average cost of solar panels is around $3.05/watt, the overall cost of your solar system can vary depending on several factors. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

System Size

Larger systems often cost more upfront than smaller ones, but they can offer better value per watt and increase your overall savings.

Equipment Quality

High-efficiency panels, top-quality inverters, and battery storage can all improve the performance and energy independence of your solar system. However, the more features you add—or the higher their quality—the more they can increase the overall cost of your system.

Roof Type & Condition

Roofs that are complex in design, need repairs or replacement or have limited space can increase both labor and installation costs.

Labor & Installation

The cost of your solar system depends on factors like your contractor, system design, and how easy your site is to access. At Belmont Solar, we value transparency. Our team will provide a custom proposal that clearly outlines your system’s total cost. You can also get an early estimate using our solar cost calculator.

Incentives & Rebates

PA offers several incentives that can significantly decrease the total cost of your system. Let’s take a look at a few of them below. 

Pennsylvania Solar Incentives

Net Metering

What is Net Metering? This is a policy in the Pennsylvania Code Chapter 75.11, which allows homeowners like you to bank and reserve excess Kilowatt Hours (kWhs) during the sunnier seasons (spring, summer, and fall) and apply them during the winter months. An easy analogy to compare this to would be rollover minutes with phones.

Any solar energy that your system produces but you don’t use is recorded and on days when you need to borrow power from the utility grid instead of being charged directly for that energy the amount you use is subtracted from the “rollover solar energy” your system has produced throughout the year on high-performance days. 

Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)

Pennsylvania is considered one of the more solar-friendly states due to the access to tax breaks and other incentives provided to homeowners who decide to go solar. One of the bigger incentives that you can expect is the federal solar tax credit otherwise known as ITC. So what is an ITC? It’s a 30% credit to your federal income taxes for installing solar systems on your property.  The standard ITC in PA is $6,503. 

PA Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)

Another amazing benefit that we briefly discussed earlier in this article is SRECs. These are energy credits that you can earn for every 1,000 kWh your panels produce. The current price for 1 SREC in PA is $43. You can sell these credits on the SREC market for additional profit. But how much energy do you use? And how many SRECs can you expect? 

Well, the average American household produces about 886 kWh of electricity with an annual average of 10,632 kWh. So based on the average, you can expect to pocket $430 per year by just generating electricity from solar! 

Will Solar Panels Increase the Value of My Home?

Solar panels also increase the value of your home. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for an average of 4.1% more than homes without solar panels. So, not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you will also make money if you decide to sell your home. 

In fact, according to research done by Zillow, Pennsylvania ranks second on the list of states where solar increases home value. Being a solar energy user in PA has its benefits. As more and more conversations are being had regarding energy sources, energy independence is becoming increasingly popular in America. Comparing homes with similar square footage, property, and location, the one that is independent and does not require the help of a local utility company is more attractive to buyers! 

Find Out Exactly How Much A Solar System in PA Could Cost You

Belmont Solar is an experienced solar installation company that has been serving Pennsylvania for over 20 years. Our team of solar consultants will connect with you to discuss your goals—system size, anticipated savings, whether you want to be on or off the grid, and more! Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. From there, we’ll provide a custom proposal outlining the cost, estimated payback period, and a tentative installation schedule.

We serve many areas throughout PA, including Lancaster County, Chester County, Berks County, and more. Visit our Areas We Serve page to see if we cover your city or town. You’ll also find a helpful cost estimate tool for your project.

We’re committed to giving you an accurate installation estimate and helping you maximize your solar energy savings. Contact us today to see how much you could save!