Solar Panels in Pennsylvania: Cost, Savings & Incentives (2026)
A 9kW solar system in Pennsylvania costs around $18,900 after the 30% federal tax credit and saves approximately $1,854 per year on electricity at the state's average rate of 16.8¢/kWh. With 4.2 peak sun hours per day, your estimated payback period is 10 years — leaving 15+ years of profit before the 25-year warranty period ends. Below: real cost data, all available incentives and a free personalised calculator.
Is solar worth it in Pennsylvania in 2026?
With an average electricity rate of 16.8¢ per kWh and 4.2 peak sun hours per day, Pennsylvania homeowners are in a good position to benefit from solar panels. A typical 9kW system will produce around 11,037 kWh per year — enough to offset a significant portion of a typical Pennsylvania home's electricity usage.
At current electricity rates, that production saves approximately $1,854 per year. Over 25 years — the standard panel warranty period — the projected net profit after recouping the system cost is around $27,450.
How much do solar panels cost in Pennsylvania?
A 9kW solar system — typical for a Pennsylvania home — costs approximately $27,000 before incentives (national average: ~$3,000 per kW installed).
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| System cost (9kW) | $27,000 |
| Federal 30% ITC | −$8,100 |
| Pennsylvania's Sunshine Solar Program has offered grants and loans for solar installations. Pennsylvania has an active SREC market (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) and net metering requirements. PECO, PPL, and other utilities credit excess generation at the retail rate. The Pennsylvania PACE program enables on-bill financing. | Additional savings |
| Net cost (after federal ITC) | $18,900 |
Actual costs vary by installer. Always get at least 3 quotes. Installer labour, roof type and system complexity affect final pricing.
Solar incentives in Pennsylvania (2026)
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — 30%
All US homeowners qualify for the 30% federal ITC through 2032. On a $27,000 system, this is a $8,100 tax credit — a direct reduction in federal taxes owed (not a deduction from taxable income).
Pennsylvania state incentives
Pennsylvania's Sunshine Solar Program has offered grants and loans for solar installations. Pennsylvania has an active SREC market (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) and net metering requirements. PECO, PPL, and other utilities credit excess generation at the retail rate. The Pennsylvania PACE program enables on-bill financing.
Use our Solar Tax Credit Calculator to calculate your exact federal and state incentive amounts based on your system cost.
Solar payback period in Pennsylvania
Based on a net system cost of $18,900 and estimated annual savings of $1,854, the estimated payback period for solar panels in Pennsylvania is approximately 10 years.
After payback, your solar panels continue to produce free electricity for another 15+ years. Use our Solar Payback Calculator to customise this for your specific electricity bill and system size.
What affects solar savings in Pennsylvania?
Every homeowner's solar savings are different. In Pennsylvania, the key variables are:
- Electricity rate (16.8¢/kWh): Pennsylvania's above-average electricity rate means every kWh your solar panels produce is worth more than in cheaper-electricity states — this is one of the strongest drivers of fast payback.
- Peak sun hours (4.2 hrs/day): Pennsylvania's sun hours are below the national average. This is offset by choosing an appropriately-sized system and optimising roof orientation. South-facing roofs at 20–30° pitch perform best.
- System size (9kW typical): The right size depends on your electricity bill. A $150/month bill typically requires a 6–8kW system to offset 80–100%. Use our System Size Calculator to find your exact target.
- Roof type and orientation: South-facing roofs at 30° pitch are ideal. West-facing roofs produce 15–20% less but may generate more electricity during peak-price afternoon hours, improving time-of-use savings.
Frequently asked questions — solar in Pennsylvania
Our calculators are pre-loaded with Pennsylvania's electricity rate (16.8¢/kWh) and sun hours (4.2 hrs/day).