Are solar panels worth it in Pennsylvania?

Are solar panels worth it in Pennsylvania? This is a great question for you and your home, depending on several specific variables that account for your energy usage. However, we’re here to lend a helping hand.

Going solar in the Keystone state is supported by many solar incentives and the personal reward of doing a pretty spectacular thing for the environment. Let’s go over some of the bigger reasons why solar might be worth it for you.

Is solar worth it in Pennsylvania?

Solar panels could be a great investment if you’re living in Pennsylvania. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the state of Pennsylvania has already invested $2.6 billion in solar.⁽¹⁾ Major installations include:

• The Keystone Solar Project – capacity to power over 694 homes
• The Lincoln Financial Field – capacity to power over 355 homes.

And that’s not all! Pennsylvania currently has more than 47,000 solar installations.

Still wondering if solar is worth it for your Pennsylvania home? Like the little engine that could, Pennsylvania is picking up steam when it comes to solar energy. That means every installation matters.

4 fantastic benefits of solar panels in Pennsylvania

Solar is on the fast-track in Pennsylvania and with good reason. For instance, Pennsylvania is projected to increase solar installations by 4,098 megawatts over the next 5 years. And prices have fallen by 50% over the last decade.⁽¹⁾

But what’s fueling the boom in your home state? We’ve got the information you’ll need to help you decide if solar panels are worth it for your household.

We’ll talk about:

• The perks of having so many sunny days in Pennsylvania
• The good mark you’re leaving on the environment
• The rising cost of electricity (and how solar could help)
• The many solar panel incentives available in your state

Here are some of the reasons why we think solar panels are worth it in Pennsylvania.

1. The perks of having so many sunny days in Pennsylvania

Oh, Mr. Sun, Mr. Sun, thanks for shining brightly on Pennsylvania. The state enjoys nearly 200 sunny days a year⁽²⁾, which means their solar potential packs a mighty punch! That’s why this is one of our top reasons to go solar in Pennsylvania.

Solar panels work by harnessing sunlight. That means homeowners who live in sunny locations will get the most value out of their solar panels. The efficiency of your solar panels, among other factors, can help you determine just how well your solar energy system performs.

For more information, get a crash course with us on how solar panels work. Or, contact a Solar Energy Specialist to take a look at your roof during a free solar consultation.

2. The good mark you’re leaving on the environment

Reducing the carbon footprint of your household is definitely one of the greatest allures for going solar. Solar is a solid step in a greener direction. The majority of the power generated in the U.S. comes from burning fossil fuels⁽³⁾ at power plants, a nonrenewable and dirty source. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the burning of fossil fuels contributes greatly to pollution⁽⁴⁾ in air and water. That’s why solar as a cleaner alternative is such an appealing option for many homeowners.

So, while you can’t singlehandedly save the world, you can still make an impact with your personal solar installation.

3. The rising cost of electricity (and how solar could help)

As mentioned above, we get most of our power from the burning of dirty fossil fuels. This process hurts the environment, and it can also be pricey. In recent years, the cost of wholesale natural gas has steadily climbed.⁽⁵⁾

In Pennsylvania, the average residential cost of electricity as of September 2022 is about 17.20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).⁽⁶⁾ That’s about a 22% increase from the average cost in 2021. Utility companies are required to offer a net metering program in Pennsylvania.⁽⁷⁾ When you have solar panels, net metering could help you save on your monthly electric bills through credits for transferable energy.* Check with your current utility provider to find out the specifics of this program and how you can benefit.

To learn more about the outlook of electric rates, check out our informational blog on rising electricity costs.

4. The many solar panel incentives available in your state

Speaking of the ways solar could impact your budget, we’ve got to dive into the solar incentives. Solar incentives can be a phenomenal way to eliminate an unpleasant surprise from your bills. Here are a few reasons solar in Pennsylvania might be totally worth it:

Federal solar tax credit

The federal solar tax credit gives qualified homeowners up to a 30% credit on their federal taxes when they install solar panels. If your system is eligible, you may be able to claim a tax credit for 30% of the cost of a solar energy system toward your federal taxes.**

Solar’s impact on home value

Did you know that Pennsylvania is ranked #2 on Zillow’s list of states where solar power can boost your home’s value? It’s predicted that homeowners could sell for as much as 4.9% more when they have solar panels installed.

Cost is something to consider whether you’re buying or selling your home. While there’s no guarantee on how much, solar could have positive effects on your home value.

Philadelphia Solar Rebate program

If you live in Philly, we have some great news! Homeowners may qualify for an incentive that offers $0.20 per watt of solar photovoltaics installed. The rebate program holds 10% of its funds specifically for low to moderate income residences.

Solar renewable energy certificates

Qualified homeowners can receive solar renewable energy certificates or credits (SRECs). They provide a credit for every megawatt hour (MWh), or 1,000 kilowatt hours (kWhs), of electricity generated by your solar panel system. Since Pennsylvania mandates that utility companies get a specific percentage of their electricity generation from renewable resources, homeowners can then sell their SRECs to their utility company. Click here to find out the going rate for SRECs in Pennsylvania.

For a thorough snapshot on which incentives you might qualify for, contact a Solar Energy Specialist today.

Are solar panels worth it in Pennsylvania?

We certainly think so! Solar panels could be worth it in Pennsylvania when you consider the abundance of sunshine, as well as the potential savings on your electric bill and the cost of solar panels. The state is shining bright with many solar incentives available at the state and local level, just waiting for you to take advantage of them.

Going solar with ADT Solar

If you’re considering solar panels in Pennsylvania, go with a trusted brand of solar installers. While we are not actively installing solar panels in Pennsylvania, expect us in the Keystone State soon!