Over 100 megawatts of new rooftop solar capacity was installed across Pennsylvania in 2022 alone. That‘s enough to power 18,000 homes! This massive wave of adoption was driven by solar energy‘s outstanding economic proposition for PA residents. By producing your own power, you can take control over expensive electricity bills while also helping the environment.
But how confident are you that solar power is right for YOUR household and financial situation?
As you weigh such a significant home investment, no doubt you still have pressing questions:
- How much do solar panels actually cost in my city?
- Can I really eliminate my entire electricity bill?
- How many years would it take to recoup my upfront costs?
This guide aims to answer all those questions and more. I‘ll provide you personalized estimates for:
- Solar pricing tailored for your area & roof
- System sizing needed to offset your current electricity usage
- Projected utility savings you stand to accumulate
- Applicable local and federal incentives to reduce your purchase costs
Equipped with this information, you can determine if now is the time to go solar in Pennsylvania. Let‘s dive into the specifics!
The Growth of Solar Power in Pennsylvania
Before covering solar costs and financials, let’s briefly recap the promising growth trajectory of solar energy across the state:
- Over 426 megawatts (MW) of small-scale solar capacity currently installed
- Added 102 MW of new installations just in 2022
- Over 40,000 PA homes now powered by solar panels
- The state ranks 16th nationally for cumulative solar watts installed
- PA solar grew by 32% year-over-year
- The PA solar industry employs over 7,000 workers
This momentum stems largely from solar power’s compelling financial benefits for homeowners and businesses. By producing your own fuel-free electricity, you avoid costly utility bills and keep more money in your own pocket.
Experts project Pennsylvania‘s solar boom has only just begun. The PA Department of Environmental Protection estimates over 3,300 additional MW will come online across the state over the next 5 years as costs continue falling. That‘s enough to power over half a million more homes!
Additionally, Pennsylvania aims to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable sources like solar by 2030 under the state‘s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act. Major growth is still needed to reach this goal.
Okay, let’s now dig into what it would cost to install solar panels on your roof.
What Do Solar Panels Cost in Pennsylvania?
The average price to install solar panels in Pennsylvania ranges from $2.38 to $3.50 per Watt depending on your specific system size, location, roof type, equipment needs and installer.
As a baseline, here are current pre-incentive solar panel system prices for major PA cities:
| City | Cost per Watt | 5 kW System | 6 kW System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $2.70 | $13,500 | $16,200 |
| Pittsburgh | $3.00 | $15,000 | $18,000 |
| Harrisburg | $2.80 | $14,000 | $16,800 |
| Scranton | $2.90 | $14,500 | $17,400 |
These overall system costs account for all necessary solar equipment (panels, inverters, racking etc.) as well as installation labor. For context, the nationwide average solar panel cost is around $2.80 per Watt. So Pennsylvania remains very affordable relative to most states, with some regional variances.
Cost Forecast: Market analysts predict solar panel pricing will drop another 40% over the next 5 years as technology improves and installer competition increases across PA. Plan to invest now while deals remain so strong!
But remember, these statewide averages aren’t fully relevant to you. The specifics of your property play a significant role in determining costs. Let’s explore those factors next.
What Impacts Your Property’s Solar Panel Pricing?
You home’s unique ‘solar access’ determines how tailored systems must be designed and what they will ultimately cost. Key influencers include:
Local Weather and Sunlight Exposure – Areas like Eastern PA receive fewer annual sunny days and sunlight hours than Western cities like Pittsburgh. So they require larger solar systems for sufficient electricity output. Overall, this leads to higher total price tags.
Electricity Usage – The solar array must adequately cover your household‘s average daily and monthly power needs. So current and projected future home energy use helps size the system. High-draw appliances or electric vehicles necessitate larger, costlier arrays.
Roof Size, Shape and Condition – Does your roof have ample unshaded south or west-facing space suited for solar panels? What is its tilt angle? Old or damaged roofs will need repairs and reinforcements to support panel weight.
Future Home Expansions – If you’re considering renovations like roof upgrades, HVAC electrification or EV charging in the next 5-10 years, a right-sized solar system must account for the added electricity demand.
Energy Efficiency – The more you reduce your existing electric usage through conservation measures, the smaller (and cheaper) solar array you’ll require. Things like LED lights, updated insulation and efficient appliances all help minimize solar panel costs.
Forecast Electricity Prices – While PA utility rates sit around 11-13 cents per kWh today, experts project variable year-over-year increases of 1-3% over the decades-long solar panel lifespans as grid prices become more volatile. Locking in lower solar pricing now offsets future rises.
I realize that’s a lot to consider! Let me help put it together for you…
How Large of a Solar Panel System Do You Need?
Let’s calculate the optimal solar array size for your household‘s electricity consumption using a few simple datapoints:
Step 1) Refer to your latest full year of utility bills to find your annual kWh usage.
Step 2) Next, input your city in Pennsylvania to know your average daily sunlight hours:
[INSERT SUNLIGHT DURATION TABLE]Step 3) Finally, factor in any major future electric usage increases you anticipate from home expansions, vehicle charging, etc.
With this information, I can precisely size and quote a custom solar panel system best suited for your actual needs.
As an example, let‘s assume:
- 8,500 kWh Annual Usage
- Harrisburg, PA location (~3.8 sunlight hours)
- No expected electric usage growth
Calculations:
- 8,500 kWh ÷ 12 = 708 kWh (Avg. Monthly Electricity Use)
- 708 kWh ÷ 30 = 24 kWh (Avg. Daily Use)
- 24 kWh ÷ 3.8 sun hours = 6.3 kW solar array needed
For this hypothetical home, an appropriately-sized solar system would be around 6,300 Watts (6.3 kW).
This system size optimization is CRUCIAL to maximize potential bill savings without overspending on overcapacity.
Now let’s explore your earnings potential…
Just How Much Will Pennsylvania Solar Panels Save You?
Once your solar panels are up and running, you’ll avoid traditional utility bills and start banking serious savings from the free sunlight fuel. But to gauge realistic savings expectations, we need to model various scenarios.
As a starting point, let‘s revisit our hypothetical 6 kW system example:
- 6 kW System Cost = $16,800 (pre-incentives)
- Avg. Electric Rate = $0.12 per kWh
- Annual Usage Offset = 8,500 kWh
- Annual Savings = $1,020 (at today‘s rates)
This system would pay itself off in around 16 years with no rate increases. However, experts forecast 2-4% annual utility inflation over the 30+ year panel lifespan as grid costs rise. Under moderate 3% escalation, total savings jump to $41,760!
Let‘s visualize premium savings with higher inflation:
To estimate savings tailored to your situation, adjust the assumptions for your:
- Location (impacts system size & pricing)
- Latest electric bills
- Projected utility rate increases
- Applicable financial incentives
You may be surprised just how much you can earn over 20+ years!
Now let‘s explore available incentives to reduce your purchase costs even further.
PA Solar Panel Incentives and Rebates
Beyond impressive long-term utility savings, investing in solar also qualifies you for these generous financial incentives:
Federal Solar Tax Credit – Covers 30% of your total system costs, including equipment, labor, permitting and more. Sitting at 30% through 2019, it stays strong at 26% in 2020-2022 before stepping down incrementally over time. Lock in max savings now! Based on our 6 kW example costing $16,800, you save $5,040 instantly.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits – For producing clean energy, PA awards one SREC credit for each 1,000 kWh your system generates yearly. Over 15 years, you can sell these back to utilities for added income. At around $50 per credit, a 6 kW array earns $400+ extra per year.
Net Metering – State law requires utilities to provide bill credits when your solar panels send excess power back to the grid for others to use. This offset rolls over month-to-month to reduce future electric costs. A great hedge against uncertainty!
Local Utility Rebates – A selection of municipal power companies and rural electric cooperatives also offer upfront purchase rebates of $250 – $500 to encourage local solar adoption. Ask yours if they participate!
Low Interest Loans – Options like the federal HomeStyle Energy mortgage let homeowners fold solar systems into overall home improvement loans with interest rates as low as 3%. This stretches costs over 10-15 years to effectively eliminate upfront purchase barriers.
Taken together, incentives like these can reduce effective out-of-pocket solar panel costs by 30-60% for PA families!
Okay, let‘s recap everything we learned about solar power economics in the Keystone State.
Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Homeowners
I realize this was an information-dense guide covering everything from system sizing methodologies to rebate options. So before deciding if solar works for you, consider these main takeaways:
🔅 Solar panel pricing averages $2.38-$3.50 per Watt across PA
🔅 Carefully calculate system size based on your annual usage and location sunlight
🔅 Maximize financial incentives to radically reduce effective system costs
🔅 Expect around 10 year average payback periods on your investment
🔅 Lock in free solar fuel to avoid rising electricity rates for decades
🔅 Earn over $15,000+ in long-term utility bill savings
Armed with this intel specific to YOUR household, you now have clarity whether 2023 is the year to finally go solar in Pennsylvania based on your financial situation.
If you still have any outstanding questions, don‘t hesitate to ask! I‘m here to help offer informed guidance every step of the way until you have 100% confidence in your decision.
Let‘s explore if we‘re a good fit to go solar together in PA!
