Solar for homes isn’t just a trend—it’s a growing part of Pennsylvania’s energy future. With increasing solar installations statewide and rising electricity costs, homeowners across the Keystone State are asking the same question: Does it make sense to go solar here?
The short answer? Yes—if you understand the benefits, incentives, and local conditions. Whether you’re looking to lower your bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or gain energy independence, solar power in PA offers real potential.
Why Solar Energy for Homes Is Gaining Ground in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania may not be the sunniest state, but PA ranks in the top 25 states for solar installations. This growth is driven by falling panel prices and increasing interest in renewable energy. In fact, the cost of residential solar has dropped by more than 60% in the last decade across the United States.
At the same time, Pennsylvania electricity rates are on the rise with 2025 bills forecast to increase by as much as $15 per month. As energy costs continue to climb, locking in your own power source through solar is an increasingly attractive option.
What Home Solar Incentives and Programs Are Available in PA?
If you’re a Pennsylvania homeowner, you can take advantage of federal and state-level incentives that make solar more affordable.
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): You can deduct 30% of your system cost from your federal taxes.
- Net Metering: Under Pennsylvania’s net metering policy, you receive full retail credit for any electricity your solar system feeds back into the grid.
- Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): You can earn credits for the energy your panels produce and can sell those on the open market. This means you can actually get paid for the excess energy your solar panels produce.
Together, these programs (and others) can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs and boost your return on investment.
Is Your PA Home a Good Fit for a Solar Energy System?
While it doesn’t have the year-round sunshine of California or Arizona, Pennsylvania gets plenty of sun. It receives enough solar irradiance to make solar systems effective year-round. And cities like Philadelphia and Allentown actual average more than 200 sunny days per year.
What does that mean for your home? With proper placement, your solar system can generate enough electricity to reduce your utility bills and sometimes even generate excess energy during sunnier months. To maximize your solar potential, consider these factors:
Roof orientation and pitch: South-facing roofs are best, but east and west orientations can also be effective.
- Shade: Trees or buildings that block the sun may reduce your system’s efficiency.
- Roof condition: If your roof needs replacement soon, it’s smart to do it before installing panels.
- Energy usage: Higher electricity bills mean greater long-term savings from solar.
Even during the winter months, solar energy systems continue generating power and snowfall slides off panels, which are installed at an angle.
Addressing the Most Common Home Solar Concerns
Despite its adoption across the country, myths about solar energy still abound. Are any of these concerns on your radar:
1. “It’s too cloudy in PA for solar to work.”
Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy days. Even though sunlight only partially makes it through to your panels, they can still generate power, albeit at reduced efficiency. And solar home energy systems are designed to handle a range of weather conditions, even in Pennsylvania’s variable climate.
2. “Solar is too expensive.”
With incentives and direct-to-consumer sales options, solar has become more affordable. And with various financing options, you can get your system up and running without breaking the bank. For example, the SunSaver™ loan program offers financing that combines the best features of traditional loans and leases. It gives you initial low monthly payments with a predictable payment increase of just 2.9% annually.
3. “It’ll be a hassle to maintain.”
Residential systems are designed to be low maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning and an annual inspection. Panels come with 25- to 30-year warranties, and most components last a long time.
4. “It will decrease my home’s value.”
Modern home solar systems can actually increase the value of your home. In fact, a recent study showed that homes with solar power brought in an average of more than $9,000 above those without. And why not? Those sleek, low-profile, energy producing solar panels provide homeowners with solar energy benefits for years to come.
Is Home Solar Power Worth It in PA?
With rising electricity prices, generous solar incentives, and a strong net metering program, solar power in Pennsylvania makes sense for many homeowners. It’s a long-term investment in your home, your finances, and your energy independence.
Schedule a free solar consultation today and discover how much you could save by going solar in Pennsylvania. It’s fast, it’s local, and you can call (866) 50-SOLAR or click here to schedule your free consultation.
