Cost of Solar Panels in Pennsylvania

How much do solar panels cost in Pennsylvania?

Solar panel prices in Philadelphia are comparable to the statewide average, ranging from $14,853 to $29,707. It costs between $13,504 and $27,009 to go solar in Pittsburgh.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Pennsylvania

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

How to compare solar quotes

Most installers set the price according to the system’s wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” allows you to compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

Solar prices in Pennsylvania have decreased 42% over the last decade.

According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $2.62 in Pennsylvania.

Get quotes from at least three solar companies in Pennsylvania. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor, permits and grid hookup. Watch for hidden fees for system monitoring or maintenance service charges.

Solar panel costs in Pennsylvania

Solar panel installation cost factors in Pennsylvania

How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

A typical Pennsylvania household needs about a 7.8 kW system, which costs $20,436 on average. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, which makes the entire system more cost-effective.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary by efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best value. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.
• Solar batteries: Solar battery costs generally range from $7,000 to $18,000. Batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
• Solar inverters: Inverters convert solar power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track energy production and identify potential issues. If not, you can buy a standalone system for $80 to $400.

Pro tip

If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in rural parts of Pennsylvania should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from customers who were blindsided by expensive roof repairs discovered after their solar panels were already installed. This is a frustrating and expensive process — avoid it if you can.

To ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Other cost factors

• Labor costs: Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are still relatively high in some parts of the state. Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30% of total costs.
• Local permits: The permitting process depends on your municipality. For example, the City of Philadelphia has a different process than the City of Pittsburgh.
• Ongoing costs: Solar panels have relatively low maintenance costs. If you clean the solar panels yourself, the only maintenance cost will be the water used to hose them down. Hiring a professional to clean your solar panels typically costs between $100 and $350.

Are solar panels worth it in Pennsylvania?

Solar is often worth it for Pennsylvania homeowners looking for long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $61,682 in utility costs on average.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

We’ve talked to dozens of solar customers in Pennsylvania, and many are satisfied with their decision to go solar. For instance, Barry in Blandon said their electric bill is only $7 each month, and Ted in Huntingdon’s bill has been $0 for over a year.

People who are dissatisfied after going solar often tell us about slow installation timelines, faulty equipment and hidden fees. These problems are usually more specific to a particular solar company, though. With the right solar partner, you could be well on your way to powering your house with cheap, clean energy for decades.

We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Then, weigh your installation costs against how much you can save over time.

Regional solar considerations in Pennsylvania

Whether going solar is worth it depends on where you live in Pennsylvania. The state averages 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours daily. Lots of shading — like tall trees above your roof — will make your solar system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

How can I pay for solar panels in Pennsylvania?

Financing options and leasing programs make solar more affordable for Pennsylvania homeowners.

• Solar financing: A solar loan works like any other home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
• Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains the panels on your property, and you pay a monthly fee to use them.

In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly loan or lease payment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 6.92 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives in Pennsylvania

The federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

Pennsylvania also has state grant and loan programs through the Department of Community and Economic Development that support solar adoption. If you live in Philadelphia, you can get a permit fee break through the solar incentive program.

» EXPLORE: Pennsylvania solar incentives

Compare solar companies in Pennsylvania

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Pennsylvania. Read our guides to solar companies in Philadelphia and solar companies in Pittsburgh for more.

Bottom line

Home solar system costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as system size, local labor rates and available incentives.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Pennsylvania and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Pennsylvania and nearby states