Updated for 2026

Pennsylvania Solar Incentives & Tax Credits

PA homeowners can stack six different incentives to dramatically cut the cost of going solar. Here's every program available to you in 2026 — and how to claim them all.

N/A
Federal Tax Credit
Required by PA Law
Net Metering
Retail Rate
Net Metering
Per MWh
SREC Income
Exempt
Property Tax
Exempt
Sales Tax

Every Incentive Available to PA Homeowners

Most homeowners qualify for multiple programs simultaneously. Our consultants identify every incentive you're eligible for before you sign anything.

Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)

No Longer Available

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is no longer available to new residential solar customers. We recommend speaking with a licensed tax professional for the most current federal incentive information. Our team will walk you through every incentive you still qualify for in Pennsylvania.

  • Federal ITC is no longer available for new installations
  • Pennsylvania state incentives remain fully in effect
  • Net metering and PA tax exemptions still apply
  • Speak with a tax professional for personalized guidance

Net Metering (PA Act 129)

Earn Credits on Excess Power

Pennsylvania's net metering law requires utilities like PECO, PPL, and Met-Ed to credit you for every kilowatt-hour your solar panels send back to the grid. When your panels produce more than you use — like on sunny summer days — that surplus spins your meter backward.

  • Required by law for all PA electric utilities
  • Credits apply at the full retail electricity rate
  • Excess credits roll over month to month
  • Dramatically reduces or eliminates your monthly bill

Pennsylvania SREC Market

Earn Per MWh Generated

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) let you earn additional income just for generating solar electricity. Each megawatt-hour (MWh) your system produces earns one SREC, which can be sold to utilities that need to meet Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards.

  • Earn one SREC per 1,000 kWh of solar production
  • SRECs can be sold through brokers or aggregators
  • Provides ongoing passive income from your solar system
  • PA utilities are required to purchase SRECs

Property Tax Exemption

100% Solar Value Exempt

Pennsylvania law exempts the added value of a solar energy system from your property tax assessment. Solar panels can increase your home's value by $15,000–$30,000 or more — and in Pennsylvania, that increase is 100% exempt from property taxes.

  • Applies to all residential solar installations in PA
  • No application required — automatic exemption
  • Saves hundreds per year in property taxes
  • Permanent exemption for the life of the system

Sales Tax Exemption

No PA Sales Tax on Solar

Pennsylvania exempts residential solar energy systems from the state's 6% sales tax. On a $25,000 system, that's $1,500 in immediate savings at the point of purchase — no forms to file, no rebate to wait for.

  • Applies to solar panels, inverters, and installation
  • Automatic at the point of sale — no application needed
  • Saves $1,500+ on an average residential system
  • Applies statewide to all PA residential installations

Real Savings Example: PA Homeowner

Based on a typical 8kW system in the Greater Philadelphia area

IncentiveTypeValue
System CostStarting Point$25,000
Federal 30% Tax CreditTax Credit−$7,500
PA Sales Tax ExemptionInstant Savings−$1,500
Net Metering CreditsOngoing CreditsVaries
Property Tax ExemptionAnnual Savings$300/yr
Net Metering CreditsMonthly Savings$100–$200/mo
SREC IncomePassive Income$50–$150/yr
Effective Net Cost After Incentives~$15,500

* Estimates only. Actual savings depend on system size, utility company, energy usage, and tax situation. Consult a tax advisor for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I save with solar in Pennsylvania?

Most Pennsylvania homeowners save $1,200–$2,400 per year on electricity. Over 25 years, that's $30,000–$60,000 in savings — and with rising PECO and PPL rates, those numbers keep growing.

Do I need good credit to go solar in Pennsylvania?

Most homeowners can go solar with $0 down financing. We also offer a PPA Solar Program where you pay only for the electricity your panels produce — no purchase or loan required. Ask us which option fits your situation best.

Is the federal solar tax credit still available?

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is no longer available for new residential solar installations. We recommend consulting a licensed tax professional for the most up-to-date federal incentive information. Pennsylvania homeowners still benefit from strong state incentives — net metering, and property/sales tax exemptions.

Can I combine multiple incentives?

Yes — and you should. Most PA homeowners stack net metering credits, the property tax exemption, and the sales tax exemption together. Our consultants walk you through every incentive you qualify for.

When do these incentives expire?

Net metering and property/sales tax exemptions are state law with no expiration. Act now to lock in your savings before utility rates rise further.

Find Out Which Incentives You Qualify For

Our free solar consultation identifies every federal, state, and utility incentive available to you — and shows you exactly what your system would cost after stacking them all.

No obligation · Takes 2 minutes