Are Solar Panels Worth It in Pennsylvania? Data-Backed Analysis
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Maybe
Solar may be worth it in Pennsylvania depending on your situation.
The Numbers
Average System Cost
$158,248
26.2 kW system
After Federal ITC
$110,774
30% tax credit applied
Total Installations
9,412
83% residential
Factors in Favor
- ✓Federal 30% Investment Tax Credit available to all homeowners
- ✓83% residential - strong homeowner adoption
Things to Consider
- !Above-average installation cost ($6.04/W vs national $4.18/W)
- !Relatively few installations (9,412) - market is still developing
Pennsylvania vs National Average
| Metric | Pennsylvania | National |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per Watt | $6.04 | $4.18 |
| Total Installations | 9,412 | 3,426,466 |
| Total Capacity | 247 MW | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
The average solar system in Pennsylvania costs approximately $158,248 (avg 26.2 kW system at $6.04/W). After the 30% federal ITC, your net cost would be around $110,774.
All Pennsylvania homeowners are eligible for the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which reduces the cost by approximately $47,474. Additional state and local incentives may further reduce your costs. Visit our Pennsylvania incentives page for a complete breakdown.
Pennsylvania has 9,412 solar installations. Whether solar is worth it depends on your specific situation, electricity usage, and roof orientation.
Source: LBNL Tracking the Sun, U.S. Department of Energy, EIA. Costs and savings are estimates based on average residential installations and may vary.