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#19 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania averages 1,180 kWh per installed kW per year. At $16.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $7,155.

$14,112
System Cost (After Credits)
$7,155
25-Year NPV
10 years
Payback Period
$0.176/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Pennsylvania

7 kW system (2.88/W)$20,160
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,048
Net Cost$14,112

Solar Production in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania receives an average of 1,180 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 8,260 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Pennsylvania's average residential rate of $16.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,338. The solar LCOE of $0.176/kWh is -9% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Pennsylvania

1:1 net metering for systems up to 50 kW. PA SREC market ($30-40/MWh).

Solar by Utility in Pennsylvania

PECO Energy

Avg Rate: $16.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

PPL Electric

Avg Rate: $15.5¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for Pennsylvania

How much does solar cost in Pennsylvania?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Pennsylvania costs $20,160 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $14,112.
What is the solar payback period in Pennsylvania?
Based on the average PA utility rate of $16.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,180 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 10 years. The 25-year NPV is $7,155.
Does Pennsylvania have net metering?
1:1 net metering for systems up to 50 kW. PA SREC market ($30-40/MWh).
What is the LCOE of solar in Pennsylvania?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Pennsylvania is approximately $0.176/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $16.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -9% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania receives approximately 1,180 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 8,260 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 79% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

Maine

NPV: $20,868 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $24.8¢/kWh · #11 ranked

Colorado

NPV: $11,378 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #12 ranked

New Hampshire

NPV: $21,202 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $25.2¢/kWh · #13 ranked

Maryland

NPV: $8,768 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $15.8¢/kWh · #14 ranked

Rhode Island

NPV: $24,104 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $26.8¢/kWh · #15 ranked

Illinois

NPV: $7,460 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $16.2¢/kWh · #16 ranked

Get Your Pennsylvania Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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