Pennsylvania Solar Market Overview

Pennsylvania is a growing solar market with strong incentives, net metering benefits, and diverse financing options. This guide provides key insights into the market landscape, including electricity rates, selling prices, financing structures, and policy details to support energy advisors in closing deals effectively.

1:1 Net Metering in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a 1:1 net metering policy, meaning solar system owners receive full retail credit for excess energy they send back to the grid. This policy ensures maximum value for solar investments and directly offsets utility costs.

Utility Rate Breakdown (kWh Pricing by Provider)

Understanding electricity rates by utility is crucial when demonstrating solar savings to homeowners:

• Met-Ed: $0.16 – $0.18 per kWh

• PennPower: $0.16 – $0.18 per kWh

• Penelec: $0.18 – $0.20 per kWh

• PP&L: $0.20 – $0.22 per kWh

• Duquesne Light Company (DLC): $0.24 – $0.30 per kWh

• PECO: $0.20 – $0.22 per kWh

• West Penn Power: $0.16 – $0.18 per kWh

Average Solar Pricing in Pennsylvania

• The average selling price for solar in PA ranges from $3.20 – $3.40 per watt.

• Compared to national averages, this pricing is competitive, especially with available incentives.

• Financing and leasing options make solar more accessible for homeowners.

Solar Adoption: Lease vs. Finance Split

• 50% Lease / 50% Finance: Pennsylvania sees an even split between leasing and financing, allowing for flexibility in structuring deals based on the customer’s needs.

Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)

• Homeowners and businesses earn 1 SREC per megawatt-hour (MWh) produced.

• As of now, Pennsylvania SRECs trade at $32 per SREC.

• Only available for financed or cash purchases (not for leased systems).

Approved Solar Installers in Pennsylvania

Having a trusted installer network helps establish credibility. Notable solar installation companies include:

• Renu Installer PA / Team Sunshine Installer PA

  • 4.7 - 4.9 -star customer ratings

  • Over 12 years in business

  • 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering:

    • Roof penetration

    • Parts & labor

Solar Financing & Lending Partners

Available Lenders:

• Dividend

• IGS

• GoodLeap

• GoodLeap TPO

IGS Availability & Qualifications

IGS is a major lender operating in these utility territories:

• PECO

• PPL

• Met-Ed

• DQE (Duquesne Light)

• PN (Penelec)

• WPP (West Penn Power)

• PP (PennPower)

Escalation Rates:

• 0% Escalator (Fixed payments for the loan duration)

• 2.9% Escalator (Annual increase in loan payments)

Solar Equipment & System Details For IGS

Racking System:

• Brand: EcoFasten

• Model: RockIt

Solar Panels:

• Manufacturer: ZNShine Solar

• Model: 430W

Inverters:

• Manufacturer: Enphase

• Model: Enphase IQ8PLUS-72-M

Shade Analysis Tool:

• Aurora Shade Report / Aerialytic

Mobile Home Solar Policies in Pennsylvania

Different lenders have varying policies on mobile home eligibility:

Leases:

• IGS: No approval unless the home is in a government-manufactured (GM) category.

• GoodLeap: Approves only if:

  • Double-wide or single-wide ground mount

  • Property value > $100,000

  • Permanent foundation required

Financing:

• GoodLeap: Same as lease requirements.

• Dividend: Will not approve mobile homes.

Homes Owned Under an LLC – Financing Guidelines

• LightReach: Approved for homes under LLCs.

• Dividend: Not approved.

• IGS: Not approved.

Final Takeaways for Energy Advisors

• Use utility rates to showcase solar savings potential.

• Understand financing options to match customers with the right plan.

• Emphasize SRECs as an extra incentive for homeowners.

• Stay updated on mobile home and LLC ownership policies to avoid delays.

• Work with reputable installers to ensure high-quality installations and warranties.