Harrisburg, PA Solar Panels
Solar Power in Harrisburg
If you’re a Harrisburg homeowner exploring solar, the timing makes sense. Pennsylvania electricity rates have climbed 31% since 2020 and now sit at 17.79 cents per kWh — well above the national average — making solar an increasingly practical choice for local households.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about solar panel installation in Harrisburg — from how the technology works to what the process looks like for a home in the area. Start with our overview of solar panels for your home to see if it’s the right fit.
PENNSYLVANIA by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Harrisburg, PA?
Using real installation data from Harrisburg and surrounding communities like Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, Hershey, and Carlisle, this calculator gives you an honest, local estimate of what solar panels might cost — and save — for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania electricity rates have risen 29% since 2021 — now above the national average — making solar an increasingly smart choice for Harrisburg homeowners.
- A typical Harrisburg home can save around $66,000 over 25 years with solar, with monthly savings starting around $152 on your electric bill.
- Pennsylvania offers valuable solar incentives like net metering and SRECs — and leasing lets you go solar with no upfront cost starting at just $94/month.
Harrisburg Electricity Prices
Harrisburg, PA homeowners are paying more for electricity than ever — and the gap with the national average keeps growing.
Pennsylvania’s electricity rate rose from 13.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 17.8 cents per kWh in 2024 — a nearly 29% increase in just three years, outpacing the national average of 16.5 cents per kWh.
Solar panels can help Harrisburg homeowners offset this rising cost by generating their own electricity at home, reducing how much power they need to buy from the grid each month.
Over time, that shift from grid dependence to home generation adds up. As utility rates continue to rise, the energy a solar system produces becomes increasingly valuable — providing more predictable costs for years to come.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
Harrisburg Area Utility Providers
Harrisburg homeowners are served primarily by two utilities: Met-Ed and PPL. Based on 2023 data, Met-Ed charges 17.2¢ per kWh and PPL charges 19.5¢ per kWh.
Both rates exceed the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh. PPL’s rate also sits above Pennsylvania’s 2023 state average of 18.10¢ per kWh, driven by grid infrastructure and regional energy demand.
When local electricity costs run higher than national averages, solar can offset more of a household’s energy bill. Many Harrisburg homeowners explore solar as a way to better manage their long-term energy costs.
Harrisburg Utilities Electricity Rates
Pennsylvania Solar Incentives
Pennsylvania offers several solar incentives in Pennsylvania that can help Harrisburg homeowners reduce the overall cost of going solar — though not every incentive applies to all utility service territories.
Key programs include Pennsylvania’s net metering policy, which requires investor-owned utilities to credit excess solar energy at the retail rate, and SRECs, which let solar owners earn tradeable credits for the electricity their system generates.
Note that the federal residential solar tax credit was eliminated by the Big Beautiful Bill. State incentives remain. Homeowners who lease through Palmetto’s LightReach program benefit from Palmetto’s commercial tax credit, passed through as lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | SREC | Pennsylvania solar owners earn one tradeable Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) for every 1,000 kWh their system generates, which can be sold for cash on the open market. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania Net Metering Program | Net Metering | Pennsylvania law requires all investor-owned utilities to offer 1-to-1 net metering credits at the retail electricity rate for excess solar energy sent to the grid by residential customers. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania Solar Energy Program (SEP) | Grant | The Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Solar Energy Program provides grants and loans to support solar energy generation and distribution projects in Pennsylvania, primarily targeting businesses, municipalities, and institutions. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Funds (SEF) Financing | Loan/Financing | Pennsylvania’s utility-affiliated Sustainable Energy Funds provide low-interest loans and grants for clean energy projects, including solar and solar-plus-storage systems, within specific utility service territories. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania Solar for All Program | Grant | A state program funded by a $156 million federal EPA grant aimed at providing free or subsidized solar installations for up to 12,500–14,000 low-income households across Pennsylvania — currently not operational pending legislative authorization. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania C-PACE Financing (Commercial Solar) | Loan/Financing | Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing allows Pennsylvania commercial property owners to fund solar installations with up to 100% project financing repaid through a voluntary property assessment over terms up to 30 years. |
Under Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) Act, residential solar owners earn one Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) — also called a Solar Alternative Energy Credit (SAEC) — for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (1 MWh) of electricity their solar system produces. These credits can be sold to electric utilities and suppliers who are required by law to source a portion of their energy from solar, creating a real cash income stream for homeowners in Harrisburg.
As of 2025–2026, Pennsylvania SRECs are trading in the range of approximately $26–$35 per credit. Credits are tracked through the PJM Generation Attribute Tracking System (PJM-GATS), and your solar installer typically handles initial registration. Homeowners must own (not lease) their solar system to claim SRECs. Credits are eligible for use in the energy year they are generated and for the following two energy years.
The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC). To participate, you or your installer must register your system with PJM-GATS and install a revenue-grade production meter. Many homeowners work with an SREC broker to facilitate sales. Visit the PUC’s AEPS page or pennaeps.com for registration details and program updates.
Under Pennsylvania’s net metering policy (established in Pennsylvania Code Chapter 75.11), residential solar customers of all investor-owned utilities receive bill credits at the full retail rate of electricity for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) their solar system sends back to the grid — up to 100% of their annual electricity consumption. This 1-to-1 credit effectively means your meter runs backward when your panels overproduce, directly offsetting what you owe on your electric bill. Residential systems up to 50 kW in capacity are eligible.
Credits roll over month to month throughout the year. At the end of the net metering year (May 31st), any remaining excess kilowatt-hours are compensated at the “price-to-compare” rate — the generation and transmission portion of the retail rate, which is lower than the full retail rate but still provides meaningful value. Harrisburg is served by PPL Electric Utilities, which participates in net metering. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives also participate.
Net metering is one of Pennsylvania’s most valuable ongoing solar incentives, especially now that the federal residential tax credit has expired. By significantly reducing or eliminating your monthly electric bill, net metering can shorten your solar payback period considerably. Contact your specific utility or the Pennsylvania PUC for details on interconnection requirements and how credits are applied to your account.
The Pennsylvania Solar Energy Program (SEP) is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). The program provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to promote the installation and use of solar energy systems across the Commonwealth, with a focus on solar generation and distribution projects.
Grants for solar energy generation or distribution projects are capped at the lesser of $1 million or $1.50 per watt of installed capacity. An important condition of receiving a grant is that Solar PV project recipients must contractually commit to transferring ownership of all Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) generated by the system to the CFA for the life of the project. Grants are also available for solar component manufacturers — up to $5,000 for every new job created within three years of project approval.
While this program is primarily geared toward commercial, municipal, and institutional applicants rather than individual homeowners, it represents a significant state-level financial resource for larger-scale solar deployments in Pennsylvania. Interested applicants should visit the DCED website for current funding availability, application requirements, and program guidelines.
Pennsylvania’s Sustainable Energy Funds (SEFs) are utility-affiliated financing programs that have collectively provided over $20 million in low-interest loans and nearly $2 million in grant funding to support clean energy projects across the state. The SEFs operate within specific utility service territories and are commonly used to support commercial, municipal, and community-scale solar and solar-plus-storage deployments. Applicable territories in the Harrisburg area include PPL Electric and FirstEnergy utilities such as Met-Ed and Penelec.
SEF financing is specifically designed to close capital gaps that remain after other incentives and market revenues have been applied. Financing amounts are determined by remaining capital gaps, project economics, and demonstrated public benefit. These funds are frequently layered with other incentives — such as Act 129 programs and PJM market revenues — to make projects financially viable that might not otherwise pencil out.
While SEF programs are primarily oriented toward commercial, municipal, and larger-scale projects rather than individual homeowners, they represent an important financing tool for solar-plus-storage projects in Pennsylvania. Contact your regional SEF administrator or the Pennsylvania DEP’s Energy Programs Office for information on current availability, eligibility, and how to apply within your utility territory.
The Pennsylvania Solar for All Program was designed to provide solar installations for up to 12,500–14,000 low-income households throughout the Commonwealth over a five-year period, along with financial assistance for home repairs needed to support solar installation. In April 2024, the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) was awarded a $156 million grant under the U.S. EPA’s Solar for All competition, submitted in coalition with the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp. (PGCC). The program targets low-income homeowners and residents of disadvantaged communities — including eligible residents of Harrisburg — who would otherwise be unable to afford solar.
Current Status — Not Operational: The program is not currently accepting applications. On August 7, 2025, EPA Administrator Zeldin announced that the federal agency would no longer be implementing the $7 billion national Solar for All program, with the Working Families Tax Cut legislation rescinding remaining federal funds. Pennsylvania’s ability to deploy its $156 million award is contingent on state legislative authorization, which was pending as of mid-2025.
Low-income Pennsylvania households and residents of disadvantaged communities should monitor the Pennsylvania DEP’s Energy Programs Office website for updates on whether the program receives state authorization and begins accepting applications. If activated, this program could provide significant no-cost or low-cost solar access to eligible residents across the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program allows commercial building owners and developers to finance solar energy systems — including solar-plus-storage — with up to 100% of total project costs covered. Financing is repaid through a voluntary special assessment placed on the property, which transfers with the building if it is sold. This structure eliminates the need for large upfront capital and makes solar financially accessible for commercial property owners in Harrisburg who may not qualify for traditional loans.
C-PACE financing in Pennsylvania offers terms of up to 30 years, with a minimum financing amount of $100,000. Because repayment is tied to the property rather than the borrower’s credit, it can be easier to qualify for than conventional financing. C-PACE is frequently layered with other incentives such as the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and MACRS depreciation to maximize project economics.
Important Note for Homeowners: Pennsylvania does not currently have enabling legislation for Residential PACE (R-PACE), so this program is only available to commercial, industrial, and multifamily property owners. Residential homeowners should explore other financing options such as solar loans. Visit pennsylvaniacpace.org for program details, eligible project types, and how to apply.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Pennsylvania incentives.
Get a Free QuoteHarrisburg Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Harrisburg gets four distinct seasons, with snowy winters and sunny summers. Despite cloudy stretches, its annual sunlight is enough to make solar a smart, productive investment year-round.
Solar Production in Harrisburg by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Harrisburg
We’ve mapped solar installations across Harrisburg to show just how many neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the interactive map below to see which communities and neighborhoods are leading the way on solar energy right here in Harrisburg, PA.
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’d prefer not to pay the full cost of a solar system upfront, Palmetto offers an alternative through its LightReach program. In Pennsylvania — including Harrisburg — a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is available across all major utility service territories, including PPL Electric Utilities and Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), the two utilities that serve most Harrisburg-area homeowners.
With a PPA, you don’t own the solar panels — Palmetto does. Instead of paying a large upfront cost, you simply pay for the electricity your panels produce at a set rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Because solar panels tend to generate more power in summer than winter, your monthly solar bill will naturally vary with the seasons. Palmetto handles all system maintenance, monitoring, and repairs, so there’s nothing to manage on your end. To understand how a PPA compares to a lease or cash purchase, this guide breaks down the key differences.
Compared to a cash purchase, a PPA means no large investment to recoup, no maintenance responsibilities, and no waiting years for a payback period. Your savings begin as soon as your system is turned on. For Harrisburg homeowners looking for a straightforward way to reduce their electricity bills without the complexity of ownership, a PPA is worth exploring.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense for most Harrisburg homeowners. Pennsylvania electricity rates have risen nearly 29% since 2021 — now at 17.8¢/kWh — and Harrisburg receives an average of 4.6 peak sun hours per day, enough to generate meaningful savings year-round. A typical home can save around $66,000 over 25 years.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease removes that barrier entirely — you can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with payments starting as low as $94/month.
Yes, Harrisburg homeowners have access to net metering. Pennsylvania law requires all investor-owned utilities to offer 1-to-1 net metering at the full retail rate. Harrisburg is primarily served by PPL Electric Utilities and Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), both of which participate. Excess credits roll over month to month on a per-kWh basis.
At the end of the net metering year (typically May or June), any remaining credits are compensated at the Price to Compare (PTC) rate — roughly 10–12¢/kWh for PPL and 10–11¢/kWh for Met-Ed — after which your account resets to zero.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home value in Harrisburg. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $300,000 home in the Harrisburg area, that’s roughly $12,300 in added value.
This premium reflects buyer demand for lower utility bills — especially relevant in Pennsylvania, where electricity rates have risen nearly 29% since 2021. Note that owned systems typically add more value than leased systems, as the benefit transfers directly to the new owner.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Harrisburg homeowners can go solar for no upfront cost — with monthly payments starting as low as $94/month for a medium-sized home. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, and passes its commercial tax credit savings through to you via lower payments.
For those preferring a cash purchase, a typical 7.79 kW system in Harrisburg costs around $21,966. Note that the federal 30% residential solar tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate based on your home size.
For many Harrisburg homeowners, solar is worth it financially — especially with rising Pennsylvania electricity rates now at 17.8¢/kWh. With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, there’s no upfront investment required. Your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electric bill, meaning you start saving from day one.
A typical Harrisburg home can save approximately $66,000 over 25 years with solar. Leasing removes the financial barrier entirely — no large purchase, no payback period to wait for, just immediate, predictable savings.
Palmetto Solar is a trusted choice for Harrisburg homeowners. As a national company with a local focus, we’ve completed 2,131 installations across Pennsylvania since 2020 — backed by an experienced install network and some of the best financing options in the industry, including our LightReach lease with no upfront cost.
We handle everything from design and permitting to installation and ongoing monitoring. Harrisburg residents benefit from our deep familiarity with local utilities like PPL and Met-Ed, making the process straightforward from start to finish.
Palmetto’s LightReach is an all-inclusive solar lease — one monthly payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. There is no upfront cost. For a typical 7.79 kW system in Harrisburg, the estimated lease payment is approximately $94/month.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — a key advantage now that the residential ITC is no longer available. Most Harrisburg homeowners pay less per month than their current electric bill, so savings begin immediately.