Harrisburg, PA
Solar in Harrisburg
Harrisburg homeowners are discovering the power of solar panels for home energy solutions as Pennsylvania electricity prices have surged 31% since 2020. With the state ranking 13th nationally for residential solar installations, local residents are embracing this sustainable alternative.
Understanding your solar installation options in Harrisburg is the first step toward energy independence, lower utility bills, and a reduced environmental impact in Pennsylvania’s capital region.
PENNSYLVANIA by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Harrisburg residents can save $66,362 over 25 years with solar panels, offsetting electricity costs that have risen 31% since 2020.
- Pennsylvania offers valuable solar incentives including the 30% federal tax credit and Solar Renewable Energy Credits worth $200-400 annually.
- Solar panels in Harrisburg have a 7.5-year payback period and continue producing clean energy for decades after breaking even.
Solar Cost Calculator
Discover the true cost of solar in Harrisburg with our calculator, powered by real installation data from neighborhoods like Allison Hill, Midtown, and Camp Hill. Get accurate, local insights to make informed decisions about your clean energy investment.
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Estimated Investment and Savings
Based on Palmetto Solar installations in Pennsylvania. Current electricity rate: 17.8¢/kWh. Assumes 100% credit of retail rate.
Harrisburg Electricity Prices
Harrisburg residents face rising electricity costs, with Pennsylvania rates consistently exceeding the national average since 2021. Let’s examine what this means for your energy budget.
Electricity prices in Harrisburg have increased by nearly 30% since 2021, jumping from 13.8 cents per kWh to 17.8 cents per kWh in 2024, outpacing the national average of 16.5 cents.
Solar energy offers Harrisburg homeowners a stable alternative to these fluctuating utility rates. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce dependence on grid power and minimize exposure to future rate hikes.
Over a system’s 25+ year lifespan, Harrisburg solar installations typically deliver significant savings compared to purchasing all electricity from utilities, especially as Pennsylvania electricity rates continue their upward trend.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
Harrisburg Area Utility Providers
Harrisburg residents are served by two main utility providers: Met-Ed charging 17.2¢/kWh and PPL at 19.5¢/kWh in 2023. Both utilities’ rates differ from Pennsylvania’s 18.10¢ state average and the 16.0¢ national average.
PPL customers pay 7.7% more than the state average and 21.9% above national rates. Met-Ed offers slightly better pricing at 5% below the state average, though still 7.5% higher than national rates.
With utility rates fluctuating seasonally and trending upward long-term, solar installation provides Harrisburg homeowners predictable energy costs and protection from future utility rate increases while reducing carbon footprints.
Harrisburg Utilities Electricity Rates
Pennsylvania Solar Incentives
Harrisburg homeowners can access valuable solar incentives in Pennsylvania that significantly reduce installation costs and improve your return on investment.
Pennsylvania offers two key programs: Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that can provide $200-400 annually, and Net Metering that credits you for excess electricity your system produces.
These incentives can change over time, so researching current options and acting promptly ensures you maximize your solar savings in Harrisburg.
Save an average of
$6,590
in solar rebates in Pennsylvania
| INCENTIVE | TYPE | DESCRIPTION | SOURCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | State program | Roughly $200-400 per year in savings for a typical PA owner. Earn one SREC per 1,000 kWh generated. Typical home system produces 5-10 SRECs annually. Market prices vary based on supply/demand. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
Pennsylvania’s Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) program allows homeowners who own solar panel systems to earn additional income from the electricity their panels generate. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (1 megawatt-hour) of solar electricity your system produces, you earn one SREC that you can sell to utility companies. These credits help Pennsylvania meet its renewable energy goals while providing you with a valuable financial benefit beyond just saving on your electric bill.
As of January 2025, Pennsylvania SRECs are selling for approximately $31.25 each. An average Pennsylvania home with solar panels might generate about 10 SRECs annually, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to your solar savings each year. These credits have a three-year lifespan before expiring, giving you flexibility in when to sell them for maximum value.
To qualify for the SREC program, you must own your solar panel system (not lease it), register with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission as a qualified alternative energy facility, and register on the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) trading platform. Your solar installation must be located within Pennsylvania state lines to be eligible for PA SRECs.
While there are no specific deadlines to join the program, SREC prices fluctuate based on market conditions, so timing can affect your earnings. Working with a broker like SRECTrade can simplify the selling process, offering options to lock in rates for 3-5 years or sell at current market values. Remember that only system owners can claim SRECs—if you lease your solar panels, the leasing company typically retains the SREC benefits.
Net Metering in Pennsylvania is a valuable program that allows solar homeowners to receive full credit for the excess electricity their systems generate. Under this 1:1 net metering arrangement, when your solar panels produce more electricity than you’re using, that excess power flows back to the grid, and you receive a credit on your bill equal to the retail rate of electricity. This essentially allows your electric meter to run backward, offsetting the cost of power you draw from the grid when your system isn’t producing enough energy.
All major Pennsylvania utilities—including PECO, Duquesne Light, West Penn Power, Penn Power, PPL, MetEd, and Penelec—offer this program with similar terms. Excess credits accumulate month-to-month throughout the year, giving you flexibility during seasons when your system produces less. Each utility conducts an annual true-up, typically following May’s billing cycle or during June, when any remaining credits are paid out at rates ranging from approximately 8-12 cents per kilowatt-hour (depending on your utility’s Price to Compare). After this payment, your credit balance resets to zero for the new annual cycle. This program is available to residential solar customers with properly interconnected systems, with no specific enrollment deadlines as it’s an ongoing program.
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.
Despite Harrisburg’s varied seasons and moderate sunlight, solar panels thrive here with proper installation. The city’s climate actually offers excellent potential for clean energy production 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 Installations in Harrisburg
Discover solar adoption across Harrisburg with our interactive heatmap. We’ve meticulously tracked installations throughout the city, revealing neighborhoods where your community is embracing clean energy. Click any hexagon to see exactly how many homes have made the switch to solar in your area!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Harrisburg, PA, you have access to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through all major utility providers, including PPL Electric Utilities and Metropolitan Edison (MetEd). With a PPA, you pay only for the power your solar panels generate at a preset per-kilowatt-hour rate instead of a fixed monthly payment.
This option eliminates the upfront investment of purchasing solar panels while still reducing your electricity bills. Palmetto handles all maintenance, repairs, and monitoring, giving you peace of mind without ownership responsibilities.
PPAs are particularly beneficial during summer months when your system produces more electricity, maximizing your savings. For Harrisburg homeowners seeking solar benefits without the maintenance concerns, Palmetto’s LightReach PPA program offers a hassle-free path to clean energy with predictable costs.
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 financial sense in Harrisburg despite Pennsylvania’s moderate sunlight. With electricity rates 8% above the national average and rising 31% since 2020, solar offers significant savings.
Harrisburg homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, SRECs worth $200-400 annually, and full net metering through PPL and Met-Ed. A typical system pays for itself in 7.5 years while generating clean energy for 25+ years.
Yes, Harrisburg has excellent 1:1 net metering through both PPL Electric Utilities and Metropolitan Edison (MetEd). Excess generation credits carry over month-to-month on a per kWh basis.
At the annual true-up (typically May-June), any remaining credits are paid out at approximately 10-12 cents/kWh for PPL customers and 10-11 cents/kWh for MetEd customers, before the account resets to zero for the new cycle.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Harrisburg. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
For Harrisburg’s median home value of around $192,000, this translates to roughly $7,900 in added value, making solar an excellent investment beyond just energy savings.
In Harrisburg, a typical solar installation costs between $15,000-$21,000 after the federal tax credit for a medium-sized home (7-10kW system). This equates to approximately $2.15-$2.82 per watt.
Factors affecting your specific cost include system size, roof complexity, equipment quality, and installer. Most Harrisburg homeowners see a payback period of 7-8 years with their systems generating over $66,000 in lifetime savings.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Harrisburg with systems typically paying for themselves in 7.5 years while continuing to generate electricity for 25+ years. The average homeowner saves $66,362 over their system’s lifetime.
With Pennsylvania electricity rates 8% above the national average and rising yearly, solar provides protection against future rate increases while offering valuable incentives like the 30% federal tax credit and SRECs worth $200-400 annually.
As a national company with a strong local presence in Harrisburg, we at Palmetto offer comprehensive solar solutions with some of the best financing options in the industry. We’ve completed over 2,100 installations across Pennsylvania since 2020.
Our extensive installation network ensures quality service for Harrisburg homeowners, combining our national expertise with local knowledge to deliver reliable, cost-effective solar solutions tailored to Pennsylvania’s unique energy landscape.