Solar Guide
Solar in Scranton
Scranton homeowners are turning to solar energy to combat rising electricity costs, with Pennsylvania’s rates 31% higher than just four years ago. Solar installation offers a path to energy independence in northeastern Pennsylvania’s changing energy landscape.
Understanding your home solar panel options is the first step. This guide covers everything Scranton residents need to know about local solar installation.
PENNSYLVANIA by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Scranton residents face 31% higher electricity rates than four years ago, making solar panels a smart financial investment.
- Pennsylvania offers excellent solar incentives including 30% federal tax credits and SRECs worth $200-400 annually.
- Average Scranton homeowners save $61,000 over 25 years with solar while reducing carbon emissions significantly.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Scranton neighborhoods like North Scranton, Green Ridge, and West Side. Get accurate pricing estimates based on actual local projects, not generic estimates.
System
Cost
Savings
Scranton Electricity Prices
Scranton residents face rising electricity costs that significantly impact monthly budgets and long-term financial planning.
Pennsylvania electricity rates jumped from 13.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 18.1 cents in 2023, representing a 31% increase over two years.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, helping homeowners avoid these unpredictable rate increases while reducing monthly energy expenses.
Over 25 years, solar systems provide stable energy costs, protecting Scranton families from future utility rate hikes and inflation.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
Scranton Area Utility Providers
Scranton residents receive electricity from three main utility providers: Met-Ed, Penelec, and PPL. Based on 2023 data, their rates range from 17.2¢ to 19.5¢ per kilowatt-hour.
All three utilities charge above the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh, with rates reflecting Pennsylvania’s energy infrastructure costs and regional transmission expenses.
Higher electricity rates mean greater potential savings from solar energy. Scranton homeowners can reduce their dependence on utility pricing by generating their own clean power.
Scranton Utilities Electricity Rates
Pennsylvania Solar Incentives
Scranton residents can significantly reduce solar installation costs through solar incentives in Pennsylvania and federal programs designed to make clean energy more affordable.
Pennsylvania offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), allowing homeowners to earn $200-400 annually by selling credits for electricity their solar panels generate to the grid.
Net metering provides bill credits when your system produces excess electricity, giving you full retail value for surplus energy generated.
$6,590
Average savings in Pennsylvania solar rebates
| 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 with solar panels to earn money for the clean electricity they generate. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar electricity your system produces, you earn one SREC that can be sold on the open market. This means a typical home solar system in Pennsylvania generates about 10 SRECs per year, providing an ongoing income stream from your solar investment.
As of January 2025, each SREC sells for approximately $31.25, though prices fluctuate based on market conditions. SRECs have a three-year lifespan, so credits earned in 2025 can be sold anytime through 2027. To participate, you must own your solar system (not lease it) and register with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s Alternative Energy Credit Program. Your system must also be registered on the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) trading platform. Pennsylvania SRECs can be sold in both Pennsylvania and Ohio markets, giving you flexibility in finding buyers.
Net metering in Pennsylvania allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. When your solar system produces more power than your home uses, that extra energy flows to the electric grid and you receive a 1:1 credit on your electric bill – meaning you get full retail rate credit for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you contribute. This credit system is available across all major Pennsylvania utilities including PECO, Duquesne, PPL Electric, and others.
The financial benefit varies by utility company, with excess credits typically valued between 8-12 cents per kWh when cashed out annually. Your monthly credits can roll over throughout the year, but each utility conducts an annual “true-up” period (usually in May or June) where any remaining excess credits are paid out at the utility’s wholesale rate and your account resets to zero. For example, PECO pays around 8-9 cents per kWh during their May true-up, while PPL Electric pays 10-12 cents per kWh during their June settlement. This system helps maximize your solar investment by ensuring you receive value for all the clean energy your system produces, even when you generate more than you can use immediately.
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 QuoteScranton 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.
Scranton’s four distinct seasons and varying daylight hours create unique solar conditions. Despite cloudy winters, proper system design maximizes year-round energy production effectively.
Solar Production in Scranton 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 Scranton
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to create this interactive heatmap of Scranton. Click any hexagon to discover how many neighbors in that area have already made the switch to clean energy!
Leasing Solar Panels
Scranton residents have access to Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) through most local utility providers, including PPL Electric, Met-Ed, and Penelec. With a PPA, you pay only for the solar electricity your system generates at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour, typically lower than your current utility rates.
Unlike purchasing solar panels outright, PPAs require no upfront investment and include system maintenance, monitoring, and repairs. This means you start saving on electricity costs immediately without worrying about equipment ownership or performance issues.
Our LightReach program offers PPA options specifically designed for Pennsylvania homeowners, providing predictable energy costs and immediate savings while Palmetto handles all system responsibilities throughout the agreement term.
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 excellent sense in Scranton. With Pennsylvania electricity rates jumping 31% in just two years and averaging 17.8¢ per kWh, solar panels provide significant savings and energy independence.
Scranton homeowners typically save around $61,000 over 25 years while benefiting from excellent state incentives including Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) worth $200-400 annually, plus the 30% federal tax credit that reduces installation costs substantially.
Yes, Scranton has net metering through all major utilities. PPL Electric, Met-Ed, and Penelec all offer 1:1 net metering, meaning you receive full retail rate credit for excess solar electricity sent to the grid.
Credits roll over monthly throughout the year, then any remaining excess is paid out at wholesale rates (8-12 cents per kWh) during annual true-up periods in May or June, depending on your utility provider.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Scranton, PA. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar systems.
For the average Scranton home, this translates to thousands of dollars in added value. Additionally, solar homes often sell faster than non-solar properties as buyers increasingly value energy efficiency and lower utility costs in today’s market.
Solar installation costs in Scranton range from $11,774 to $20,190 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs.
A typical medium-sized home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) requires a 7.79 kW system costing approximately $15,376 after incentives. This includes equipment, installation, permits, and interconnection with your utility provider for a complete turnkey solar solution.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Scranton. With Pennsylvania electricity rates increasing 31% in two years, solar provides substantial long-term savings and protection from rising utility costs.
The average Scranton homeowner saves $61,000 over 25 years with an 8.1-year payback period. Combined with federal tax credits, SRECs worth $200-400 annually, and increased home value, solar delivers strong financial returns while reducing energy dependence.
We are the leading solar company serving Scranton, PA. With over 2,131 installations completed across Pennsylvania since 2020, we bring proven expertise to northeastern Pennsylvania’s unique solar conditions.
Our comprehensive approach includes industry-leading financing options, professional installation networks, and ongoing support throughout your solar journey. We understand Scranton’s climate challenges and utility requirements, ensuring optimal system performance for local homeowners.