Scranton, PA
Solar in Scranton
Scranton homeowners are embracing solar panels for home as a practical solution to rising energy costs. With Pennsylvania electricity prices surging 31% since 2020, solar power offers Electric City residents a path to energy independence.
As Pennsylvania maintains its position as 13th nationwide for residential solar installations, Scranton’s unique climate and available incentives make solar energy an increasingly attractive long-term investment for local households.
PENNSYLVANIA by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Scranton homeowners can save an average of $60,824 over 25 years by installing solar panels, with electricity prices rising 31% since 2020.
- Pennsylvania’s solar incentives include a 30% federal tax credit and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that provide ongoing financial returns on your investment.
- Solar panels in Scranton remain productive year-round despite seasonal changes, with systems generating enough electricity to power 2-3.6 homes daily.
Solar Cost Calculator
Discover the true cost of solar panels in Scranton with our calculator, powered by real installation data from local neighborhoods like Green Ridge, Hill Section, and West Side. Get accurate, transparent pricing insights based on actual Palmetto installations throughout Lackawanna County.
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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.
Scranton Electricity Prices
Scranton residents face steadily increasing electricity costs, with rates climbing approximately 31% since 2021—outpacing the national average and impacting household budgets across the Electric City.
Pennsylvania’s electricity rates have risen from 13.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 17.8 cents in 2024. This 29% increase has left many Scranton homeowners searching for more predictable energy solutions.
Solar installation offers Scranton residents a way to take control of energy costs. With Scranton’s 213 annual sunny days and Pennsylvania’s strong solar incentives, homeowners can generate their own clean electricity.
While utility rates continue to fluctuate, solar panels provide Scranton homeowners with stable energy costs for 25+ years, potentially saving thousands over their system’s lifetime while increasing property values.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
Scranton Area Utility Providers
In Scranton, two main utility companies serve residents: Penelec and PPL, with 2023 rates of 19.1¢ and 19.5¢ per kWh respectively—both exceeding Pennsylvania’s average of 18.10¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.
Scranton’s higher electricity costs stem from Pennsylvania’s aging infrastructure and regional energy market fluctuations. As the Electric City continues experiencing these elevated rates, residents face increasing financial pressure on household budgets.
Solar installation offers Scranton homeowners a reliable alternative, providing predictable energy costs while reducing dependence on increasingly expensive utility power. This long-term approach to energy management can provide stability against future utility rate increases.
Scranton Utilities Electricity Rates
Pennsylvania Solar Incentives
Discover how solar incentives in Pennsylvania can significantly reduce your solar installation costs in Scranton, making clean energy more affordable for homeowners.
Scranton residents can benefit from both federal tax credits and state-specific incentives like Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and Net Metering, which provide ongoing financial returns on your solar investment.
These incentives can change over time, so research thoroughly and act promptly to maximize your savings on solar installation in Scranton, PA.
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 they generate. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar electricity your system produces—approximately 1 megawatt-hour (MWh)—you earn one SREC that can be sold to utility companies. These credits help Pennsylvania meet its renewable energy goals while providing you with a financial benefit beyond just saving on your electric bill.
As of January 2025, Pennsylvania SRECs are valued at approximately $31.25 per credit, though market prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. An average Pennsylvania home using about 10,000 kWh annually could potentially earn around 10 SRECs per year. To qualify, you must own your solar system (not lease it), register with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s Alternative Energy Credit Program, and be approved on the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) trading platform. Each SREC has a three-year useful life before expiring, so credits earned in 2023 must be sold by the end of 2025.
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 policy, 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 utility 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 electricity.
All major Pennsylvania utilities—including PECO, Duquesne Light, West Penn Power, Penn Power, PPL Electric, MetEd, and Penelec—offer this program with similar terms. Excess credits accumulate month-to-month throughout your billing year, helping you offset electricity costs during less sunny periods. At the end of the annual period (typically following May’s billing cycle or during June), any remaining credits are paid out at the utility’s Price to Compare rate, which ranges from approximately 8-12 cents per kilowatt-hour depending on your utility provider. After this annual payout, your credit balance resets to zero for the new year.
To qualify for net metering in Pennsylvania, you simply need to have a properly installed and interconnected solar system on your property. There’s no deadline to enroll, as this is an ongoing program available to all residential solar customers in the state. However, it’s worth noting that utility policies can change over time, so installing solar sooner rather than later ensures you’ll benefit from current favorable terms. Before installing solar, be sure to check with your specific utility company for their exact net metering rate and any special requirements for interconnection to the grid.
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.
Despite Scranton’s four distinct seasons and varying daylight hours, solar panels can effectively harness the city’s 174 sunny days per year, making it a viable location for clean energy production.
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
Discover the solar revolution in Scranton! We’ve mapped every solar installation in your area, revealing neighborhoods embracing clean energy. Explore our interactive heatmap to see how many of your neighbors have already made the switch to solar power.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Scranton, PA, Palmetto offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through all major utilities including PPL Electric Utilities and Pennsylvania Electric (Penelec). With a PPA, you’ll pay for the power your solar system generates at a set price per kilowatt-hour instead of a fixed monthly payment like a lease.
This financing option eliminates the upfront cost of purchasing solar panels while still providing significant electricity savings. Unlike owning panels outright, with a PPA Palmetto handles all maintenance, repairs, and system monitoring, giving you peace of mind and predictable energy costs.
PPAs are particularly beneficial for Scranton homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills without the responsibility of system ownership. Learn more about our LightReach PPA program and start saving immediately with no upfront investment.
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 in Scranton, PA despite its four-season climate. With electricity rates rising 31% since 2020, solar panels offer significant financial benefits through the federal tax credit and Pennsylvania’s SREC program.
Scranton’s 213 sunny days annually provide sufficient solar production, and homeowners can save an average of $60,824 over 25 years. The 8-year average payback period makes solar a practical long-term investment for Scranton residents.
Yes, Scranton has 1:1 net metering for solar customers. Pennsylvania Electric (Penelec), which serves Scranton, allows excess solar energy credits to carry over month-to-month on a per kWh basis.
At the end of the annual period, any remaining credits are paid out at approximately 9-10 cents/kWh during the June billing cycle, and your account balance is reset to zero for the new year.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Scranton. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
For Scranton homeowners, this translates to a significant property value boost while also providing electricity savings. However, this premium applies primarily to owned systems rather than leased panels, making ownership the better option for maximizing home value.
In Scranton, the average cost of solar installation ranges from $15,376 for a medium-sized home (7.79 kW system) to $20,190 for larger homes (10.53 kW system), after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
System costs vary based on roof complexity, equipment quality, and installation requirements. Most Scranton homeowners see payback periods around 8 years with average 25-year savings of $60,824.
Solar is financially worth it in Scranton due to rising electricity costs (31% since 2020) and strong incentives including the 30% federal tax credit and Pennsylvania’s SREC program.
With an average 8-year payback period and potential savings of $60,824 over 25 years, solar provides both immediate bill reduction and long-term financial benefits for Scranton homeowners.
As a national solar provider with extensive local experience, Palmetto is a top choice for Scranton residents. We’ve completed over 2,100 installations across Pennsylvania since 2020, offering industry-leading financing options and exceptional service.
Our comprehensive approach includes custom system design, professional installation, and ongoing support through our trusted local network of certified technicians, ensuring quality results for every Scranton homeowner.