Why solar panels are worth it in Pittsburgh and Western PA
Residential solar installations are on the rise in Pittsburgh and Western PA. Across the state, more than 115,000 homes are now powered by solar.
Despite the cloudy weather, solar panels installed in Pittsburgh can benefit from cooler temperatures and capture indirect light to generate electricity for your home. While local energy rates continue to rise, federal and state solar incentives can help homeowners accelerate their financial return on energy independence and savings.
- Averages 3.5 hours of daily peak sun
- Greater independence from West Penn and Duquesne utilities
- Up to 110% solar energy offset
- Federal and state renewable energy credits available
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Palmetto manages the installation process for you!
Our sophisticated modeling software make it easy to map the solar potential of your roof and forecast your solar energy savings.
If you decide that solar is right for you, we manage it from there! Our dedicated solar experts are familiar with the incentives and requirements in Pittsburgh and Western PA. We can move your project through permitting, installation, and approval while keeping you updated at every step.
- Dedicated team for Pittsburgh permitting and utility requirements
- Personal solar account for information and updates
- Local solar installers for seamless jobs and quick support
- Premium black solar panels and high-efficiency inverters
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Expect more from your Pittsburgh solar panel installation
Palmetto is your dedicated partner for the lifetime of your solar energy system. With more than ten years in business and a 25-year linear performance guarantee on all panels installed, you can count on us for long-term service, support, and peace of mind.
Local fulfillment network
Active system monitoring
Faster timelines and local expertise from dedicated Pittsburgh installation partners
Personal solar dashboard
Dedicated project coordinator
See information and updates as we move your project through permitting and installation
Dedicated point of contact
Accelerated installation times
Rely on concierge-style service for all questions and support
Long-term solar support
Ongoing account support
Coverage includes proactive performance monitoring and system reports
Choose Palmetto for home solar in Pittsburgh
All solar equipment and installation services are folded into one inclusive price and reflected in your estimate. We vet and partner with the best solar installation teams in Pittsburgh, so you get skillful and timely service backed by the security of a national company.
Palmetto Pittsburgh warehouse for faster solar installations
606 Parkway View Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
The Palmetto Pittsburgh warehouse is not open to the public.
Have a question? Call (855) 339-1831
Solar incentives in Pittsburgh and Western PA
Many Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania residents can tap into federal, state, and local utility incentives to offset the cost of installation and increase their long-term savings.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
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The Residential Clean Energy Credit allows eligible solar owners to deduct up to 30% of their system’s cost from their total federal tax liability for the year of installation.
One-to-One Net Metering
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All PA investor-owned electric utilities, like Duquesne and WestPenn Power, offer 1:1 net metering, allowing you to earn market rate credit on the excess solar energy you produce.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
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Through the Pennsylvania SREC program, Pittsburgh homeowners can earn credits for the solar energy they produce and sell those credits to local utilities for additional compensation.
Here's what our customers have to say
Scott, an actual Palmetto customer, shares his experience of going solar.
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“my power bill has decreased to next to nothing”
"If you're interested in solar panels, I can highly recommend Palmetto. The company handled all of the logistical details with my HOA, the permitting offices, and the power company. Palmetto sent me a text or email with updates on each step of the process. And the best part is that my power bill has decreased to next to nothing."
Patricia B.
Google Review
“I’m happy I chose them for my solar panel system”
"I went with a solar panel system through Palmetto in Pennsylvania. The salesman was very knowledgeable and was helpful at every step of the process. Everything went smoothly and I'm happy I chose them for my solar panel system."
Chris S.
Google Review
Learn more about solar panel installation in Pittsburgh
Find information and resources about going solar in Pittsburgh so you can invest with confidence.
Palmetto in the news
See why Palmetto was recently named “the most forward-thinking” solar provider by Solar Power World.
Solar incentives in Pennsylvania
Learn more about the solar incentives and programs in Pennsylvania that help maximize the value of residential solar energy.
How to cash in your PA SRECs
Learn how SRECs work in PA, and what to expect once your solar system is running.
Frequently asked questions
Does solar make sense in Pittsburgh?
Solar makes sense for homeowners in Pittsburgh who want to save money on electricity and increase their energy independence. While Pittsburgh doesn’t top the list of sunny cities, it averages 3.5 peak sun hours per day—enough to offset your electricity costs and boost your environmental impact. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can capture and generate power from indirect light and benefit from cooler temperatures.
If you’re interested in going solar, it’s important to work with a provider that can accurately map the solar potential of your roof and forecast your energy savings. There are several incentive programs across Pennsylvania that can accelerate your return on investment.
Are solar panels worth it in Western PA?
Yes, there are several reasons that solar panels are worth the investment in Western PA. Electricity rates in Pittsburgh are often higher than in other parts of the state, and local providers Penn Power, West Penn Power, and Duquesne all announced rate increases in 2022. Homeowners in Western PA can also take advantage of performance-based solar energy incentives like net metering and Solar Renewable Energy Credits to earn additional savings on the energy they produce.
Does solar increase your home value in Pittsburgh, PA?
Several research studies have shown that solar panels can increase the value of your home in Pittsburgh, Western PA, and markets across the U.S. While the dollar and percentage increase will depend on several factors, 2022 Rocket data suggests that solar-powered homes are 24.7% more likely to sell over asking price and spend 13.3% less time on the market.
How much does it cost to go solar in Pittsburgh, PA?
The cost to go solar in Pittsburgh and Western PA closely mirrors national averages. According to 2021 data reported by the Solar Energy Industries Association, residential solar installations across the U.S. averaged about $3.04 per kW or $15,000-$37,000 for a 5-12kW solar energy system before incentives were applied. Solar costs include equipment, permitting and interconnection fees, installation, and other associated services.
To understand the value, we have to look at savings. The 2021 median system size installed by Palmetto solar customers in Pennsylvania was 8.8kW and offered $13,456 in estimated 25-year savings. This value accounts for the total cost of the system as well as energy offset, utility rates and fees, tax credits, and other financial incentives.
Can you sell electricity back to the grid in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are a couple of ways that homeowners in Pennsylvania can effectively “sell” electricity back to the grid. Net metering programs, available through many utility provider in PA, allow you to earn market-rate credit for any excess energy you produce, essentially banking that value to apply towards your electricity expenses.
Homeowners also earn one Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) for every megawatt of energy their solar panels produce and can sell these credits to utility companies looking to meet the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) required by the state.
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Still have questions? Give us a call
Our team is familiar with the solar incentives, requirements, and benefits in Pittsburgh, PA and can help answer questions to see if solar is right for you.