Solar in Pennsylvania
What a typical 8 kW rooftop system generates and saves in Pennsylvania, from NREL sun data and the local power rate. A planning estimate, not a quote.
Based on 1270 kWh per kW per year of sun in Pennsylvania, a 20.9¢ per kWh rate, and $3.00 per watt installed.
In Pennsylvania, the payback is reasonable. Pennsylvania sits in the middle for sun with a rising rate, so the payback is reasonable and improving as power gets dearer.
Want to try a different system size? The full estimator lets you change the kilowatts and switch states. Remember this uses a state average; your roof, your exact rate, net metering, and any incentives will shift the numbers, so get two or three local quotes.
Pennsylvania solar questions
Is solar worth it in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania sits in the middle for sun with a rising rate, so the payback is reasonable and improving as power gets dearer. A typical 8 kW system in Pennsylvania generates about 10,160 kWh a year and saves roughly $2,123, paying back in about 11.3 years against an install cost near $24,000.
How much do solar panels cost in Pennsylvania?
At about $3.00 per watt installed (2.50 to 3.50 is the typical US range), a 8 kW system runs around $24,000 before the 30 percent federal tax credit or any state and utility programs.
How much sun does Pennsylvania get for solar?
NREL PVWatts puts Pennsylvania's photovoltaic output near 1270 kWh per kW of panels per year (Philadelphia). That is the figure behind the generation estimate; your roof's tilt and shading move it up or down.
Sources
Sun from NREL PVWatts, rate from the US Energy Information Administration, cost from 2026 US cost benchmarks. Last reviewed 2026-06-30. This is a planning estimate, not a quote. It uses a state-level representative figure for sun and electricity price; your roof, shading, tilt, exact utility rate, net-metering rules, financing, and incentives will change the result. The payback shown is before incentives; the 30 percent federal solar tax credit and any state or utility programs shorten it. Run PVWatts for your address and get two or three local quotes before deciding. Figures last reviewed on the verified date.
Other states: Hawaii, California, Maryland, Rhode Island. Or see the full estimator.