Is There A “Pennsylvania Free Solar Program?”

First things first. The answer is no. There is no “Pennsylvania Free Solar Program.” It doesn’t exist. So, you may be wondering, “Why do I keep seeing ads talking about it?” These ads come from companies that promise you things that aren’t true in exchange for your contact information. Then those companies sell your info to solar installers like us. Sometimes, to a half dozen companies like us.

And, then, we’re forced to tell you the truth.

So, here it is. There is no single comprehensive “Pennsylvania Free Solar Program.” There are no free solar panels from the government. However, several programs and incentives are available to help reduce the cost of solar panel installation for Pennsylvania homeowners.

Available Pennsylvania Solar Programs and Incentives

Federal Tax Credit

While not specific to Pennsylvania, residents can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit, which offers a 30% tax credit on the cost of solar panel installation. This is the most significant incentive available to Pennsylvania homeowners. When you combine the federal tax credit, SRECs, and financing, the average homeowner in Pennsylvania can go solar and reduce or eliminate their monthly electric bill without putting any money down.

Net Metering & SRECs

Pennsylvania allows net metering for solar panel systems under 50kW, enabling homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the grid. SRECs, or Solar Renewable Energy Credits, are a tradable commodity representing the environmental benefits of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from solar energy. In the US, many states have Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that require a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. SRECs are a way for utilities and other electricity suppliers to meet these requirements by purchasing certificates representing the solar energy generated by solar systems.

We love SRECs and net metering. But they’re definitely not “free solar panels from the government.”

The PA Sunshine Program

This program may provide solar panels to eligible residents who meet specific criteria, such as income caps and living in areas designated as underserved by solar energy. This program involves rebates that are capped at $2,000 and a variety of requirements including:

• Residential PV systems rated no less than 1 kW and up to 10 kW. Larger residential systems may participate but will only receive rebates equivalent to the costs of the first 10 kW.
• PV components must be new equipment and must be on the California Solar Initiative’s list of eligible equipment.
• The system installer must be on the Department of Environmental Protection’s list of approved installers.
• Solar shade analysis must be completed and system performance calculation will produce no less than 80 percent of the annual output of a system with optimal placement and orientation.

We support programs and initiatives that make solar more accessible. But, this program is also not “free solar panels from the government”.

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

This program allows eligible homeowners to lease solar panels installed on their property without owning the system. Instead of paying to own your solar panels and system, you purchase solar energy produced by the panels from a third party. More about leasing vs owning solar panels.

The downside? You don’t own the solar panels or the system and you won’t qualify for the federal solar tax credit or many of the local incentives.

Things You Should Consider When Going Solar in PA

It’s important to note that while these programs can significantly reduce costs, none of them are actually “free” solar panels. The availability and terms of all programs can vary based on factors like location, income, and energy usage.

For most Pennsylvania homeowners, it’s better to own than lease. The Federal Solar Tax Credit will be the most beneficial for most homeowners. And it’s better to get a quote directly from a company like us than to give your information to a company that will sell your data repeatedly.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on available solar incentives in Pennsylvania, book a Free Solar Analysis and we’ll show you exactly what rebates and incentives apply to your unique situation.