Scranton, PA Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Scranton
If you live in Scranton and have noticed your electric bills climbing, you are not alone. Pennsylvania residential electricity rates now average 17.79 cents per kWh, and prices have risen 31% from 2020 to 2024. For many Scranton homeowners, those rising costs are a good reason to take a closer look at solar.
At Palmetto, we help homeowners understand their options with clear, honest information. This guide walks you through the basics of solar installation in Scranton, so you can decide if it is right for your home. To dig even deeper, explore our guide on home solar panels.
PENNSYLVANIA by the Numbers
- 13th Most residential solar in the United States
- 68 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.4 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$74k Scranton average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Scranton, PA?
See what solar really costs in Scranton, based on real installations we've completed across the area. This calculator uses our firsthand local data to give you a clear, honest estimate for your home. No guesswork, just real numbers.
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
- System Cost: $26,082
- Price per Watt: $2.77
- Final Cost: $26,082
Savings
- Monthly Savings: Average utility bill reduction $168
- Payback Period: 10.9 years
- 25-Year Savings: $73,629
Palmetto Reviews
We couldn’t be happier with the service they provide! Installation was easy and quick, no issues. Friendly and helpful service every step of the way. We had a power outage one time that affected the panels, and we used the chat feature to resolve a reboot quickly. All around a positive experience…. AND we saved a ton on our electric bill!
– Jeremy Rogers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Palmetto did an excellent job! Installation started at 9am and they were done by lunchtime. I highly recommend Palmetto Solar for installation.
– Terry Dibiase, Blairsville, Pennsylvania
Key Takeaways
- Scranton electricity rates have climbed about 29% since 2021, making solar a smart way to gain more predictable energy costs.
- The average Scranton home can save around $74,000 over 25 years with solar, based on real Palmetto installations across the local area.
- Pennsylvania offers helpful incentives like SRECs and 1-to-1 net metering, plus leasing options through LightReach that require no upfront investment or maintenance.
Scranton Electricity Prices
If your Scranton electric bills keep climbing, here is what is driving those rising costs.
Pennsylvania residential electricity rates have risen steadily, from 13.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 17.8 cents in 2024. That is a roughly 29% increase, and it now runs above the national average.
Solar panel installation offers a way to take more control over these costs. By generating your own power, solar installation in Scranton can help reduce how much electricity you buy from the utility each month.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
- 2021: 13.7¢ (PA) | 13.8¢ (US Avg)
- 2022: 15.0¢ (PA) | 15.9¢ (US Avg)
- 2023: 16.0¢ (PA) | 18.1¢ (US Avg)
- 2024: 17.8¢ (PA)
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Form 861
Scranton Area Utility Providers
Most Scranton homeowners get their power from PPL. In 2023, PPL customers paid about 19.5¢ per kWh—higher than both the Pennsylvania average of 18.10¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.
Scranton Utilities Electricity Rates
| Utility | Rate |
|---|---|
| PPL | 19.50¢ |
| PA Average | 18.10¢ |
| US Average | 16.0¢ |
Source: US Energy Information Administration, 2023, Form 861, Table 6
Pennsylvania Solar Incentives
Scranton homeowners can offset the cost of going solar with several solar incentives in Pennsylvania.
| Incentive | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | SREC | Tradeable SREC for every 1,000 kWh generated, sold for $25–$40 each. |
| Pennsylvania Net Metering (1-to-1 Retail Rate) | Net Metering | Credit at full retail rate for excess electricity sent to the grid. |
| Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Funds (SEF) | Rebate | Low-interest loans and grants to support solar projects. |
| High Performance Building (HPB) Program | Rebate | Loans and grants for high-performance buildings including solar. |
| Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | Exemption from the state’s 6% sales tax on solar systems. |
| Penn Energy Savers Program (Pending Launch) | Rebate | Up to $8,000 rebates for income-qualified households on electrification upgrades. |
Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Pennsylvania homeowners earn one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (1 MWh) generated, required by law for utilities to source a portion from solar.
Pennsylvania Net Metering (1-to-1 Retail Rate)
Pennsylvania law requires investor-owned electric utilities to provide 1-to-1 net metering for residential solar systems, enabling homeowners to receive credits at the full retail rate.
Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Funds (SEF)
Pennsylvania’s SEF programs provide funding to make solar projects more financially accessible.
High Performance Building (HPB) Program
Provides financing for high-performance building projects including solar installations.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy systems are exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax, reducing upfront costs for homeowners.
Penn Energy Savers Program
Pending program anticipated to cover electrification upgrades for income-qualified households.
Scranton Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Scranton’s four distinct seasons affect solar production.
Solar Production in Scranton by Month
| Month | Daylight Hours | Energy Production (kWh/day) |
|---|---|---|
| January | TBD | TBD |
| February | TBD | TBD |
| March | TBD | TBD |
| July | TBD | 43.4 kWh/day |
| December | TBD | 18.1 kWh/day |
Want to know how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Solar Panel Systems in Scranton
Explore solar installations across the country, including a map of Scranton to see how many neighbors have already switched to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Scranton, most homes are served by PPL Electric Utilities, and Palmetto offers a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) here. With a PPA, you don’t pay upfront for the system. Instead, you pay a set price for each kilowatt-hour produced, often less than your utility charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Scranton, PA have net metering?
Yes. Scranton is served by PPL Electric Utilities which offers 1-to-1 net metering.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Scranton, PA?
Yes. Homes with solar sold for about 4.1% more, which can impact the market.
How much does it cost to go solar in Scranton, PA?
With a LightReach lease, homeowners can go solar for a low fixed monthly payment starting around $113/mo for a medium home.
How does leasing solar work?
Leasing through Palmetto’s LightReach program means one simple monthly payment covers all costs.
Do solar panels require maintenance in Scranton?
Solar panels are low maintenance and typically require only occasional cleaning.
What solar incentives are available in Scranton, PA?
Scranton homeowners can use several state and local incentives to make solar financially accessible.
Is solar worth it financially?
For many Scranton homeowners, solar can make financial sense, especially as utility rates rise.