Solar incentives and tax credits available in Philadelphia, PA

Solar Incentives in Philadelphia, PA

Complete guide to solar tax credits, rebates, and incentive programs available to Philadelphia homeowners in 2026.

%

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

30% of total system cost

Philadelphia homeowners can deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from their federal taxes. This applies to all qualified solar installations in Philadelphia, PA.

Pennsylvania State Solar Incentives for Philadelphia Homeowners

Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credits

SREC

Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard creates demand for SRECs from residential solar installations.

$20-$40 per SREC

Solar Energy Program Grants

Rebate

Some Pennsylvania utilities offer solar rebate programs for customers in their service territories.

Varies by utility

Property Tax Exemption

Property Tax

Pennsylvania allows local jurisdictions to exempt solar energy systems from property tax increases.

Varies by municipality

Net Metering in Philadelphia, PA

Available

Pennsylvania requires electric distribution companies to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 50 kW. Credits are provided at the full retail rate.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) in Philadelphia

Available

Pennsylvania has an SREC market driven by its Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard. Solar system owners earn one SREC per MWh and can sell them to utilities or on the open market.

Average SREC Price: $20-$40 per SREC

Tax Exemptions in Philadelphia

Property Tax Exemption
Solar systems in Philadelphia are exempt from property tax assessment increases
Sales Tax Exemption
No sales tax exemption for solar equipment

How to Claim Solar Incentives in Philadelphia

  1. Install your solar system: Work with a qualified Philadelphia solar installer to design and install your system.
  2. Claim the federal ITC: File IRS Form 5695 with your federal tax return to claim the 30% tax credit.
  3. Apply for state programs: Contact your Pennsylvania energy office or local Philadelphia utility to apply for available incentives.
  4. Set up net metering: Contact your utility in Philadelphia to set up net metering and start earning credits.
  5. Keep records: Save all receipts, contracts, and permits for tax filing and warranty purposes.

Solar Incentives FAQ - Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, plus 3 state-level incentive programs, net metering, and SRECs. These incentives can reduce your total solar cost by 30-50%.

The 30% federal tax credit alone can save Philadelphia homeowners approximately $5.3k on a typical system. Combined with Pennsylvania state programs and SREC income, total savings over 25 years can reach $32k or more.

Pennsylvania requires electric distribution companies to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 50 kW. Credits are provided at the full retail rate.

To claim the 30% federal ITC, Philadelphia homeowners need to file IRS Form 5695 with their annual tax return. The credit applies to the full cost of your solar system including equipment and installation. You must own the system (not lease it) to claim the credit.

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30%Federal Tax Credit
25+Year Savings
$0Down Options