Many homeowners worry that Pennsylvania’s cloudy climate makes solar unviable. But most homeowners can make money off their solar system investment thanks to federal and state incentives and a quality, vetted solar installation company.

Additionally, net metering allows homeowners to sell excess energy to their utility companies for a credit on their electric bills. This feature can further bump up your ROI and shorten your payback period.

Size

Many business owners invest in solar energy to offset their utility costs. This also helps them reduce their environmental footprint and supports sustainability goals. It provides:

• An opportunity to earn income on the electricity they generate through government incentives.
• Potential sales of excess power back to the grid.
• The accelerated depreciation of their system.

The size of commercial solar systems in PA is determined by roof space and energy needs. Businesses often opt for monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels with varying efficiency levels, choosing how much electricity is produced.

Thousands of landowners in PA have been approached by developers interested in leasing their property to construct large-scale grid-connected solar projects. Resources are available to help landowners evaluate these proposals and make informed decisions.

Location

Industrial Solar Systems PA provides business owners with clean, affordable power year-round. They also increase property value, making them a solid long-term investment. Plus, commercial solar eliminates dependence on fossil fuels.

Solar energy systems usually pay for themselves in less than ten years since, over time, the savings on electricity bills exceed the cost of the system. This is called the solar panel payback period.

Pennsylvania offers several federal and state incentives to help make solar projects profitable. These include the 30% federal tax credit, the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), and net metering.

SREC values are determined by how much electricity your commercial solar system generates compared to what you consume. For example, if your solar system offsets 100 percent of your electricity usage, the SREC revenue would equal half of your electricity supply costs.

Energy Needs

Solar power systems offer many long-term financial benefits despite requiring a high upfront investment. A typical 9-kW system costs $31,950 in Pennsylvania, generating savings from reduced energy bills and valuable Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC).

Solar developers are interested in properties with easy access to high-voltage power lines and proximity to electrical substations because they want to sell electricity to the grid. They’ll usually seek a long-term land lease or purchase agreement with property owners to develop utility-scale solar arrays.

The commonwealth’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard and net metering laws provide an excellent environment for solar projects to thrive in the Keystone State. Cash purchases are the most popular way to go solar, but leasing or PPAs are also viable options. Both financing methods provide excellent solar payback periods and allow you to use state incentives.

Budget

With solar energy, the long-term payback takes time. Ideally, you want to be making money on your PV system in addition to cutting down or eliminating your electricity costs.

The amount you make will depend on the size of your solar system, your utility company’s net metering program, the 30% federal tax credit (which reduces to 26% in 2033), and PA SREC revenue.

With the right size and location, a commercial solar system can provide incredible ROI for your business. Knowing your investment protects you against rising electricity rates, you’ll also enjoy peace of mind.

Maintenance

The number of solar energy systems installed in residences, workplaces, and communities is rapidly increasing in the state. Many residents, landowners, and business owners have questions about whether or not solar is right for them, the process for leasing their property to a solar developer, or financial incentives such as tax credits.

Solar can offer significant benefits, whether you’re a shoe manufacturer who wants to trim costs and boost profits or an almond farmer looking to promote environmental stewardship. But before you jump in, make sure you choose a qualified installer. This helps you minimize all-in costs and ensures the best manufacturer warranty coverage for your equipment. A quality installer will also provide valuable assistance working through potential homeowner associations (HOA) or neighborhood rules that might interfere with your solar project.