Solar production in Keystone State significantly increased over the last five years. Investment in solar energy systems is escalating exceptionally in Pennsylvania as electric rates are getting more costly yearly. According to the EIA or the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the typical Pennsylvania electricity rate in residential areas is 17.63 ¢/kWh, nine (9%) greater than the national average. No wonder so many people embrace renewable energy! The costly electric rates make an investment in solar energy more financially rewarding.
The solar energy system will be an excellent investment for property owners in Pennsylvania since property owners can substantially save money in the long run. Moreover, property owners can receive numerous Pennsylvania solar incentives and rebates for generating their energy.
Pennsylvania is among the best states for renewable energy initiatives because of its robust Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Utility companies will have to pay higher fees if the criteria are unmet. So, utilities in strong RPS states will provide solar incentives for property owners to invest in solar panels.
Solar carve-outs are that portion of a state's renewable energy that must come from Solar by a specific deadline. Pennsylvania State Senators created a law that escalates the solar carve-out from 0.5% to 5.5%.
Pennsylvania has a strong net metering law which is an asset for the Keystone State and highly favorable to property owners. Net metering is one of the most vital laws in going solar since it rules how your solar energy system networks with the grid. Net metering is a program where people with renewable energy sources and solar panels can connect to their local power company. This allows them to earn credits by producing energy that they can use to offset the cost of energy they get from the power company. If they generate more energy than they need, the extra energy is sold back to the power company, and they receive a credit on their bill.
Interconnection standards must be followed when connecting renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to the power grid. In Pennsylvania, these standards are the same across the entire state, making installing renewable energy systems easier and cheaper and making net metering more dependable.
In Pennsylvania, some utility companies offer solar incentives and rebates for going solar. Naturally, there will be paperwork to file. Rebates for renewable energy systems work in two ways: either you receive a one-time payment, or your installer will reduce the final cost of the installation. The installer will often handle the paperwork for you, making the process easier.
Pennsylvania offers Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs), which are solar incentives based on the power your system generates. The state calls them Solar Power Performance Payments, which a property owner can pay based on their system's kilowatt-hours (kWh) or BTUs. When you generate power using solar panels or other renewable energy systems, you receive Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). The value of these credits changes depending on how many are available and how many people want to buy them. SRECs can be a great way to help your renewable energy system pay for itself.
In addition to the Pennsylvania rebates and exemptions, you may also be eligible for a generous tax credit from the Federal government. This credit is called the ITC or Investment Tax Credit, and it is worth 26 percent of the total cost of your renewable energy system. The ITC will be subtracted from your Federal income tax. It's important to note that the credit only applies to those who purchase their renewable energy system with cash or a loan, not those who lease it. When a system is leased, all incentives go to the third-party owner.
Moreover, in August of 2022, Congress expanded the Federal Tax Credit for an additional 12 years and escalated the percentage from 26% to 30% until 2032! By 2034, the tax credit will fall by 22%.
In a state that remains to build reasonable, available, and motivated various Pennsylvania solar incentives and rebates. going Solar is a worthy investment!
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