Electricity in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 34 out of 64 electricity providers reporting that they offer net metering to residents with personal solar panels. At the state level, Pennsylvania has above average regulations for consumers interested in investing in solar.

There are 17 electricity providers in Pennsylvania that reported energy loss. Together, these 17 providers average a yearly energy loss of 3.72% of electricity generated. The countrywide average is 2.76%, resulting in Pennsylvania receiving a rank of 33rd best in the US for energy loss efficiency.

State governments can help encourage private citizens to consider installing solar panels by promoting tax incentives and rebates to their populace. Pennsylvania currently does not offer a state tax credit for solar panel installation at a private residence. The state has no all encompassing rebate program, but local rebates are available to many citizens who wish to install solar. Pennsylvania offers no property tax exemptions to homeowners who purchase solar, making it less attractive for consumers to do so. The state does not offer a sales tax exemption for the purchase of private solar, leaving citizens left empty handed for this one.

Consumers who are shopping for electricity plans that use renewable sources will have much better luck if there are state level initiatives that encourage green energy usage. Many states require renewable fuels to make up a percentage of the fuel used for electricity generation by electricity companies in the state. These requirements are referred to as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). While further improvements could be made, Pennsylvania makes it necessary for 1-15% of electricity generation to come from renewable fuel sources. In addition, the state does not have any sort of low income solar programs that assist with the installation of solar panels at low income households.