In Pennsylvania, a 7.9-kW system for an average home costs about $20,513 after incentives in 2026, saves about $2,127 in the first year and pays back in 8.6 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 7.92 kW × $2.59/W | $20,513 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $20,513 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $20,513 | $2,127 | 8.6 yr | $53,895 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $20,513 | $2,127 | 7.9 yr | $84,054 |
| Rates stay flat | $20,513 | $2,127 | 9.7 yr | $30,843 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $28,512 | $2,127 | 11.5 yr | $45,896 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $37,334 | $2,127 | 14.5 yr | $37,074 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $14,815 | $1,107 | 11.7 yr | $22,912 |
Verdict: at average Pennsylvania numbers, solar is a solid investment in 2026 — payback takes 8.6 years, leaving you $53,895 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price. Pay cash if you can: Berkeley Lab found loan-financed systems priced about $1.50/W above cash installs in 2025, which can add years to the payback.
Net metering and exports in Pennsylvania: Retail-rate net metering up to 100% annual use; annual excess at price-to-compare.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Pennsylvania average of $1,246/kWh adds $16,821 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 14.5 years.
EnergySage's Pennsylvania page lists a 9.5-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.