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Plug-in solar in Pennsylvania

Not yet — a bill is moving in Pennsylvania

  • HB 1971 introduced; in committee at last report (July 2026)
  • Pennsylvania's full-time legislature means it can still move

Last verified

Status
Bill advancing
Bill
HB 1971
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
21.72¢/kWh (+19% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$175saved

Payback ≈ 5.2 yrs · ranks #17 of 51 for savings

Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced HB 1971 to legalize plug-in solar. At last report it was still in committee. Because Pennsylvania has a full-time, two-year legislative session, the bill can still advance.

With residential rates above the national average, Pennsylvania renters in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh would be the main beneficiaries.

What plug-in solar is worth in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania households pay an average of 21.72¢ per kWh, 19% above the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$175
Payback ($900 kit)
5.2 yr
Energy used
804 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,463

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$262
Payback ($1,300 kit)
5.0 yr
Energy used
1,205 kWh/yr
25-year net
$5,245

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · Pennsylvania

$175/ year

≈ $14.54 per month

Payback
5.2 yrs
Energy used
804 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,463
CO₂ avoided
651 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your Pennsylvania state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

Pennsylvania plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Pennsylvania?

Not yet. A plug-in solar bill is moving through the legislature. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in Pennsylvania?

At Pennsylvania's average residential rate of 21.72¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $175 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 5.2 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Pennsylvania?

There is no Pennsylvania-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Pennsylvania sources and your utility.