Solar savings & payback in Pittsburgh
One of the cloudier US metros, size conservatively and lean on SRECs.
This calculator uses Pittsburgh's own sun (~3.4 kWh/kW/day, 8% below the PA average) with Pennsylvania's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 12.5 years.
- Pittsburgh sun
- ~3.4 kWh/kW/day
- PA average sun
- ~3.7 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 18¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Pennsylvania page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Pittsburgh solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Pittsburgh?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Pittsburgh system pays for itself in about 12.5 years, using local sun (~3.4 kWh per kW per day), Pennsylvania's average 18¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). One of the cloudier US metros, size conservatively and lean on SRECs.
How much do solar panels generate in Pittsburgh?
Roughly 3.4 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,241 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 7400 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Pittsburgh?
Active SREC market improves the return. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.