For many homeowners, the decision to go solar starts with one simple question:
“Is it worth it financially?”
The short answer? Absolutely.
But let’s go beyond the short answer. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how much you can save with solar, how it compares to staying with your utility company long-term, and what financial tools like the federal tax credit and net metering do to boost those savings. We’ll even walk you through a real example of a 2-bedroom homeowner in Philadelphia to show how it all plays out.
Utility Rates Are Rising—Solar Stays Flat
Electricity rates rarely stay the same. If you’re a PECO customer in Philadelphia, you’re probably already feeling the impact of steady rate increases.
- The average PECO electric bill ranges from $150 to $250 per month, depending on home size and energy usage.
- Utility rates increase by an average of 3–7% annually, often with little warning or transparency.
- Over 25 years, that adds up to more than $62,000 in electricity bills for the average Pennsylvania homeowner.
Solar, on the other hand, offers flat-rate, predictable pricing. Whether you purchase your system outright or finance it with a loan, you know what you’re paying—month after month, year after year.
Instead of watching your utility bill climb every year, you lock in a fixed energy cost and take control of your expenses.
Real-Life Example: A 2-Bedroom Philly Home
Let’s take a look at a common solar scenario for a homeowner in Philadelphia using PECO:
| Before Solar | After Solar |
| Avg. usage: 750 kWh/month | Covered 100% by solar |
| Monthly PECO bill: $185 | Solar loan payment: ~$130/month |
| Annual bill: $2,220 | Annual savings: ~$660 |
| 25-year utility cost: $62,768 | Solar cost: ~$30,000 (pre-credit) |
| 25-year savings: ~$33,000–$38,000 |
With a solar loan, this homeowner begins saving $50–$60 a month immediately, with even more savings over time as utility rates continue to rise.
And this doesn’t even include additional local incentives or utility-specific rebates that may apply in PA and NJ.
The Federal Solar Tax Credit Makes It Even Better
Solar savings don’t just come from monthly utility bill reduction. One of the biggest benefits of going solar right now is the 30% federal tax credit—officially known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Here’s what it looks like:
- Total system cost: $30,000
- Federal tax credit (30%): $9,000
- Net system cost: $21,000
You can claim this credit when you file your taxes. To qualify, you must owe taxes in the year you install the system. If your tax liability is less than the full credit amount, the remainder rolls over to the next year as long as the credit is still in effect.
Tip: We always recommend discussing the credit with a licensed tax professional to ensure you get the full benefit.
Net Metering: Get Credit for Extra Energy
In states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, net metering policies allow you to earn credit for any solar energy your system produces that you don’t use right away.
Here’s how it works:
- During sunny days, your system may produce more power than your home needs.
- That excess energy is sent back to the grid, and your utility company gives you energy credits for it.
- At night or on cloudy days, you can use those credits to draw electricity from the grid—without paying extra.
This exchange reduces your bill even further and helps balance out usage over time, especially in homes that experience seasonal fluctuations.
Want More Control? Add a Solar Battery
Adding a solar battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery, gives you even more independence—and protection during outages.
Here’s what a battery does:
- Stores excess energy your panels generate during the day
- Powers your home at night or when the grid goes down
- Can be programmed to avoid peak utility rates if your area uses Time-of-Use billing
While a battery does add cost to your system, it adds resilience and control—especially for homeowners concerned about rising outages or unstable utility grids.
Bottom Line: Solar = Long-Term Financial Freedom
Solar isn’t just about going green—it’s a long-term financial strategy that puts control back in your hands. For many homeowners, the immediate savings are real. And over time, those savings compound—offering protection against unpredictable bills and energy market volatility.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your electric bill, increase your home’s value, or simply avoid the stress of rate hikes, solar offers a proven path forward.
Ready to See Your Savings?
We offer free savings reports based on your energy usage, roof type, and utility provider. You’ll see:
- How many panels you need
- Your estimated monthly payment
- Tax credit eligibility
- 25-year savings estimate
📞 Call (609) 400-0059
🌐 Or visit sunwiseusa.com to get your custom solar quoteLet’s find out how much you could be saving. Your future energy costs don’t have to be unpredictable—solar can fix that.
