The Use of Solar Power in Pennsylvania

The use of solar power is increasing across the country, and Pennsylvania is no exception. PowerHome online shop is proud to install solar panels in western Pennsylvania and is honored to have helped the solar market grow throughout the region. We are committed to providing clean, renewable solar energy to homes and businesses in the area, helping residents to lower their electric bills and help save the environment from the damage caused by carbon emissions.

Our hope is that eventually all homes and businesses will be carbon-neutral, powering every customer's off-grid home, and we're helping to make that happen in Pennsylvania, one solar power installation at a time. Pennsylvania has made great strides in solar power generation in recent years.

Current Solar Power Statistics in Pennsylvania

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) publishes quarterly updates that are specific to each state, including Pennsylvania. The trend across all 50 states has shown that the use of solar power is on the rise. As the price of traditional power and fossil fuels go up, and the cost of solar power installations in Pennsylvania go down, residents are more inclined to add solar.

Currently, SEIA ranks Pennsylvania as the 22nd largest user of solar power in the country. The industry employs more than 4,100 individuals across the state, and there is currently enough solar power generated to power 55,625 homes. To date, Pennsylvania has invested $1.7 billion towards the development of solar power and there have been 26,863 installations of solar power projects throughout the state.

The rates of solar power use in Pennsylvania are expected to continue to grow, and the price of installation has decreased by 32% over the past five years, according to SEIA. In addition to the falling cost of solar power installation in the state, there is currently a 26% federal tax rebate for purchasing customers through the end of 2019. The number drops to 26% in 2020.

Solar Energy Use in Pennsylvania

Farmland in Pennsylvania is being transformed into solar power sites, according to a study in Energy Research & Social Science. This transformation has drawn attention from research on socio-ecological impacts. The study found that farmers enter into solar leases for a variety of reasons, with financial gain being an important factor. However, option contracts and confidentiality agreements used by solar developers sometimes reduce landowners' ability to bargain collectively, affecting the sustainability and equity of solar projects.

Across the U.S., the U.S. solar industry is also showing positive trends in 2023. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. solar power is expected to reach a record high of 0.84 qBTU. This growth reflects the growing importance of the solar industry in the U.S. energy mix. Small-scale solar projects, especially residential solar panels, are also showing significant growth, signaling the popularity and widespread adoption of solar technology.

Employment Opportunities from Solar Power

The construction phase of a solar project requires a large workforce, including engineers, project managers, installation technicians and construction workers. These jobs provide direct employment opportunities for the local population, especially in the construction and engineering fields. Solar projects also drive the development of related industrial chains, thus creating indirect employment opportunities. For example, the manufacture, transportation and sale of portable solar generator, as well as the supply of equipment and materials needed for the project, will generate employment demand.

With the increase in employment opportunities, the income level of residents increases and their spending power is enhanced, further stimulating the development of the local economy. At the same time, solar energy projects provide tax revenues for local governments and help to improve public services and infrastructure. The employment effects generated by solar projects in the social economy are significant. These effects are seen not only in direct and indirect employment opportunities, but also in a variety of ways, including economic growth, skills training, and community involvement.

The Future of Solar Power in Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania was ranked as the third largest producer of coal in the country as of 2017, and has the highest amount of underground gas storage sites out of any state in the country, there are plans for a cleaner future. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released a Solar Future Plan in 2018, with the goal of expanding the use of solar power throughout the state.

The Solar Future Plan outlines hopes that Pennsylvania will move away from the use of coal and other fossil fuels, and move toward renewable resources to support the power needs of residents and businesses. The plan focuses on bettering the lives of residents, recognizing that lessening the amount of air pollution created by greenhouse emissions resulting from coal and other fossil fuels will improve the public’s health and lead to a better tomorrow.

More than 500 stakeholders have participated in the plan, recognizing that expanding the solar power industry in Pennsylvania will lead to economic growth, more job opportunities, and cleaner air and water. The project has received funding from the United States Department of Energy. The goal is to make the generation of solar power 10% of Pennsylvania’s energy output by the year 2030.

PowerHome is committed to helping this mission, bettering the lives of Pennsylvania residents by creating a healthier environment and lowering the cost of electric bills for homes and businesses. Contact us today to find out about solar panels and solar systems, and become part of the future.