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Easton sits at the confluence of the Delaware and Lehigh rivers with PPL rates at $0.21/kWh. But PPL has proposed tariff changes (~July 2026) that could slash net metering value by 60-80%. Lock in 1:1 rates before the window closes.
Cost Range
$2.8-$3.2
Per watt installed
Avg System
10 kW
~$30,000 gross
Payback
13.4 yrs
With current 1:1 NM
NM Threat
July 2026
PPL tariff change
PPL Net Metering at Risk: Act Before July 2026
PPL has proposed replacing 1:1 retail net metering with hourly LMP-based credits. New systems would earn $0.04-$0.08/kWh instead of $0.21/kWh. Systems installed before the change are expected to be grandfathered. Early 2026 is the critical installation window for Easton homeowners.
2026 Reality: The 30% federal solar tax credit (25D) expired. All Easton costs reflect $0 federal credit. What this means for you
A typical 10 kW system in Easton costs $30,000 before taxes. After 6% PA sales tax, total is $31,800. With current PPL 1:1 net metering, annual savings are $2,415 plus $322/year in SRECs.
Gross Cost (10 kW)
$30,000
~$3/W avg
All-In With Tax
$31,800
Including 6% PA tax
SREC Income/yr
$322
11.5 SRECs
Production
11,500 kWh
1150 kWh/kW/yr
Easton homes range from compact downtown row houses to larger suburban properties in Forks and Palmer townships.
| System Size | Gross Cost | +6% Tax | All-In Cost | SREC/yr | Payback (1:1 NM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $18,000 | +$1,080 | $19,080 | $193 | 13.4 yrs |
| 8 kW | $24,000 | +$1,440 | $25,440 | $258 | 13.4 yrs |
| 10 kW | $30,000 | +$1,800 | $31,800 | $322 | 13.4 yrs |
| 12 kW | $36,000 | +$2,160 | $38,160 | $386 | 13.4 yrs |
| 14 kW | $42,000 | +$2,520 | $44,520 | $451 | 13.4 yrs |
Current: 1:1 Retail Credit
Every kWh exported earns $0.21 in credit. Monthly rollover.
Proposed: Hourly LMP Credits
Exported kWh would earn wholesale LMP price, averaging $0.04-$0.08/kWh. 60-80% less value.
Net metering value: $2,415/yr
Net metering value: $690/yr
Net metering value: -$1,725/yr
The Grandfathering Window
Systems installed before the PPL tariff change are expected to be grandfathered under current 1:1 rates. From site survey to interconnection takes 6-10 weeks. Latest safe start: April-May 2026.
From historic downtown to suburban Forks and Palmer townships, all areas are served by PPL.
Historic downtown, Lafayette College area
Historic downtown has a mix of Victorian row houses and single-family homes with varied roof conditions
College Hill area near Lafayette College has strong sustainability awareness driving interest
Some older roofs may need assessment or replacement before solar installation
Compact lots in city center limit system sizes but still pencil out economically
PPL net metering at risk makes 2026 the critical window to lock in 1:1 rates
Typical System
6-9 kW
Cost Range
$18,000-$27,000
Permitting
2-3 weeks
Residential neighborhoods, single-family homes
Single-family homes with 1,000-1,600 sq ft roof areas suitable for mid-size systems
Mix of older and renovated homes — newer roofs are ideal solar candidates
Delaware River proximity provides slightly better cooling for panels in summer
Growing investment in neighborhood revitalization increases home values and solar ROI
Lower property values mean modest property tax increase from solar
Typical System
7-10 kW
Cost Range
$21,000-$30,000
Permitting
2-3 weeks
Suburban, newer developments
Larger suburban homes with 1,400-2,000 sq ft roof areas are excellent solar candidates
Newer construction with 200-amp panels and modern roof materials reduces installation complexity
Less tree coverage than city neighborhoods provides optimal sun exposure
Township permitting is typically straightforward and fast
Highest solar adoption potential in the Easton area due to roof size and demographics
Typical System
10-14 kW
Cost Range
$30,000-$42,000
Permitting
2-3 weeks (Township)
PA SRECs
11.5 SRECs/yr at $28/SREC.
1:1 Net Metering (PPL)
AT RISK from July 2026 tariff change.
PPL PTC Rate
Highest PTC among PA utilities for annual true-up.
Federal 25D ITC
Expired Dec 31, 2025. $0 for homeowners.
6% PA Sales Tax
No exemption on solar.
Property Tax Increase
Solar adds to assessed value.
Best for: Homeowners who can afford upfront cost and want maximum long-term savings
Best for: Homeowners who want ownership benefits without large upfront payment
Best for: Most PA homeowners in 2026 — MORE attractive post-ITC because the financing company claims the 30% Section 48 ITC and passes savings as a lower rate
Best for: Homeowners who want predictable monthly costs with no maintenance responsibility
Solar panels in Easton cost $2.80-$3.20 per watt installed, averaging about $3.00/W. For a typical 10 kW system, the total cost is $30,000 before the 6% PA sales tax ($1,800), for an all-in cost of about $31,800. There is no federal tax credit for homeowners (25D expired Dec 31, 2025).
Easton is in PPL Electric Utilities territory. PPL has proposed tariff changes expected around July 2026 that would replace 1:1 retail net metering ($0.21/kWh credit) with hourly LMP-based wholesale credits ($0.04-$0.08/kWh). Systems installed before the change are expected to be grandfathered under current rates.
With current 1:1 PPL net metering, a 10 kW cash-purchased system in Easton has approximately a 13.4-year payback period. This factors in $0.21/kWh PPL rate, SREC income, 6% sales tax, and property tax increase. If PPL shifts to LMP-based credits, payback for new systems would extend significantly.
No. Even though Easton is right on the Delaware River border with Phillipsburg, NJ, your solar incentives are determined by your state of residence. Easton residents use PA programs: PA SRECs (not NJ ADI/SREC-II), PPL net metering, and PA tax rules. NJ has much stronger incentives ($85.90/MWh ADI vs ~$28/SREC in PA), but they are only available to NJ residents.
Easton is served by PPL Electric Utilities at $0.21/kWh with 1:1 full retail net metering. PPL has the highest PTC (price-to-compare) rate among PA utilities at $0.13/kWh for annual true-up excess. However, the proposed tariff changes make early installation critical.
Most older Easton homes can support solar if the roof is in good condition. Victorian and early-20th-century homes often have steep roof pitches that work well for south-facing panels. A structural assessment is recommended for roofs older than 15 years. If a roof replacement is needed, combining it with solar installation saves on labor costs.
Easton and Bethlehem share the same PPL utility territory, rates ($0.21/kWh), and net metering urgency. Installation costs are virtually identical. The main difference is that Easton has a slightly smaller average system size (10 kW vs 12 kW) due to more compact urban housing stock. Suburban areas around both cities (Forks Township, Bethlehem Township) have similar excellent economics.
Get a free Easton solar estimate before the July 2026 deadline.
Statewide costs and payback.
Read more1:1 credit, PPL threat details.
Read moreSREC market and PRESS Act.
Read moreSame PPL territory, larger city.
Read moreNearby Lehigh Valley comparison.
Read moreFinancing comparison for PA.
Read morePricing: EnergySage Solar Marketplace (January 2026), NuWatt Energy PA installations.
Utility rates: PPL Electric Utilities residential tariff schedule, effective January 2026.
SREC data: SRECTrade, Flett Exchange, PJM-GATS (February 2026).
Irradiance: NREL PVWatts for Easton, PA (40.7N, -75.2W).