Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
Lower Merion is PA's wealthiest suburb — Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne, Merion. Large homes drive 12-18 kW systems with excellent PECO economics at $0.21/kWh. SRECs add ~$455/year. No federal ITC.
Cost Range
$3-$3.25
Per watt installed
Avg System
13 kW
~$40,560 gross
Payback
12.7 yrs
Cash purchase
PECO Rate
$0.21
Per kWh
2026 Reality: The 30% federal solar tax credit (25D) expired Dec 31, 2025. All Lower Merion costs reflect $0 federal credit. PPA/lease providers can still claim Section 48 until July 2026. What this means for you
A typical 13 kW system costs $40,560 + 6% tax ($2,434) = $42,994 all-in. Payback is approximately 12.7 years.
Gross (13 kW)
$40,560
$3.12/W
6% Tax
+$2,434
No exemption
All-In
$42,994
Cash
SREC/yr
$455
16.3 SRECs
Main Line homes typically need 10-18 kW systems. Costs use $3.12/W and include 6% PA sales tax.
| Size | Gross | +6% Tax | All-In | SREC/yr | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 kW | $24,960 | +$1,498 | $26,458 | $280 | 12.7 yrs |
| 10 kW | $31,200 | +$1,872 | $33,072 | $350 | 12.7 yrs |
| 13 kW | $40,560 | +$2,434 | $42,994 | $455 | 12.7 yrs |
| 15 kW | $46,800 | +$2,808 | $49,608 | $525 | 12.7 yrs |
| 18 kW | $56,160 | +$3,370 | $59,530 | $630 | 12.7 yrs |
PA tax burden: 6% sales tax adds $2,434 on a 13 kW system. Property tax increase ~$450/year. NJ exempts solar from both.
Monthly credits
1:1 full retail ($0.21/kWh)
Annual true-up
PTC rate ($0.11/kWh)
Max size
50 kW residential
Policy threat
None for PECO
Interconnection
3-5 weeks
Largest homes in the Philly metro drive the biggest absolute savings from solar
PECO rate of $0.21/kWh is the highest in PA
Eastern PA irradiance at 1,250 kWh/kW/year — best production in the state
No PECO net metering threats — safe long-term investment
Affluent market supports premium installer quality and equipment
PA SRECs
16.3 SRECs/yr.
1:1 Net Metering
Full retail monthly via PECO.
Section 48 (PPA/Lease)
Third-party claims ITC. Deadline July 4, 2026.
Federal 25D
$0 for homeowners.
Sales Tax
6% PA sales tax.
Property Tax
No exemption.
Solar adds to assessed value at Montgomery County rates:
Estate-style homes, large lots
Estate homes with expansive roofs can support 15-20 kW+ systems
Large lot sizes with minimal neighbor shading
Highest property values in PA — property tax impact from solar is proportionally smaller
Multiple south-facing roof planes on complex roof geometries
Typical System
15-20 kW
Cost Range
$46,800-$62,400
Permitting
Township permit, 3-5 weeks
Large colonials, stone homes
Beautiful stone and stucco homes with large roof areas
Some historic overlay may require placement review
Mature tree canopy along Lancaster Ave corridor — roof assessment important
High energy usage from larger homes drives strong payback economics
Typical System
12-15 kW
Cost Range
$37,440-$46,800
Permitting
Township permit, 3-5 weeks; historic areas add 2-4 weeks
Mix of colonials, twins, and condos
More diverse housing stock than other Lower Merion neighborhoods
Commercial corridor along Lancaster Ave has some rooftop commercial solar potential
Transit access (Ardmore SEPTA) makes area attractive to environmentally-conscious buyers
Some smaller lots with more shading potential — roof assessment recommended
Typical System
10-13 kW
Cost Range
$31,200-$40,560
Permitting
Township permit, 3-5 weeks
Suburban single-family, mid-century
Classic suburban homes with simple roof lines ideal for solar
Good south-facing exposure on most residential streets
Mid-century construction (1950s-1970s) with adequate electrical infrastructure
Lower tree canopy than western Lower Merion neighborhoods
Typical System
10-14 kW
Cost Range
$31,200-$43,680
Permitting
Township permit, 3-5 weeks
Gross cost
$40,560
6% tax
+$2,434
All-in
$42,994
Net metering/yr
$3,413
SREC/yr
$455
Property tax/yr
-$450
Payback
~12.7 years
25-Year Savings
$58,017
Upfront
$0
ITC
30% via third party
Savings
20-40% lower rate
SRECs
Kept by third-party
Term
20-25 years
Main Line advantage: Large homes with $400-$600/month PECO bills see PPA savings of $100-$200/month with zero upfront cost.
Solar in Lower Merion costs $3.00-$3.25 per watt, averaging $3.12/W. A typical 13 kW system costs $40,560 plus 6% PA sales tax ($2,434), totaling $42,994. No federal 25D ITC for homeowners in 2026. Larger Gladwyne estates may need 15-20 kW systems at $46,800-$62,400 before tax.
Lower Merion has the highest per-watt solar costs in the Philly suburbs ($3.00-$3.25/W) due to larger system sizes and premium installer market. However, the higher PECO electric bills in these larger homes mean the dollar savings are also greater. A 15 kW system saves approximately $3,900/year in PECO charges plus ~$525 in SRECs.
Some Lower Merion neighborhoods (parts of Bryn Mawr, Merion) have historic overlay districts. Panels that are not visible from the public right-of-way are typically approved. Panels on rear-facing or low-visibility roof sections are standard practice. Permitting may take 2-4 weeks longer in historic areas.
All of Lower Merion Township is served by PECO Energy at $0.21/kWh. PECO offers 1:1 full retail net metering with no proposed changes, making it the safest utility in PA for solar. Annual true-up excess is paid at the PTC rate of $0.11/kWh.
Yes. PA has no property tax exemption. Solar adds to assessed value. For a $40,560 system in Lower Merion, expect approximately $450-$550 per year in additional property taxes. This is a notable cost for expensive Main Line properties but is factored into all payback calculations.
For many Lower Merion homeowners, PPA is now the most attractive option. Since homeowners get $0 federal ITC on cash/loan but the PPA company claims 30% Section 48 ITC, savings are passed through as 20-40% lower PECO rates. For homes with $300-$500/month electric bills, PPA saves $75-$200/month with $0 upfront.
A typical 13 kW system produces about 16.25 SRECs/year. At $22-$35 each, that is $358-$569 in annual income. Larger 15-18 kW systems on Gladwyne estates produce 18.75-22.5 SRECs/year ($413-$788 annually). SRECs are traded on PJM-GATS.
We will assess your Main Line roof, PECO rate, and SREC potential for your Lower Merion home.
Pricing: EnergySage (January 2026), NuWatt Energy PA installations.
Utility: PECO R-1 tariff, January 2026.
SREC: SRECTrade, PJM-GATS (February 2026).
Tax: PA Revenue, Montgomery County Assessment.