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Upper Darby is the most populated suburb in Delaware County with affordable solar starting at $2.75/W. PECO at $0.21/kWh, SRECs ~$280/year. No federal ITC.

Cost
$2.75-$3.05
/W
System
8 kW
~$23,200
Payback
11.7 yrs
Cash
PECO
$0.21
/kWh
2026: Federal 25D expired Dec 31, 2025. All costs = $0 federal credit. PPA/lease can claim Section 48 until July 2026. Details
A 8 kW system = $23,200 + 6% tax ($1,392) = $24,592. Payback ~11.7 years.
Gross (8 kW)
$23,200
$2.9/W
6% Tax
+$1,392
No exemption
All-In
$24,592
Cash
SREC/yr
$280
10 SRECs
Upper Darby homes typically need 5-12 kW systems. $2.90/W including 6% sales tax.
| Size | Gross | +6% | All-In | SREC/yr | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,500 | +$870 | $15,370 | $175 | 11.7 yrs |
| 6 kW | $17,400 | +$1,044 | $18,444 | $210 | 11.7 yrs |
| 8 kW | $23,200 | +$1,392 | $24,592 | $280 | 11.7 yrs |
| 10 kW | $29,000 | +$1,740 | $30,740 | $350 | 11.7 yrs |
| 12 kW | $34,800 | +$2,088 | $36,888 | $420 | 11.7 yrs |
Monthly credits
1:1 retail ($0.21/kWh)
True-up
PTC ($0.11/kWh)
Max
50 kW
Threat
None for PECO
Most affordable solar pricing in Delaware County at $2.75-$3.05/W
Same PECO rate and net metering as wealthier Main Line neighbors
Eastern PA irradiance: 1,250 kWh/kW/year — best in state
Diverse housing stock works well for solar — row homes to single-family
PPA especially impactful for budget-conscious homeowners — $0 upfront savings
PA SRECs
10 SRECs/yr.
1:1 Net Metering
PECO full retail.
Section 48 PPA/Lease
Third-party ITC.
Federal 25D
$0.
Sales Tax
6% PA.
Property Tax
No exemption.
Delaware County rates:
Row homes, twins, commercial mixed-use
Dense row homes and twins with flat roofs are good for flush-mount solar
Smaller roofs typically fit 4-7 kW systems
High energy usage in older homes (window AC, electric heat) drives faster payback
PPA/lease is especially attractive for residents wanting zero upfront cost
System
4-7 kW
Cost
$11,600-$20,300
Permitting
Township permit, 2-3 weeks
Single-family colonials and Cape Cods
Classic suburban neighborhood with larger single-family homes
Clean roof geometries with good south-facing exposure on most streets
Drexel Hill has some of the best solar potential in Upper Darby
8-12 kW systems fit most rooftops comfortably
System
8-12 kW
Cost
$23,200-$34,800
Permitting
Township permit, 2-3 weeks
Mix of twins and small single-family
Transition area with diverse housing stock from twins to detached homes
Good sun exposure in lower-density blocks
More affordable price point makes solar investment accessible
Close to SEPTA trolley routes — transit-oriented, sustainability-minded community
System
6-10 kW
Cost
$17,400-$29,000
Permitting
Township permit, 2-3 weeks
Gross
$23,200
6% tax
+$1,392
All-in
$24,592
NM savings/yr
$2,100
SREC/yr
$280
Prop tax/yr
-$450
Payback
~11.7 yrs
25-Yr Savings
$38,097
Upfront
$0
ITC
30% via company
Savings
20-40% lower
SRECs
Third-party
Term
20-25 yrs
Best for Upper Darby: PPA eliminates the cost barrier — save on PECO from day one with $0 upfront.
Solar in Upper Darby costs $2.75-$3.05 per watt, averaging $2.90/W. A typical 8 kW system costs $23,200 plus 6% PA sales tax ($1,392), totaling $24,592. No federal ITC for homeowners in 2026. Upper Darby has some of the most affordable solar in the Philly metro.
Yes. Upper Darby benefits from PECO net metering at $0.21/kWh, eastern PA irradiance (best in state at 1,250 kWh/kW/year), competitive installer pricing, and diverse housing stock that works well for solar. The main challenges are PA sales tax (6%) and no property tax exemption.
All of Upper Darby is served by PECO Energy at $0.21/kWh, the highest rate in PA. PECO offers 1:1 full retail net metering with no proposed changes, making it the safest utility for solar investment in the state.
Yes. Twins and row homes in Upper Darby are good solar candidates. Flat or low-slope roofs work well for flush-mount panels. Typical 4-7 kW systems fit row home roofs. Shared walls eliminate side shading. PPA/lease with $0 upfront is ideal for smaller properties.
For many Upper Darby homeowners, PPA is the best 2026 option. $0 upfront, the PPA company claims the 30% Section 48 ITC, and you save 20-40% on PECO bills immediately. This is especially appealing for homeowners who prefer not to spend $23,000+ upfront on a system purchase.
Cash purchase payback for an 8 kW system is approximately 11.7 years. PPA has zero payback since there is $0 upfront — savings start from day one.
An 8 kW system produces about 10 SRECs/year. At $22-$35 each, that is $220-$350 in annual income. If you own the system (cash/loan), you keep 100% of SREC income. PPA companies keep SRECs but pass value through as lower rates.
Assess your roof and PECO potential for your Upper Darby home.
Pricing: EnergySage (Jan 2026), NuWatt Energy.
Utility: PECO R-1, Jan 2026.
SREC: SRECTrade, PJM-GATS (Feb 2026).
Tax: PA Revenue, Delaware County Assessment.