Pennsylvania SRECs
How Pennsylvania SRECs work
Eligible Pennsylvania solar systems can earn Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) for the electricity they produce, a potential source of value beyond your monthly utility savings.
What an SREC is
A credit for the solar power you produce
An SREC is an electronic credit that represents the renewable value of solar electricity. In Pennsylvania, a qualifying solar system located in the state earns one SREC for every 1,000 kWh it generates. SRECs are separate from the electricity itself, so you keep using your solar power at home while the credits can be sold.
01Produce solar electricity
Your system turns sunlight into electricity, and its production is metered and tracked over time.
02Qualifying production may generate SRECs
In Pennsylvania, an eligible, registered system can earn one SREC for every 1,000 kWh it produces.
03SRECs may have market value
SRECs can be sold to electricity suppliers that must meet Pennsylvania's solar requirements, and prices change with the market.
Why SRECs exist
Pennsylvania's solar requirement
Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards require electricity suppliers to cover a portion of the power they sell with solar. Suppliers meet that requirement by buying SRECs from solar system owners. Since 2017, Pennsylvania SRECs must come from solar systems located in Pennsylvania.
Getting registered
From installation to your first credit
Approval to operate
Your system is installed, inspected, and approved by your utility to operate.
State certification
The system is certified with Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards program administrator.
Tracking registration
The system is registered in PJM-GATS, the tracking system that issues SRECs.
Report production
Production is reported from your meter, and a credit is issued for each 1,000 kWh.
Sell your credits
Credits can be sold to a broker or through an aggregator, who typically keeps a share of the sale.
What affects value
SREC prices move with the market
There is no fixed price for a Pennsylvania SREC. Value depends on the market at the time you sell, and it can rise or fall from year to year.
- Supply of credits versus suppliers' demand
- The age, or vintage, of the credit
- When you choose to sell
- Changes to Pennsylvania's solar requirements
- Broker or aggregator fees, especially for smaller systems
How Genesis Solar helps
SRECs explained before you commit
In your proposal
We explain how SRECs may apply to your system and show estimated annual production, so you can see the basis for any credits.
Registration paperwork
We help you gather what registration usually requires, such as system photos, meter readings, and your utility's completion paperwork.
Clear expectations
We'll tell you what is and isn't guaranteed, so SRECs are treated as a potential bonus rather than a promise.
SREC FAQ
Common SREC questions
How many SRECs will my system earn?
It depends on how much electricity your system actually produces. Each 1,000 kWh of qualifying production equals one SREC, so a system that produces about 8,000 kWh in a year would generate about 8 credits that year. Your proposal includes an estimate of annual production.
Do I have to sell my SRECs?
No. Selling is optional. Many homeowners sell through an aggregator, which handles the sale for a share of the proceeds.
Are SRECs the same as net metering?
No. Net metering may give you utility bill credits for excess electricity you send to the grid. SRECs are a separate credit for your system's total qualifying production. Program availability and terms vary by utility.
What happens to my SRECs if I sell my home?
SREC registration is tied to the solar system. When a home with solar is sold, the registration can usually be updated to the new owner. Check with your aggregator or broker before closing.
Do West Virginia solar systems earn Pennsylvania SRECs?
No. Since 2017, Pennsylvania SRECs must come from systems located in Pennsylvania. We can explain programs that may apply to West Virginia projects during your proposal.
Get started
See what solar could do for your property.
Request a no-pressure solar assessment and we'll walk you through estimated production, SREC potential, and the options that make sense for you.
Solar production, SREC eligibility and value, net metering, and incentive programs vary and are not guaranteed.