Pennsylvania · Residential Solar Tax Credit
Residential Solar Tax Credit in Pennsylvania (2026)
30% tax credit on the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax, so a Pennsylvania filer's combined marginal rate on the next dollar at $67,587 of income is about 25.07% (22% federal + 3.07% PA).
2026 savings example for Pennsylvania
Planning estimate for a single filer earning $67,587 (Pennsylvania median household income in LevyIO's state dataset) who claims a $5,000 credit. Federal tax uses the 2026 IRS brackets after the $16,100 standard deduction; PA tax uses the state brackets in LevyIO's dataset and assumes the state follows the federal treatment.
Estimated total savings
$5,000
Federal savings
$5,000
$6,039 → $1,039 · 22% bracket
PA state savings
$0
Federal credit only; check for a state credit
Combined marginal rate
25.07%
Credits do not depend on the bracket
Federal × Pennsylvania marginal rates (2026, single)
Gross-income ranges include the federal standard deduction. The PA column is the state marginal rate at the midpoint of each range. A credit saves its face value regardless of bracket.
| Federal bracket | Gross income (single) | PA marginal | Combined | Per $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $16,100 - $28,500 | 3.07% | 13.07% | $1,000 |
| 12% | $28,500 - $66,500 | 3.07% | 15.07% | $1,000 |
| 22% | $66,500 - $121,800 | 3.07% | 25.07% | $1,000 |
| 24% | $121,800 - $217,875 | 3.07% | 27.07% | $1,000 |
| 32% | $217,875 - $272,325 | 3.07% | 35.07% | $1,000 |
| 35% | $272,325 - $656,700 | 3.07% | 38.07% | $1,000 |
| 37% | Over $656,700 | 3.07% | 40.07% | $1,000 |
Eligibility & forms
Homeowners who install solar energy systems
- Must own the system
- New or existing home
- 30% of cost
Federal forms: Form 5695
Pennsylvania filing notes
Local taxes can double your burden in cities. PA exempts most retirement income. Inheritance tax applies based on relationship. No deductions are allowed on PA returns.
Common mistakes: Leasing vs owning solar; Not carrying forward unused credit.
Frequently asked questions
How much can the Residential Solar Tax Credit save a Pennsylvania taxpayer in 2026?
Credits reduce tax dollar-for-dollar. In LevyIO's example, a single filer with $67,587 of income (the Pennsylvania median household income in our state dataset) and a $5,000 credit would cut 2026 federal tax from $6,039 to $1,039, a $5,000 saving. Whether Pennsylvania offers a matching state credit depends on the PA return, so the estimate counts federal savings only.
What is the Pennsylvania income tax rate for 2026?
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax. The PA standard deduction in LevyIO's dataset is $0 single / $0 married. Low flat 3.07%. Local taxes (Philadelphia: 3.75%). Inheritance tax (4.5-15%). Most retirement income exempt.
Who qualifies for the Residential Solar Tax Credit in Pennsylvania?
Homeowners who install solar energy systems. The federal rules are the same in every state; the requirements are: Must own the system; New or existing home; 30% of cost. Pennsylvania filers should confirm on the PA return whether the state follows the federal treatment.
Which forms do I file to claim the Residential Solar Tax Credit?
Federal: Form 5695. Pennsylvania: check the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue instructions for the matching state schedule. Common mistakes: Leasing vs owning solar; Not carrying forward unused credit.
Residential Solar Tax Credit in other states
Sources
Reviewed 2026-09-17. Estimates are educational planning figures computed from the IRS 2026 inflation adjustments and LevyIO's state bracket dataset; they are not tax advice.