Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) are tradable energy certificates that you earn for producing clean solar power. In Pennsylvania, you get 1 SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (1 megawatt-hour) of electricity your solar system generates.
SRECs hold monetary value — utility companies are required by the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) to meet specific solar energy quotas. To comply, they buy SRECs from homeowners like you.
What Are SRECs (and SAECs) in Pennsylvania?
In PA, these credits are also known as Solar Alternative Energy Credits (SAECs) — essentially the same as SRECs, but with Pennsylvania-specific terminology.
Why they matter:
- Earn extra income on top of net metering
- Support Pennsylvania’s renewable energy goals
- Turn your solar system into a profit-generating asset
As of early 2025, each SREC in PA is worth $31.25 — and with proposed legislation like PRESS, those values could rise significantly in coming years.
How Much Are Pennsylvania SRECs Worth in 2025?
The value of a Pennsylvania SREC isn’t fixed — it’s determined by market demand and state policy. But here’s the latest snapshot:
- Current PA SREC Price (as of 2025):Â $31.25
- NJ SREC Price (for comparison): $90–$110
- Washington D.C. SREC Price:Â $400+
That means homeowners in neighboring states are earning 3x to 10x more for the same clean energy.
Example: Earning Potential from Your Solar System
Let’s say you have a 9kW solar system, which produces about 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) per year. That gives you 10 SRECs annually.
- At $31.25 per SREC, you could earn ~$312/year
- Over 10 years, that’s $3,120 in passive income — on top of net metering savings
Pro Tip: If proposed legislation like PRESS is enacted, these prices could rise significantly, potentially doubling or tripling your SREC earnings.
Â
How to Sell SRECs in Pennsylvania
Once your solar system is generating electricity, you can begin earning and selling SRECs — but there’s a process to follow.
Step 1: Get Certified
Before you can sell SRECs, your system must be:
- Certified by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) as a qualified alternative energy system
- Registered on the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) — this is where your SRECs are tracked and managed
These steps ensure your credits are official, transferable, and tradable on the open market.
Step 2: Choose a Selling Platform
PA residents can sell their credits using reputable brokers, including:
- SRECTrade: Offers spot market sales and fixed contracts (3–5 years)
- Flett Exchange: Real-time, transparent market-based pricing
These platforms simplify the process and connect you with verified buyers — typically utilities and energy suppliers.
Step 3: Don’t Let Your Credits Expire
Pennsylvania SRECs have a 3-year shelf life. For example:
An SREC earned in 2023 can be sold in 2023, 2024, or 2025 — but not after.
If you let them sit too long, they expire and lose their value. Selling early or locking into a contract helps ensure you don’t miss out.
Note on Eligibility
To earn and sell SRECs in Pennsylvania:
- You must own your solar system (outright or financed)
- Leased systems do not qualify for SREC earnings — the leasing company typically owns the credits
Also, only solar energy generated within Pennsylvania qualifies. A 2017 update to state law closed the door on importing SRECs from outside the state.
Bottom Line:Now Is the Time to Go Solar in Pennsylvania
If you’re thinking about going solar in Pennsylvania, SRECs give you a unique opportunity to earn money while generating clean energy — and it’s only getting better.
- Earn $300–$400+ annually from SRECsÂ
- Boost the resale value of your home
- Be ready for policy shifts like PRESS that could double or triple credit values
Let’s make your solar system pay you back — year after year.
