Solar Panels on a 100-Year-Old Horse Barn in Delaware County, PA - How We Did It

Jeff S. from Chadds Ford wanted to install solar panels on an old barn in Delaware County, PA. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding projects our team has completed. His big red horse barn, built in the 1800s, had something that most residential properties don't: a large, south-facing roofline with almost no shading.

Jeff knew that space could do more than shelter horses. He thought, what better way to power the barn and his home than solar?

After doing some research, Jeff contacted TerraSol to lead the project from start to finish — design, engineering, permitting, approvals with the local township and utility company, and installation.

What followed was a process that covered structural analysis, PECO interconnection, underground trenching, and a full solar panel installation that now powers both the house and the barn. Here is a breakdown of how it all came together.

Could Solar Panels on an Old Barn in Delaware County, PA Actually Work? - Jeff's Case

Jeff S.'s 100-year-old barn house in Chadds Ford, Delaware County, PA

Jeff S. from Chadds Ford in Delaware County, PA, wanted to use his horse barn for something more than just a home for his horses.

The big red barn was built in the 1800s and has a huge, south-facing roofline. He knew that more could be done with that space and thought, what better way to power the barn and his home than solar?

After doing some research, Jeff contacted TerraSol to help realize the project, from design and engineering to approvals with the local township and utility company, to installing the system.

The first step – and the biggest challenge – was to determine that the over 100-year-old barn could handle the added weight of solar panels.

TerraSol completed a structural analysis, for which they measured all the supporting beams and interior structure of the barn.

Next, the building was sent through rigorous testing, including worst-case-scenario wind loads of over 100 mph and snow loads of over 25 pounds per square foot (psf).

The building passed all inspections, and TerraSol was cleared to install the number of solar panels required to power not just the home, but the barn as well.

However, one issue remained. PECO required that the solar system tie-in at the meter, which was located 200 ft away at the main house.

In addition to planning for the added weight and uplift that the solar panels would place on the barn structure, TerraSol also had to come up with a way to connect the wiring of the solar system back to the house.

To accomplish this, TerraSol carefully trenched underground and underneath the driveway without disturbing it to lead the wire safely to the point of interconnection.

The solar system was installed and connected without issue, and Jeff now enjoys the eco-friendly, cost-saving benefits of solar power for both his home and the home of his equine friends.

Jeff frequently tracks his solar system’s performance via the online monitoring app. He can see monthly changes in performance and quickly identify errors in the panels or equipment that must be addressed throughout the life of the system.

“Everybody we worked with at TerraSol was professional, responsive, and helpful,” Jeff reported. “They installed a sizable solar panel array on the roof of my barn and then connected it to my house. It all worked perfectly, was sized just right, and we couldn't be happier.”

Do you also want to do it with your farmland? You can talk to our team and request a custom proposal!

The Structural Analysis Process For Old Barns

The first step — and the biggest challenge — was determining that the over 100-year-old barn could handle the added weight of solar panels.

TerraSol completed a full structural analysis. Our team measured all the supporting beams and interior structure of the barn. The building was then put through rigorous testing, including worst-case wind loads of over 100 mph and snow loads of over 25 pounds per square foot (psf). These tests are not optional — they are essential to confirming that a roof can support a solar panel system for decades without compromise.

The building passed all inspections, and TerraSol was cleared to install the number of panels required to power not just the home, but the barn as well.

For older structures, a structural feasibility study is a required step before any solar installation can move forward responsibly. A solar installation assessment also evaluates roof suitability, shading factors, and sun exposure across all seasons.

In Pennsylvania, cloudy days are part of the climate, but solar panels work in diffuse light too. They respond to the visible spectrum of sunlight, not just direct heat.

How solar works on cloudy days is a question we answer often, and the short answer is that your system keeps generating even when the sky is overcast.

Once the structural review was complete, our team moved to the design and permitting phase. Physical installation of the solar panels typically takes one to three days once engineering and permitting are finalized. Homeowners can expect to start generating power shortly after the system is energized and connected to the grid.

Solving the PECO Interconnection Challenge

Passing the structural inspection cleared one major hurdle. But there was another issue that required a practical solution.

PECO required that the solar system tie in at the meter, which was located 200 feet away at the main house. In addition to planning for the added weight and uplift the solar panels would place on the barn structure, TerraSol had to find a way to connect the solar system wiring back to the house.

To accomplish this, TerraSol carefully trenched underground and underneath the driveway — without disturbing it — to lead the wire safely to the point of interconnection with the utility company.

Coordinating with the utility is a standard part of the solar installation process in Pennsylvania. PECO currently offers a $500 rebate for qualifying residential solar installations, which can be combined with federal tax incentives to reduce upfront costs further.

Getting that interconnection approved and completed correctly matters — it is what allows the system to connect to the grid, enable net metering, and begin delivering savings on your electric bill.

Net metering allows homeowners to receive credit for the excess energy their solar system generates and sends back to the grid. When your panels produce more electricity than you use, that surplus works in your favor rather than going to waste.

The solar system was installed and connected without issue. Jeff now enjoys the benefits of solar power for both his home and his horse barn.

Reach us for agri solar installation at (888) 873-9995 to get a custom proposal.

The Financial Case for Solar in Delaware County, PA

Jeff's project is a clear example of how solar can work on non-standard properties. But the financial side of the investment is just as relevant for any homeowner in Delaware County considering solar.

Pennsylvania has higher-than-average energy pricing compared to the national average. That makes the return on a solar panel system more meaningful here than in lower-cost states. Solar installations in nearby Drexel Hill average around $31,349 before incentives.

But the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) covers 30% of total solar installation costs, which brings that number down significantly.

Solar panels can save homeowners an average of $57,178 over the life of the system, and most solar energy systems pay for themselves in about 10 years. Beyond direct savings on utility bills, the PA Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards allows homeowners to earn and sell Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), providing ongoing revenue from the solar energy the system produces.

These are sold to utility companies that are required to meet renewable energy standards under state law.

The Inflation Reduction Act continues to support solar projects at the national level, making this one of the best times to invest in a system. Combined with Pennsylvania's net metering rules and SREC market, the financial picture for Delaware County homeowners is worth looking at closely.

Installing solar also increases property value. Buyers increasingly factor in energy costs when evaluating homes, and a paid-off solar array eliminates or reduces the electric bill from day one for the next owner. It is not just a savings tool — it is a property improvement that compounds over decades.

You can read our article about financing solar power on your farms to gain insights and options before installing one.

Why Barns Are Worth a Closer Look

Residential roofs get most of the attention when people think about solar, but barns and outbuildings can offer advantages that a house roof cannot.

A barn typically has more unobstructed roof space, fewer penetrations, and — in Pennsylvania — is often oriented to face south, which is ideal for maximizing sunlight capture. Larger roof space means a larger solar array, which means more electricity generated and more savings on energy bills.

A barn solar system can cover not just the agricultural or storage needs of the building, but the full electricity demand of a connected residence as well.

Jeff's project at his Chadds Ford property is an example of that. The solar array on the barn generates enough power to cover both the barn and the main house. That level of production would be harder to achieve on many residential rooftops, where available space is smaller and shading from trees or neighboring structures can reduce output.

If you own a barn or agricultural structure in Delaware County, PA, and want to understand whether it's a good candidate for solar, the starting point is a structural assessment and a solar installation evaluation.

Our agricultural solar FAQ covers the most common questions we hear from property owners in this situation.

Talk to the expert and we will give you an engineered solar installation.

What to Expect from the Agricultural Solar Installation Process

For homeowners who haven't gone through a solar project before, here is a straightforward outline of what the process looks like:

1. Free Consultation and Site Evaluation

TerraSol starts with a free consultation to evaluate your roof or structure, energy usage, shading factors, budget, and eligibility for Pennsylvania incentives. Not every property is a good candidate — we qualify projects carefully before recommending a system.

2. Engineering and Design

Once your property qualifies, our team completes a custom system design. For older structures like barns, this includes a structural feasibility study to confirm the building can support the added weight of a solar array for 25 to 30 years.

3. Permitting

Permitting requirements vary by municipality in Delaware County. TerraSol manages the full permitting process, including coordination with your township and utility company. Engineering and permitting typically take six to ten weeks.

4. Installation

Physical installation of the panels usually takes one to three days. Our team handles everything from racking and panel placement to electrical connections and inverter installation.

5. Inspection and Interconnection

After installation, the system is inspected and connected to the grid through your utility company. For PECO customers, this step includes completing the interconnection application and, for qualifying residential systems, triggering the $500 PECO rebate.

6. System Activation and Monitoring

Once the system is energized, you start generating your own power. TerraSol provides ongoing support through its Advanced Customer Services division, including solar monitoring, maintenance, and system expansion if your needs grow over time.

A typical solar installation proposal includes energy savings estimates, system size recommendations, incentive eligibility, and projected payback period — all based on your specific property and energy profile.

Why Going Solar is About So Much More Than Your Wallet

The financial benefits of solar are the most common reason clients call us, but the broader benefits are worth mentioning.

Solar energy is an unlimited energy source. It does not deplete natural resources, requires minimal water compared to traditional electricity generation methods, and helps reduce air pollutants that affect local air quality.

For property owners who care about their carbon footprint, a solar system provides a measurable way to reduce it — the Chadds Ford barn project saves an estimated 28,392 lbs of CO2 emissions per year.

Solar also supports sustainable energy goals at the community level. As more homeowners and businesses in Delaware County adopt solar, the region reduces its dependence on fossil fuels and supports a cleaner grid. That's a benefit that extends well beyond any one property.

Pennsylvania's climate supports solar year-round. Even on cloudy days, the panels keep generating. The technology has advanced to the point where solar myths about weather and performance no longer hold up — the system works, and the savings are real.

Ready to Find Out If Your Property Qualifies?

Jeff's project started with a question: Can this barn support solar? The answer was yes... And the system has been producing clean, cost-saving electricity for both his home and his horse barn ever since.

If you have a barn, older building, or residential property in Delaware County, PA, and want to know whether solar makes sense for your situation, TerraSol offers a free consultation with no sales pressure.

We evaluate your roof, structure, energy needs, and budget, and give you a clear picture of what the investment would look like and what you would save.

Learn more about solar installations in Delaware County and Chester County, or contact TerraSol at (888) 873-9995 to schedule your free consultation today.

Whether you're in Chadds Ford, Drexel Hill, West Chester, or anywhere else in Delaware County PA, the process starts the same way Jeff's did — with a conversation and a look at what you have to work with. Solar panels on an old barn in Delaware County, PA can work, and this project proves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put solar panels on an old barn roof?

Yes. But it requires a comprehensive structural engineering assessment first. For historic structures like Jeff’s 100-year-old horse barn in Chadds Ford, teams must measure supporting beams and run simulations for extreme weather.

How much weight do solar panels add to a roof?

On average, solar panels add about 2 to 4 pounds per square foot of additional weight to a roof structure. While most pitched roofs in good condition can support this weight easily, a structural feasibility study is a mandatory step for older or non-standard agricultural buildings before moving forward.

Why are barns good candidates for solar panel installation?

Barns and outbuildings often offer advantages that typical residential roofs cannot. They generally provide large, unobstructed roof spaces with fewer penetrations (like chimneys or skylights) and frequently feature optimal south-facing orientations. This allows for a larger solar array that can comfortably generate enough electricity to power both the barn and a main residence.