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According to 2022 data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Pennsylvania has 467 solar companies and has invested nearly $3 billion in solar energy to date. The cost of solar continues to decrease as it becomes more common, making it a great time for homeowners from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to switch to solar and start reaping the benefits of lower electricity bills.
Our team has spent more than 100 hours researching solar installers and speaking to industry experts to determine the best solar companies available. Learn about the services, costs, and pros and cons of our top providers in the Keystone State.
| Location Presence | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Momentum Solar |  | 11 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| SunPower |  | 50 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Green Home Systems |  | 10 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Sunrun |  | 21 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Rising Sun Solar Solutions |  | 2 States | NR | Get Free Quote | |
| Venture Solar |  | 8 States | B- | Get Free Quote |
| Momentum Solar | |
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| Location Presence | 11 States |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| SunPower | |
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| Location Presence | 50 States |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Green Home Systems | |
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| Location Presence | 10 States |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sunrun | |
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| Location Presence | 21 States |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Rising Sun Solar Solutions | |
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| Location Presence | 2 States |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | NR |
| Venture Solar | |
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| Location Presence | 8 States |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B- |
Top Solar Installation Companies
Here are our top recommendations for solar companies in Pennsylvania based on our extensive research:
- Momentum Solar: Best for Guided Services
- SunPower: Most Experienced
- Green Home Systems: Best for Solar Product Variety
- Venture Solar: Best for Northeast Residents
- Rising Sun: Best Local Pennsylvania Company
- Sunrun: Best for Home Builders
Read more: Momentum Solar review
Read more: SunPower review
Read more: Green Home Systems review
Factors That Affect Solar Installation Cost in Pennsylvania
EnergySage reports that a typical 6-kilowatt (kW) solar system in Pennsylvania costs just under $18,000 before applying any tax credits or incentives. Common factors that affect solar costs include:
- Solar panel type: Different types of solar panels have different prices and power outputs. For example, monocrystalline solar panels generally cost more than polycrystalline panels, but they’re more efficient.
- Labor: The labor to install your system costs about 100% to 200% times the cost of the solar panel system itself. If you purchase a 6 kW monocrystalline solar panel system for $9,000, a solar installation company will likely charge $18,000 to $27,000 for both the system and installation.
- Additional equipment: Pennsylvania is no stranger to power grid issues, especially during winter, so it’s a good idea to have a solar battery to store energy. You’ll also need an inverter to convert your solar panels’ direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC) for use in your home. Most solar companies include inverters in your solar system’s design, but name-brand batteries and inverters typically cost more.
- Payment option: The payment option you choose influences the total cost you’ll pay for your system over time. Purchasing the system up-front is the most cost-effective, since you’ll get access to money-saving tax incentives and avoid paying interest rates. You can also opt for a solar loan if you prefer to pay in gradual installments, though this will increase your total investment due to interest rates.
Solar leases allow you to rent your system with monthly payments, while power purchase agreements (PPA) allow you to pay for only the energy you use, similar to an electricity bill. However, both of these options disqualify you from cost-saving solar incentives because your provider will still own the system.
Solar Tax Incentives in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania residents can take advantage of three solar incentives:
- Net-metering: High-efficiency solar systems produce more energy than your home needs. Net-metering programs allow you to sell this excess energy to the utility company at the same price you would buy it. PECO Energy offers the top net-metering program in Pennsylvania.
- Solar renewable energy credit (SRECs): Pennsylvania residents earn a solar renewable energy credit (SREC) each time their system generates 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of power. You can sell these SRECs and earn a couple hundred dollars per year.
- Federal solar tax credit (ITC): The federal solar tax credit, now known as the Renewable Clean Energy Credit, provides a tax credit equal to 30% of your solar installation costs. This is not a tax refund. Instead, it reduces the amount of federal taxes you owe. For example, if you spent $18,000 on your solar system, you can deduct $5,400 from your owed taxes. The credit will roll over to the next year if it’s more than the taxes you owe.
What to Expect From Your Solar Installation Inspection
Solar installations in Pennsylvania require a home inspection. This helps the solar installer know what rigging system is required and what kind of panels, inverters, batteries, and other components your system will need. At a high level, the inspection ensures your installation runs smoothly and you’re set up to reap the most solar panel benefits possible throughout their life span.
A solar installation inspection typically involves the following steps:
- Roof inspection: The inspector will take roof measurements to check the proposed system’s fit and dimension. They’ll note any existing roof obstructions and discuss modifications if needed. Roof damage, including broken tiles and worn shingles, will be photographed and documented.
- Attic inspection: The inspector will check your attic for accessibility, noting the layout of your roof’s trusses, or framework.
- Electrical inspection: The inspector will evaluate your home’s current electrical system and create a utility interconnection plan, noting the locations of electrical conduits and disconnecting means, such as outlets.
- Internet inspection: An installer may ask about your internet access to determine the appropriate performance monitoring hardware to install.
Solar Services
In addition to panel installation, many solar companies offer additional services, such as the following:
- Consultation: Most companies provide a free consultation at the beginning of the installation process to discuss products, timeline, and pricing. This is your chance to ask questions and agree on how the project will proceed. Companies typically offer both in-person and virtual consultations. We recommend in-person when possible, as this will help the installation team see the specifics of your property and provide more accurate answers.
- Design: There’s also often a design consultation, which may happen during your initial consultation or separately. This is a time to discuss your system’s type and layout and how it will be arranged on your roof. Again, most companies provide both in-person and virtual consultations.
- Installation: Some companies install solar batteries, electric vehicle chargers, and other solar products in addition to panels. This is sometimes done through a third-party.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Many companies offer some form of ongoing maintenance for the lifetime of your warranty, such as regular inspections, repairs, and cleaning.
- System monitoring: Companies also offer remote system monitoring to track your solar system’s performance and identify any issues. Some providers also offer mobile apps so you can easily check performance.
- Additional services: Your roof’s integrity is essential to a successful solar installation. For that reason, some solar companies partner with third parties such as roofing and pest control companies to make necessary repairs and fix interferences.
Getting Solar Quotes in Pennsylvania
Getting solar quotes is easy to do online. Most providers have a button, often in the upper right corner of their website, that allows you to fill out a form to receive a free quote. You may be able to put in details about your property, such as its roof dimensions and sun exposure, and get an estimate right away. Or, you may fill out the form and be contacted by a representative to talk through the details by phone and receive an estimate that way.
If a provider doesn’t have an online quote option, there should be a phone number listed on the website to call and speak with a team member. While online quotes are quick and convenient, speaking with someone over the phone may result in a more accurate and personalized project quote.
What to Ask Solar Providers
Many homeowners aren’t sure what to ask solar installation companies during a consultation. Based on conversations with professional installers and solar experts, our team compiled the following questions:
- What types of solar products do you install?
- Will my panels be connected to my local energy grid?
- What kind of solar inverter do you use?
- Where will my panels be placed?
- How much power will I need for my panels?
- Who will do the installation? What aspects of the project are outsourced?
- What are your team’s credentials?
- How long will my project take to complete?
- Have you worked with my local utility company?
- What’s included in my contract?
- Who will handle the paperwork for acquiring the permit, renewable energy credits, grants and other incentives?
- What will the total cost be? Can I get an itemized quote?
- What financing options do you offer? Do you provide in-house or third-party financing?
- What local incentives and rebates are available?
- Can you provide testimonials and photos of your projects?
We also highly recommend verifying solar licensure, which you can do on the Pennsylvania Licensing System website. Simply scroll down to see “Verify a License” on the left side.
Our Recommendation
Solar energy is growing in popularity in Pennsylvania. The state gets plenty of sun to make investing in solar energy worth it, and the unpredictable winters that impact utility grids make having backup energy a smart choice.
If you’re just starting to research solar companies, Sunrun is great for new homeowners thanks to its BuilderChoice New Homes Program. Alternatively, SunPower has more than 30 years of experience and multiple financing options, while Green Home Systems has excellent customer reviews. Any provider on this list is worth considering.
Before committing, we recommend carefully reading each company’s website for product information and policy fine print. Get a quote from multiple providers to compare pricing and services. Use our tool below to request free quotes from top solar companies near you.
Solar Companies Pennsylvania FAQ
What is the average cost for solar in PA?
According to EnergySage, the average solar panel cost in Pennsylvania is $3.02 per watt as of April 2023. That means a 5-kilowatt (kW) system in Pennsylvania costs between $12,835 to $17,365 before applying any solar incentives.
Is it worth going solar in PA?
It can be worth it to go solar in Pennsylvania. Installation prices have dropped as solar has become more popular. Pennsylvania residents also benefit from solar incentives such as the federal solar tax credit and net-metering programs. Request quotes from multiple solar companies to weigh up-front costs against possible savings and determine whether investing in solar energy is worth it for you.
Will PA pay for solar panels?
Programs such as the Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program, PA Sunshine Program, and Allegheny County Solar Program are just a few ways Pennsylvania residents can get free or reduced-cost solar panels.
What is the PA solar tax credit for 2023?
Pennsylvania doesn’t have a state-level solar tax credit, but all homeowners qualify for the 30% federal solar tax credit.
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology