People often call Pennsylvania the Coal State or the Oil State, but recently it started increasingly adopting alternative energy sources, particularly solar electricity. With its abundant sunlight, Pennsylvania has the potential to become a promising frontier for solar energy development. With growing public knowledge of the benefits of renewable solar energy, the state is seeing an increase in commercial, residential, and industrial solar panel installations. Along with rising demand, we see a developing network of Solar Companies in Pennsylvania.
The government has actively promoted Pennsylvania solar power growth through various solar projects and incentives. For example, under Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS), electric distribution and generation companies must use a set percentage of alternative energy, including solar energy. This initiative boosted solar project investments and established a favorable environment for Pennsylvania’s solar companies.
Go solar in PA
Additionally, the cost of Pennsylvania solar panels installation has reduced in recent years. You may be wondering why, and the answer lies in the combination of more modern solar panels and installation technology, superior manufacturing, and federal tax solar incentives. Because of these, solar panel installations in Pennsylvania are now more reasonable than ever before, with the typical panel installation and maintenance cost being accessible to practically everyone.
Pennsylvania has a significant solar industry, with numerous companies providing solar panel system installation, financing, and maintenance. These installers hire skilled professionals to design and install customized solar solutions for their customers.
However, when it comes to panel installation companies, choosing the correct contractor to fit your needs is critical. In this article, we will look at the top solar panel firms in Pennsylvania, including Solar SME, Inc., Exact Solar, Palmetto, Paradise Energy, and Evoke Solar, and discuss their primary qualities as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Top 5 Solar Installers in Pennsylvania
Importance of Choosing the Right Solar Company
Choosing the appropriate solar business is more than just saving money or receiving positive feedback from a friend. You must assess your own priorities and evaluate solar panel installers from several perspectives in order to determine which one will best satisfy your solar demands.
So how can you select the best solar company in Pennsylvania? Here are five important characteristics to consider while picking the proper solar installer:
Experience and Expertise
It is critical to research solar panel providers and ensure that they have prior experience installing solar panels in Pennsylvania. Inquire how many panel installations they have accomplished in your area and how long they have been in the solar industry.
Reliable installers must be competent and educated about their solar products and services. They are client-oriented and ready to answer any queries you may have concerning the panel installation process.
Checking solar providers’ reputations through online reviews also aids decision-making.
High-quality Products and Services
Solar panel systems require high-quality materials and equipment. Ensure that the warranties and guarantees cover solar panels, inverters, and other components. Solar panel companies often provide a warranty on both materials and labor for solar panel installations in Pennsylvania, and the warranty period should be clearly specified in your contract.
solar panels in Pennsylvania
Compliance
Make sure the solar contractor is legally licensed and insured for panel installation in Pennsylvania. A qualified solar firm will handle all permits and ensure local norms and regulations are followed.
Long-Term Support
When selecting a solar panel company, take a proactive approach. Find out if the company provides any after-installation services. By choosing a reputable solar installer, you may receive ongoing support, maintenance, and monitoring services to guarantee that your solar systems continue to function well for many years.
Financial Benefits
Most solar panel vendors provide payment options. Ask the provider to walk you through the financial aspects of your solar investment. The team should give information on state incentives, rebates, and financing options. You will consider different ways to maximize your savings and ROI.
Spotlight on Top Solar Companies in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania solar energy business is expanding, with significant growth in the number of installations and solar companies, as well as a decrease in solar system installation costs. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the state has around 491 solar enterprises, $3.5 billion in total solar investment, and 65,940 installations capable of powering 163,602 houses. Over the previous ten years, solar system installation prices have plummeted by 42%.
When looking for a Pennsylvania solar installer, navigating the hundreds of solar companies available might be difficult. What are the top solar installers in Pennsylvania? Which Pennsylvania solar installer has the greatest experience? You will have many inquiries and doubts. In this post, we examined the leading Pennsylvania solar panel companies according to their professionalism and expertise, reputation, scope, and pricing.
As a result, we’d like to highlight the top five leading solar companies in Pennsylvania, including their strengths and weaknesses.
Solar SME, Inc.
Exact Solar
Palmetto,
Paradise Energy
Evoke Solar.
Solar SME, Inc.
Solar SME, Inc. is a mid-sized solar installation company serving eight states, including Pennsylvania. Solar SME’s skilled staff provides complete end-to-end commercial rooftop solar panel installations as well as project management from start to finish. The company provides free site evaluations, engineering and design services, financing, rebate applications, panel installs, permitting, inspections, monitoring, and ongoing solar system maintenance.
They also specialize in battery storage solutions for solar energy systems. Battery solutions enable households to store extra solar energy produced during the day for usage at night or during power outages. They can assist you in picking the best battery storage solution for your unique requirements. The company is honored to be a partner of renowned battery providers, including:
Generac PWRcell,
Tesla PowerWall,
Panasonic EverVolt,
Enphase Ensemble,
LG Chemistry RESU.
Solar SME works in collaboration with reputable solar equipment manufacturers. It is an LG Pro Authorized Partner, a Panasonic Solar
Premium Installer, and a Certified Solar Professional for REC solar panels.
It offers a referral program to clients who refer the company to their family and friends. Clients receive a set amount at each stage of cooperation between new clients and the company. You can receive up to $1000 once the referral solar installation is completed.
Solar SME is a modern solar system installer. It offers a user-friendly mobile app and remote control. However, the official website does not appear to be completely up to date. You can’t discover information on all of the states it covers. For example, state incentives are discussed for only a few regions. If you want further information about the installer, you should contact them directly.
Exact Solar
Exact Solar Company
Exact Solar is an award-winning solar panel company in Pennsylvania that specializes in delivering comprehensive solar panel management solutions.
The slogan we find on the Exact Solar website is “Your Local Solar Experts,” which accurately describes this solar company. With 19 years of experience in the solar panel sector, the company primarily serves Southeast Pennsylvania and New Jersey. With a thorough understanding of Pennsylvania’s unique solar terrain, Exact Solar advances in offering optimal solar panel solutions that match the specific needs of the region’s homeowners and businesses.
Exact Solar Roof Installation
Exact Solar has an excellent online reputation. Customers have praised the installer’s commitment to quality and customer service, and the company has received numerous awards from the Solar Energy Industries Association and other industry organizations.
The company was named “Best of the Region” for Solar Installers in 2022, and Green Building United nominated them for the 2023 Groundbreaker Awards in Equity and Community Leadership. Aside from delivering exceptional service to its local consumers, the company helps numerous local groups migrate to solar energy by donating systems and resources and implementing renewable energy education programs.
The company offers a unique Solar Orphan Service™ (S.O.S.) to assist clients left abandoned by other companies without lifetime assistance. The Exact Solar team is ready to start up where the previous installer left off. The S.O.S. program also includes careful panel removal when roof repairs are required.
Being a local professional benefits Southeast Pennsylvania, but other regions are unable to take advantage of this reputable company. Please check to see if Exact Solar serves your area before deciding to work with them.
Palmetto
Palmetto Solar
Palmetto is a well-known solar panel manufacturer that takes a unique approach to solar energy management. Palmetto specializes in both residential and commercial solar solutions. Together with solar panels, they provide inverters and other components for solar power systems.
The company uses only top-quality panels. Palmetto is now installing Qcells panels and REC Alpha Pure Black. They only use all-black panels with low-profile mounting techniques and a 25-year warranty. Palmetto claims that the QCells panels they installed have a maximum efficiency of 21.4%, a top-tier rating, while the REC panels have 21.6%.
Palmetto offers cutting-edge technology solutions to ensure the proper operation of solar energy installations. Clients may maximize the benefits of solar energy by using their platform to track production and savings in real time, as well as operate their solar energy installations remotely. With the mobile application, you can do the following:
track solar savings,
reach one-click support,
arrange scheduled maintenance,
manage updates.
Palmetto specialist using online power tracking application
The Palmetto Protect program provides the coverage you require for the assurance you desire. It offers two assurance packs that include:
proactive monitoring,
distant diagnosis and troubleshooting,
24/7 customer support,
intelligent problem identification (the team will contact you before you are aware of the issue).
Furthermore, with an optional 95% Performance Guarantee that includes labor coverage provided by the Omnidian Performance Assurance team, your system will operate at optimum efficiency while your mind is at ease.
Palmetto’s robust technology and platform are a benefit, but they may be too complicated for non-technical homeowners who prefer simpler options.
Also, keep in mind that Palmetto does not employ its own installers but rather collaborates with vendors in all of the states it serves.
Paradise Energy Solutions
Paradise Energy Solutions is an experienced solar installer that operates in Pennsylvania and six other states. The solar energy company provides free site assessments, a variety of payment options, paperwork completion, and a full 10-year guarantee. Paradise Energy Solutions offers residential, business, and agricultural services. The expert installer creates solar energy systems that are suited to each client’s specific needs, including all stages of solar system operations.
This solar panel company claims that its experts are always improving their skills and knowledge to ensure the most up-to-date solar system installation. Their team of experts assesses various factors before they provide the plan. The factors include your energy consumption, shading, roof size, and orientation.
Paradise Energy does not use third-party engineers in its solar installations, so the team is fully responsible for the entire installation and operation process.
The solar company provides ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that solar panel systems perform and are reliable in the long term. In addition to the equipment manufacturer’s warranties, the company offers a unique Triple Ten Guarantee, which includes ten years of guaranteed solar production, ten years of system monitoring, and ten years of workmanship warranty.
Triple Ten Guarantee program by Paradise Solar Energy
What we appreciate is that this installer provides educational resources and training programs to help clients understand the benefits of solar energy. They offer workshops, webinars, and seminars about solar technology, financing, and incentives.
We’ve noticed that Paradise Energy Solutions’ website does not specify which brands of solar panels it offers. Thus, based on the website information, it is unclear what the energy efficiency of a Paradise Energy Solutions system will be. Contacting a local agent appears to be necessary for obtaining the missing information.
Evoke Solar
Evoke Solar
Evoke Solar provides a variety of services to residential, commercial, and agricultural clients. Evoke Solar handles the entire solar panel installation process. From the initial free consultation to utility interconnection, installation, rebate applications, and post-installation permit approvals.
Wes Checkeye, a Heat Shed Inc. veteran with over fifteen years of experience in green energy installations, established Evoke Solar. A true professional manages the company, and according to the website description, he leads a family of enthusiasts rather than a business. According to the team, Evoke Solar is more than just a company; it is a group of people who are passionate about solar energy and are invested in the success of every solar project they work on.
Apart from their qualifications, Evoke Solar has partnered with one of the top solar panel manufacturers as a SunPower Elite Dealer. This allows them to not only provide high-efficiency products, but also to promise a low price and a long warranty.
Evoke Solar is a reputable company with extensive experience, but they are less modern in their services compared to some other installers in the region. There is no information regarding the mobile app, remote control, tracking, or referral program. It may not be important to some clients, but others may find it critical for decision-making.
Why It Is Important to Get Solar Quotes
Solar power requires a significant financial investment, and selecting the best Pennsylvania solar energy company can often be difficult. That is why it is highly recommended to get a solar quote. When deciding which solar panel company to partner with, we recommend analyzing the installers, selecting those that best fit your demands, and then gaining their solar quotations. It will undoubtedly help you make the proper decision.
Get a free solar estimate for your home or business
Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll find in a solar quote and how it can help you make a final decision.
Cost Assessment: this assists homeowners and businesses in understanding the cost of installing a solar panel system.
Customized Solutions: solar quotes are tailored to each property’s specific needs. One can obtain many quotes to examine system size, configurations, and financing alternatives to fit their energy goals and budget.
Incentives & Rebates: fortunately, Pennsylvania provides a variety of solar installation incentives and rebates. Installers’ quotes typically include incentives and how they might minimize upfront expenses.
Energy Savings: solar quotations estimate the energy savings from converting to solar power. Understanding expected savings over time assists households and businesses in deciding whether to invest in solar panels.
Return on Investment (ROI): this helps you determine the worth of your investment in future years. Solar estimates frequently contain projections for the return on investment for a solar panel system (including electricity bill savings, higher property value, and potential money from selling extra energy back to the grid).
The procedure of obtaining a quote is easy. Contact the installer you’re considering for a solar partnership and get a quote, or click the quote option on the company’s website.
An appointment will be scheduled with your local consultant to discuss your questions and goals for getting solar. During this visit, the specifics will be addressed and gathered, and the solar company will provide a customized solar quote that includes all of the information mentioned above.
After comparing solar bids and selecting the winning Pennsylvania solar installer, you will sign a contract and begin the process of implementing your solar project.
To summarize, we recommend getting multiple solar quotes from the solar panel businesses that are the best fit. A careful review of the details you get will assist you in understanding each installer’s financial and environmental benefits and making your ultimate decision.
Navigating Pennsylvania’s Solar Incentives and Regulations
Going solar in Pennsylvania in 2024 is definitely a smart idea, especially with a number of effective solar incentives available. These consist of various energy incentives, SRECs, net metering, and the federal tax credit.
Pennsylvania’s Solar Incentives and Regulations
These incentives make solar panel installation more readily available and affordable in Pennsylvania. Solar panels can save electricity costs, boost property values, and promote sustainability. By utilizing solar incentives, you can reduce investment costs, accelerate payback, and increase the ROI of your renewable energy technology.
Let’s look at the best solar incentives in Pennsylvania and how much they can save you:
Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal tax credit that permits businesses and homeowners to deduct from their federal taxes a portion of the cost of installing solar panels.
Eligibility: Homeowners and businesses investing in solar.
Benefit: Up to 26% of the system cost can be claimed as a tax credit.
Philadelphia Solar Rebate Program
The Philly Solar Rebate is a one-time incentive payment given once the solar project has been installed. The rebate is calculated using the DC system size of the solar project.
Eligibility: Solar system owners in Pennsylvania.
Benefit:$0.20 per watt for residential projects.$0.10 per watt for commercial projects.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
Market-driven incentives that compensate solar system owners for the clean energy they produce. A single SREC, or marketable certificate, represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar electricity generation.
Eligibility: Solar system owners generating renewable energy.
Benefit: SREC prices vary based on market demand, providing a potential income stream.
Net Metering
A billing model that allows owners of residential and commercial solar installations to receive credit for excess electricity generated by their panels and returned to the grid on their utility bills.
Eligibility: Owners of residential and commercial solar systems.
Benefit: Reduces electricity costs by using excess solar energy to balance grid electricity use.
Our Verdict
There is no doubt that Pennsylvania is an excellent place to go solar. The state is doing a lot to help the community of solar installers grow by making solar system installation more affordable and popular among Pennsylvania residents and businesses. Nowadays, thanks to the state’s solar programs and incentives, planning a solar panel installation doesn’t seem to be too expensive.
After reviewing the top Pennsylvania solar energy installers, it’s clear that the state has a large number of reputable installers who can build customized solar solutions for both residential and commercial consumers. Pennsylvania homeowners have access to a variety of solutions to meet their solar energy needs and environmental goals, ranging from industry giants to local experts.
The solar companies listed in this article offer excellent services to help you harness the sun’s power and embrace a greener, more sustainable future. We can’t make decisions on your behalf, however, the information we’ve gathered on solar installers in Pennsylvania will help you make a smart choice. Think about your priorities, analyze the companies, request quotes, align them to your needs, and make a dependable decision.
Luckily, the solar energy business is growing in Pennsylvania, and we are lucky to have a chance to choose a reliable panel installer based on our priorities, whether it’s modern technology, honest pricing, or high-quality craftsmanship.