Best 5 Solar Companies in Lower Merion, PA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lower Merion

The price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not issue state-level contracting licenses, so each city or county can set its own requirements and regulations. Solar providers can also obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lower Merion

Your solar panels' style will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Lower Merion and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,750 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Lower Merion

Choosing the ideal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Lower Merion.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.