Best 4 Solar Companies in Millcreek, PA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Millcreek

The more informed your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Millcreek

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar provider offers these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can plan to spend about $17,750 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Millcreek. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Millcreek solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Millcreek

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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 system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment plans it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.