Best 5 Solar Companies in Penn Hills, PA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Penn Hills

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

There are no state-level contracting licenses issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so each city or county can set its own requirements and terms. Solar companies can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious 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 Penn Hills

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies include these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Penn Hills and are looking into 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 Penn Hills

Choosing the best financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and loans. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're considering about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

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