Best 5 Solar Companies in Reading, PA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Reading

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar specialist.

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 terms. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 Reading

The type of solar panels you purchase dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Reading homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,750 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Reading

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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. Like a home or car 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 usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.