Best 5 Solar Companies in Scranton, PA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Scranton

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

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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Scranton

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Scranton and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,750 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Scranton

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.