Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A rooftop solar array could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation providers in Allegheny.
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. 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 review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar company that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.
Switching to solar power can help lower your energy expenses. Be sure to weigh these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Allegheny will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system costs $3,550 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Allegheny are 7.0 kilowatts, and the typical Allegheny homeowners spends $17,475 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Manufacturer loans: $40,000 per job created within 3 years
Manufacturer grants: $5,000 per job created within 3 years
Loans for geothermal systems: $3 per square foot of space served up to $5 million; also limited to 50% of eligible costs for residential systems.
Loans for wind energy production projects: $5 million
Grants for wind energy production projects: $1 million
Grants for feasibility studies: 50% of cost up to $175,000
Loan guarantee grants: Up to 75% of deficient funds up to $5 million
Incentive Amount:
Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices.
Incentive Amount:
Programmable Thermostats: $25
Central A/C / Heat Pumps: $100/ton
ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Solar Water Heater: $300
Ceiling/Floor/Wall Insulation: $0.23/square foot
ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifier: $20
ENERGY STAR Certified Refrigerator: $25
ENERGY STAR Certified Freezer: $10
ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioner: $25
ENERGY STAR Variable Speed Pool Pump: $200
Occupancy Sensor Based Control: $10
Smart Strip Surge Protector: $5
Furnace with High Efficiency Fan Motor: $100
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $100
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $35
Incentive Amount:
Appliances
Refrigerator: $75
Clothes Washer: $25- $50
Clothes Dryer: $50
Freezers: $25
Dehumidifiers: $25
Fridge/Freezer Recycling: $50
HVAC
HVAC tune up: $50
Furnace Fan Motor: $150
Ductless Minisplit AC : $200
Central AC: $100 - $200
Air Source Heat pump: $250 - $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $600
Packaged Terminal AC: $75
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $150
Programmable Thermostat: $25
Others
Solar Water Heat: $500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Home Energy Audit: $250
Lighting: Available as in-store discount in participating stores
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Allegheny, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Absolutely. Allegheny uses an equal mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will save you money and lower your home's individual emissions, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Allegheny, the average amount someone can save is $988 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
Absolutely. Solar panels are independent of the Allegheny grid and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system won't take you through a nighttime outage if you don't have a storage system. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
