Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Buckingham homeowners. Making the transition to solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and compiled a guide to the most reputable solar installation companies in Buckingham. These top providers consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. 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.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation problems such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
In Buckingham, solar panels cost an average of $3,550 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.6 kilowatts. The typical Buckingham homeowner spends $16,360 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information reflecting your desired system's size, required preliminary work, capacity, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to 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:
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) array 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 be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and their rated capacity. Buckingham gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 15.5 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. A majority of solar contractors in the Buckingham area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
With respect to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. For insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Buckingham. However, if you have a limited budget, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
