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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
A solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Going solar helps cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation providers in Castle Shannon.
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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 lower your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not issue state-level contracting licenses, so each city or county can set its own requirements and regulations.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.
Going solar can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
The cost of home solar panels in Castle Shannon varies depending on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $3,550 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Castle Shannon are 7.0 kilowatts, and the typical Castle Shannon homeowners spends $17,320 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
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:
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:
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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, reduce emissions, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes. Castle Shannon uses an even 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.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Castle Shannon amount to $1,015.
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, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Castle Shannon gets a moderate amount of sunlight each day, so you could expect a maximum payback period of 17.1 years per 5 kW of power depending on other factors.
While solar energy might not be the best option for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Of course. Solar panels exist independently from the power grid in Castle Shannon and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. 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.
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 talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
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