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 pay for itself in time. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we assembled a guide to the most dependable solar companies in East Lampeter. These companies have a reputation for dependable quality service.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could reduce your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not issue state-level contracting licenses, so each city or county can set its own requirements and regulations.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Solar power can help decrease your electricity costs long-term. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.
The average East Lampeter homeowner will spend around $16,331 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in East Lampeter cost roughly $3,550 per kilowatt, with an average size of 6.6 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease 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.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, 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 the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in East Lampeter, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and the average sunlight in your area. East Lampeter gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 16.8 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can return the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
The best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in East Lampeter. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you could thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
