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3 Best Solar Companies in Erie, PA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Erie homeowners. A solar panel array can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a qualified solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most trustworthy solar installation companies in Erie. These top installers consistently deliver high-quality and dependable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Best Overall
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance
Best Customer Service
3.9/5
  • Great customer service
  • Good warranty options
  • Excellent industry reputation

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Erie

Solar Revolution LLC

Solar Revolution LLC Logo

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8166 Pagan Rd, Erie, PA 16509 (814) 602-5896 solarrevolutionerie.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Residential panels

Tess/Soleil

Tess/Soleil Logo

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22 Chambers St, Jamestown, NY 14701 (716) 490-1410 apricotsolar.com

Services Offered

Residential panels

SolarAesthetics Panels Castles

SolarAesthetics Panels Castles Logo

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3744 New Castle Rd, West Middlesex, PA 16159 (724) 293-5386 solaraestheticstiles.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Cleaning
Residential panels
Skilled repairs
Commercial panels
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure 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.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar power can help lower your electricity costs in the long run. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on the full cost of solar systems is available through 2032. Many states also provide incentives. These credits can result in substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: More rebates might be available from electric companies looking to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can calculate your possible savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time through leases or loans. Confirm all terms when financing, such as annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications.

Cost of Solar Installation in Erie

Erie homeowners typically spend about $17,209 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Erie cost roughly $3,550 per kilowatt, with an average size of 6.9 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees, and will account for your system's capacity, size, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Erie Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: newpa.com

Incentive Amount:

Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000
Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million
Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000

Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program

Website: pennaeps.com

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 Type: Loan Program

Website: newpa.com

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 Type: Grant Program

Website: newpa.com

Incentive Amount:

Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: firstenergycorp.com

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

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energysavepa-home.com

Incentive Amount:

$500

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Erie, PA

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 heating system for your water.

There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, save money, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Erie can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months to maximize your generation for the year.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly 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 Erie, the average amount someone can save is $1,228 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.

Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to receive compensation for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.

While solar energy is a great 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 lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Erie include thin-film, polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about what kinds of solar panels they work with.

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