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 solar panel array could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Transitioning to solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation providers in Lower Makefield.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
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 cut your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This helps ensure that the work is done properly 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 terms.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers say about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Installing solar panels can help decrease your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
In Lower Makefield, solar panels cost an average of $3,550 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.6 kilowatts. The typical Lower Makefield homeowner spends $16,360 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information based on your desired system's panel type, size, required preliminary work, and capacity. 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.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
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 further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Lower Makefield, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the average sunlight in your area, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Lower Makefield gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 15.3 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Yes. Solar panels don't depend on the grid to work and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear 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.
Regarding 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.
