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 will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a qualified solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most trustworthy solar Installers in Lower Paxton. These top providers consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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:
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.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best 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.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Avoid providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy can help decrease your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the solar technology being used. The typical Lower Paxton solar array has a capacity of 6.7 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,550 per kilowatt; the average Lower Paxton homeowners spends roughly $16,690 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the panel type, size, and capacity of the planned system, and should include costs for labor, permit fees, and preliminary work.
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
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give 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 Paxton, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Of course. The grid in Lower Paxton already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Although 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.
Yes, solar panels can still supply you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system can keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. In most cases, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Lower Paxton. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
