Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Meadville residents. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a qualified solar installer. That’s why, after properly vetting installers, we compiled a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Meadville. These companies consistently deliver excellent service.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
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 planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. There are no state-level contracting licenses issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so each city or county can set its own requirements and regulations.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar installers. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Stay away from providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
In Meadville, solar panels cost an average of $3,550 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.1 kilowatts. The typical Meadville homeowner spends $17,636 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information based on your desired system's required preliminary work, size, panel type, 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.
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
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Meadville can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease 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 Meadville, the average amount someone can save is $1,264 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
Although solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider 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.
Absolutely. 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.
