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10 Best Solar Companies in Pittsburgh, PA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

A rooftop solar array will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Adopting solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Pittsburgh. These proven and dependable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.

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 10 Best Solar Companies in Pittsburgh

Energy Independent Solutions

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51 Arch St, Carnegie, PA 15106 (412) 294-1741 eissolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Solar roof assessment
Commercial panels
Financing assistance
Tesla powerwall
Energy efficiency audit
Residential panels

Envinity Solar | Pittsburgh

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RIDC West Shops at Keystone Commons Suite 534A, 528 Braddock Ave, Turtle Creek, PA 15145 (412) 205-6306 envinity.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Energy efficiency audit
Residential panels
Solar carports
Financing assistance
Commercial panels
Maintenance

Green Rack Contracting

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1418 Parkway View Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 (614) 949-0518 greenracksolar.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Consultation
Residential panels

Connected Energy Solar

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2405 McNeilly Rd Suite A, Pittsburgh, PA 15226 (412) 294-8249 connectedenergysolar.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Residential panels
Financing assistance

Scalo Solar Solutions

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22 Rutgers Rd #101, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 (412) 921-9968 scalo-solar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Commercial panels

Bluebird Sky Solar

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10431 Perry Hwy Suite 110, Wexford, PA 15090 (412) 510-5698 bluebirdskysolar.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Financing assistance
Consultation
Maintenance
Residential panels
Commercial panels

Solbridge Energy Advisors

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943 N Negley Ave APT 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 841-6285 solbridgeea.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Commercial panels
Consultation

Elysium Solar Energy

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192 Railroad St, McDonald, PA 15057 (724) 469-2855 elysiumsolarenergy.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Family-operated business

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Commercial panels
Battery storage
Full-service
Permit assistance
Off-grid solar systems
Grid-tied solar system

Raycycle

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608 E McMurray Rd Unit 202, McMurray, PA 15317 (412) 567-2428 raycycle.us

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Residential panels
Commercial panels
Consultation

Boom Pow DIY Solar LLC

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3139 Bradbury Dr, Aliquippa, PA 15001 (412) 983-7382 boompowsolar.net

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Solar panel upgrades
Battery storage
Residential 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

Putting solar panels on your roof could cut 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.

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly 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.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with providers that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for you.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation issues, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

  • Look into utility rebates: More financial incentives might be available from utility companies looking to motivate homeowners to go solar. Contact your local utility provider to find out rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can determine your possible savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed through a loan or lease. Confirm important financing details such as fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for total solar system costs until 2032. Many states also offer incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Pittsburgh

Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Pittsburgh has a capacity of 7.0 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,550 per kilowatt; the average Pittsburgh homeowners spends about $17,320 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include prices for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.

Pittsburgh 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: duquesnelight.com

Incentive Amount:

Programmable Thermostats: $25
Central A/C / Heat Pumps: $100/ton
ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Solar Water Heater: $300
Ceiling/Floor/Wall Insulation: $0.23/square foot
ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifier: $20
ENERGY STAR Certified Refrigerator: $25
ENERGY STAR Certified Freezer: $10
ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioner: $25
ENERGY STAR Variable Speed Pool Pump: $200
Occupancy Sensor Based Control: $10
Smart Strip Surge Protector: $5
Furnace with High Efficiency Fan Motor: $100
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $100
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $35

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: dlcwattchoices.com

Incentive Amount:

$300/system

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 Pittsburgh, PA

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Pittsburgh, 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 most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel once per season. Your solar energy company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.

Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to be compensated 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 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.

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