Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Year after year, more Pottsville homeowners use rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most reputable solar installation companies in Pottsville. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and dependable services.
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Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Award_winning
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Charitable_giving
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Award_winning
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Award_winning
Reliable customer support
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 key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure 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.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Switching to solar power can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
In Pottsville, solar panels cost an average of $3,550 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.8 kilowatts. The typical Pottsville homeowner spends $16,864 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, required preliminary work, capacity, and size. 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) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance 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 a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Pottsville gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 17.3 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the Pottsville area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to notify your insurer about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
