Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Smithfield residents. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a qualified solar installer. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and compiled a guide to the most dependable solar Installers in Smithfield. These top installers offer high-quality and dependable services.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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 lower your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding if a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation 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 regulations.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and list the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
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 Smithfield, solar panels cost an average of $3,550 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.8 kilowatts. The typical Smithfield homeowner spends $16,902 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's capacity, panel type, size, and required preliminary work. 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) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
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 location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Smithfield, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Absolutely. The grid in Smithfield 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.
While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in wet or dark 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.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of 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 let your insurer know 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.
