10 Best Solar Companies in Pennsylvania

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

With three types of solar panels in today's market, small-scale renewable energy has become easier to adopt than ever before. Your contractor will likely have experience with all three types and can help you select the best one for your home.

Monocrystalline

In the warm summers of Pennsylvania, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell uses only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate additional energy with a small array. While they cost more upfront due to their more involved manufacturing process, their efficiency means you'll save more money over the longer term.

Polycrystalline

If low upfront costs are important to you, a polycrystalline array might be right for you. These dark blue panels contain a composite of multiple different silicon fragments in each cell, with less material wasted at the factory.

Although you can design a fairly efficient system with polycrystalline panels, it'll have a greater physical footprint than a monocrystalline array with the same capabilities.

Thin-film

Thin-film solar panels use various metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their lower weight or ability to fit on non-rectangular roofs. Others select them for their high heat resistance and low-light performance. Thin-film panels are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of Pennsylvania. They retain efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes.

However, they're less space-efficient than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, and you may have better-performing options if your property has high solar suitability.

Solar Purchase Options

Adopting solar power is a significant investment. Once you and your contractor agree on which type and model of panels to use, you can choose from a range of purchase options:

• Solar leases: With a solar lease, you'll make a monthly payment based on the energy your panels are likely to generate. Your lease provider can offer benefits such as no money down, covered regular maintenance, and a guarantee which allows refunds if your panels don't reach their predicted target efficiency. Because the lease provider owns the panels, they can take them back if you sell your home. Your property's value won't increase with a lease, and you won't be able to take advantage of most state incentive programs.
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs): With a power purchase agreement, your installer will sell you the power your solar system generates for the length of the contract duration. In exchange, they'll pay for the cost of the system. However, PPAs are long-term commitments, with some lasting 25 years. You could be subject to additional fees if you move out of your home or buy out of the contract.
• Solar loans: Most homeowners decide to take out a solar loan, whether through their contractor's financing partners or their local bank. It's usually easier to repay a loan than to complete a PPA. Further, because you're purchasing rather than leasing, you can take full advantage of incentives and special offers from your utility or local government. You may need to have a credit check done, but lenders may still have great options for you even if you have a limited or weak credit history.

On top of the purchase price of the panels, you'll also be liable for your contractor's labor costs and the price of electrical, roofing, or plumbing work that they delegated to other contractors. Each financing option will generally cover all of these costs.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

You might be eligible for financial incentives for installing home solar panels, like the following:

• Tax credits: The IRS provides a 30% tax credit on the value of your new solar equipment, so you should include Form 5695 with your federal returns for the year. Your state, county, or city could also offer similar income or property tax credits, or even exempt solar equipment for a period of time after installation.
• Rebates: Contractors and governments often work with utility companies and equipment manufacturers, offering rebates to encourage people to go solar. If your installer thinks you qualify for a rebate, it will help you fill out the application. If approved, you could receive the money directly or as a credit on your installation or utility bills.
• Net metering: Many homeowners have solar panels that output more electricity than their property needs. If you're enrolled in a net metering program, you'll send power you don't use back to the grid in exchange for credits on your energy bill. This saves you money and fortifies the security of the power grid for others in your area.
• Net billing: Some utilities and electrical co-ops have switched from net metering to net billing. Net billing customers sell their excess generation wholesale, with small houses receiving compensation at the same rate as large solar farms.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in Pennsylvania

Here's a brief look at the state of solar energy in Pennsylvania.

• Solar energy has enabled the creation of 4,231 jobs in Pennsylvania, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.
• A five-kilowatt solar installation in Pennsylvania has an average payback period of 12.5 years. That said, a system at that capacity would also save you $763.00 on your energy bill.
• In Pennsylvania, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 10.5 kW and costs $24,937.
• Without solar, the average family spends about $1,786 per year on their electricity bill.
• Pennsylvania generates 186 MW of residential solar energy, powering 12,802 homes and counting.

Useful Resources

Check out these sources to go in-depth on solar policies, incentives, and viability in Pennsylvania:

• DSIRE: DSIRE has tons of information on the latest local and statewide solar incentive packages. Search by your location, utility company, and the type of solar system you're installing.
• Best solar companies by city: If you're looking for tailored solar company recommendations in your area, Today's Homeowner has just what you need. We can recommend you the best companies in cities like PHILADELPHIA,PA, PITTSBURGH,PA, ALLENTOWN,PA, ERIE,PA and READING,PA.
• PVWatts: PVWatts is a helpful online tool that lets you virtually try out different solar configuration ideas on your house. You can determine how much energy your system would produce and decide which positions would give you the greatest ROI.