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Aug 12, 2023

The 7 Best Solar Companies in Pennsylvania (June 2023)

Solar energy is expensive, costing anywhere from $16,000 to $21,000*. Choosing one of the best solar companies can help you feel more confident that you’re making a long-lasting and worthwhile investment.

To help you decide, we at the Guides Home Team have researched the best solar installers in Pennsylvania and provided our top recommendations. Our rankings are based on customer service, warranty coverage, financing options, and a range of other factors discussed below.

*Data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)

Based on our methodology and ranking system, these are the best solar companies in Pennsylvania:

SunPower offers some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. Its manufacturer, Maxeon, was previously in-house but went independent in early 2022. The companies still work closely together.

SunPower provides a comprehensive 25-year warranty covering labor and the solar panel system itself. The warranty guarantees 92% power output throughout the length of the contract. SunPower provides free repair or replacement if any issues arise.

*Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar cost survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar systems.

SunPower offers three payment options: full payment, solar lease or solar loan.

Sunrun only sells high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels. Though product information is limited online, the company offers popular brands such as LONGi. It also has two lithium-ion solar battery options: the Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem.

Sunrun includes a 10-year warranty with all of its solar panels. This warranty is shorter than the industry standard of 20 to 25 years, but it's comprehensive. The warranty covers equipment replacement, system repairs and associated labor costs.

Additionally, Sunrun offers a unique bumper-to-bumper system warranty. Active monitoring, free equipment replacement, and system repairs are included for 10 years. The warranty also includes insurance against theft or damage.

Sunrun offers two leasing options: a traditional monthly lease or a full lease that allows you to pay for 25 years of solar energy up-front. It also offers full purchases and solar loans.

Momentum Solar offers a range of solar panels, making it easy for customers to personalize their systems. The company partners with Enphase to offer solar battery storage and also has options for electric vehicle (EV) chargers, inverters and other solar products.

Momentum includes a 25-year equipment warranty and a 25-year workmanship warranty. These warranties cover products and labor, offering comprehensive protection.

Momentum Solar also offers educational resources through its blog, regular energy audits and an interactive mobile app to track system performance.

Momentum offers four financing options: full purchase, solar lease, solar loan and power purchase agreement (PPA). Maintenance is included for solar leases and PPAs; it's an add-on for full purchases and solar loans.

Solar loans operate similarly to a home or auto loan, allowing you to pay off your system in installments over time. However, you’ll pay more in total than you would with a full purchase due to interest rates.

Solar leases involve paying a fixed monthly rate to use solar power without committing to owning your system. PPAs allow you to pay a fluctuating rate based on the energy you use, similar to an electricity bill. Both options disqualify you from taking advantage of cost-saving solar incentives because your provider retains ownership of the system.

Palmetto Solar offers high-quality monocrystalline solar panels from Q Cells and smart-home solar batteries. It supplies a 25-year manufacturer's warranty covering equipment and performance.

For a small monthly fee, customers can add the Palmetto Protect plan. This plan provides access to regular maintenance, panel cleaning, pest abatement and active system monitoring. The plan also includes roofing services and panel removal or reinstallation if you move.

Palmetto offers four payment options: full purchase, solar loan, solar lease or PPA.

Green Home System (GHS) offers high-efficiency solar panels from companies including Panasonic and LONGi, plus a unique solar roofing option called the Apollo II. This roofing system is made from small monocrystalline solar panels that mimic roof shingles, making the panels less noticeable than traditional solar systems and preserving curb appeal.

GHS offers a 25-year product warranty and performance guarantee. It ensures your system and its components are protected and will perform at a certain standard throughout their lifetime.

Though GHS doesn't offer a system monitoring app, its products are compatible with downloadable monitoring software. This software allows you to track your system's production and detect issues.

GHS offers two financing options: full payment or solar loan.

Trinity Solar has more than 20 years of experience in the solar industry. It offers high-quality solar panels from Q Cells plus additional equipment to customize your system, including solar storage options from Generac and Tesla.

Trinity's solar panels come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty. A workmanship warranty is included if you lease your system. The workmanship warranty is limited to five years if you purchase your system up-front.

Trinity Solar offers four payment options: full purchase, solar lease, solar loan or PPA.

Though solar systems are expensive, there are several ways to lower your installation costs. Pennsylvania homeowners qualify for the federal tax credit (ITC), which provides a federal tax deduction equal to 30% of your solar expenses. This rate will reduce to 26% in 2033 and drop to 22% in 2034 before ending 2035.

Pennsylvania also offers several state and local incentives. Learn about the key programs below.

There are some critical factors to consider when choosing the best solar company for your needs. We’ve outlined a few crucial points to think about below.

The Keystone State has many excellent solar providers, whether you live in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or anywhere in between. The right one for your home will depend on your individual needs and priorities.

We recommend Momentum for its full-service installation process, comprehensive warranties and customer-first approach. Green Home Systems is an excellent choice for cutting-edge technology and solar roofing, while Palmetto offers extensive protection for customers who want to protect their investments.

Use our tool below to connect with top solar installation companies near you. Most companies provide a free quote.

No, you cannot get free solar panels in Pennsylvania. However, some solar companies offer as little as $0 down for qualifying customers. Additionally, the state offers a variety of statewide and local incentives to reduce costs.

Pennsylvania has a generous net-metering program. As a result, most residents who go solar can eliminate their energy bills.

While there is no statewide solar tax credit in Pennsylvania, other cost-saving incentives exist. Homeowners also qualify for the federal solar tax credit.

It costs an average of $3 per watt to go solar in Pennsylvania. You can expect to pay around $15,000 for a typical 5-kilowatt (kW) system, but the total cost will vary.*

We closely evaluated seven crucial factors according to our solar panel installation company methodology to rank the best providers in the industry. Based on a 100-point scale, we came up with each provider's score out of five stars. Here's how we assessed each company:

Dana Getz is a seasoned editor with nearly a decade of experience writing and editing content. She has a background in journalism and worked as a fact-checker for prestigious magazines such as New York and Chicago. She holds a journalism and marketing degree from Northwestern University and has worked across numerous categories within the home services space.

SunPower: Most experienced Warranty Cost Read Review Warranty Cost Read Review Warranty Cost Read Review Warranty Cost Read Review Warranty Cost Read Review Warranty Read Review Cost and payment options (20 points): Services (20 points): Reputation (20 points): Warranty (15 points): Customer Support (10 points): Industry Experience (10 points): Sustainability (5 points): Dana Getz
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