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10 best solar companies in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Allentown. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Allentown, Pennsylvania requires you to select a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've assembled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Allentown to help you choose the right installer.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, review the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Allentown or choose a leading national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that changing to solar energy enables Allentown homeowners to save an average of $970 annually.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Allentown
Look for Allentown solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower Builders
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunPower
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Pinnacle Exteriors
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- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
Evoke Solar, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Lumina Solar PA
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Power Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
PosiGen
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Exact Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Finray Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Solar Energy World
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Sunwise Energy
Moore Energy LLC
Endless Energy
TerraSol Energies, Inc.
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Allentown?
Regions with inconsistent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Allentown, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the optimal method to guarantee your electric car is fueled with clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy enables you to cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
Facts about Allentown
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Allentown?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
According to statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in Allentown is $16,591.
How much can you save by going solar in Allentown?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Allentown from going solar
Homeowners in Allentown who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Allentown is 17 years.
- Annual solar savings in Allentown: On average, Allentown homeowners can save $972 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $12,393 after switching fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Allentown from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 54 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1350 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Allentown?
There are a number of solar incentives open to homeowners in Allentown. Specific programs are applicable to all Pennsylvania residents, while others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
Available solar incentives to Pennsylvania homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Loan Program High Performance Buildings Incentive Program | Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000 Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000 |
Loan Program Wind and Geothermal Incentives Program | 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 |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Alternative Energy Credits | 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. |
Grant Program High Performance Building Incentives Program | Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Allentown solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Adding battery storage may increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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