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10 best solar companies in Lower Merion, 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 Lower Merion. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've gathered a list of the leading solar companies in Lower Merion.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can choose a local Lower Merion solar company or select a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Lower Merion homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,100.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Ahead of scheduling your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Lower Merion
Focus your search on Lower Merion solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
SunPower Builders
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- Clear pricing policy
SunPower
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- Clear pricing policy
PosiGen
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- Clear pricing policy
Finray Solar
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- Clear pricing policy
Solar States
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- Clear pricing policy
Solar Energy World
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- Clear pricing policy
Sunwise Energy
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- Clear pricing policy
MACK Solar and Roofing
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- Clear pricing policy
Open Sky Energy
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- Clear pricing policy
Blessing Electric
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- Informative resources
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Impact Solar LLC
EcoGen America
JK Renewables
Advanced Renewable Solutions - Solar 4 South Jersey
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Lower Merion?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Lower Merion, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to start using solar power include these:
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar energy lets you cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Lower Merion
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 Lower Merion?
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost increases if you choose any add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Lower Merion averages around $16,365.
How much can you save by going solar in Lower Merion?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Lower Merion from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Lower Merion homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recoup its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Lower Merion's average payback period for solar is 15 years.
- Annual solar savings in Lower Merion: Homeowners in Lower Merion typically save around $1,066 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our analysis using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of around $14,891 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Lower Merion from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Lower Merion?
Homeowners in Lower Merion can be eligible for several solar incentives. A few are available across the state for all Pennsylvania residents, and others are based on your municipality, utility company and city.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives offered to Pennsylvania residents:
| 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 Lower Merion solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't expansive enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local regulations. You must get proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. The tree density, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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.
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