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10 best solar companies in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you'll need to hire a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Philadelphia to help you find the right one.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Philadelphia or decide on an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy enables Philadelphia homeowners to save about $1,100 per year.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Philadelphia
Search for Philadelphia solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower Builders
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunPower
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- Clear pricing policy
Sunwise Energy
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- Clear pricing policy
Solar Energy World
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- Clear pricing policy
Impact Solar LLC
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- Clear pricing policy
Finray Solar
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- Clear pricing policy
MACK Solar and Roofing
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- Clear pricing policy
JK Renewables
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- Clear pricing policy
Advanced Renewable Solutions - Solar 4 South Jersey
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- Clear pricing policy
PosiGen
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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.
Solar States
Blessing Electric
EcoGen America
Open Sky Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Philadelphia?
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Philadelphia, can still utilize solar energy. Here are the top reasons for considering solar energy:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to guarantee your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems generate power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
Facts about Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your shading, roof orientation, system size, sunlight availability, labor costs and area. Choosing extras such as solar trackers, batteries or animal guards will raise the overall cost.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, installing solar panels in Philadelphia typically costs $16,250.
How much can you save by going solar in Philadelphia?
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Philadelphia from going solar
Homeowners in Philadelphia who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average 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, Philadelphia's average payback period for solar is 15 years.
- Annual solar savings in Philadelphia: On average, Philadelphia homeowners can save $1,066 per year by adopting 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: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $14,973 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
Philadelphia homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are provided statewide to all Pennsylvania residents, and others depend on municipality, city and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for 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 |
Rebate Program City of Philadelphia - Solar Rebate Program | Residential: $0.20 per watt of solar installed Commercial: $0.10 per watt of solar installed |
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 |
Green Building Incentive City of Philadelphia - Streamlined Solar Permitting and Fee Reduction | See Website |
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 Philadelphia solar installer?
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
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 larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't large enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could affect your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, precipitation and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical when sunlight is scarce and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage may lead to increased setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in life expectancy, efficiency and design. 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.
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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