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8 best solar companies in Pittsburgh, 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 8 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Pittsburgh. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Pittsburgh to help you select the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Pittsburgh or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Pittsburgh homeowners to save an average of $1,100 per year.
Not every solar company extends the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Pittsburgh
When evaluating Pittsburgh solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
Energy Independent Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bluebird Sky Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Rack Contracting
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Connected Energy Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Scalo Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Elysium Solar Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Pennsylvania Solar Energy Company Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Boom Pow DIY Solar LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Pittsburgh?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Pittsburgh, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar decreases your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help lower your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems use power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
Facts about Pittsburgh
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 Pittsburgh?
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the typical cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost increases if you pick any add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
As per numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, solar panel installation in Pittsburgh has a typical cost of $17,320.
How much can you save by going solar in Pittsburgh?
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Pittsburgh from going solar
In Pittsburgh, you can anticipate saving money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Pittsburgh's average payback period for solar is 15 years.
- Annual solar savings in Pittsburgh: Homeowners in Pittsburgh typically save around $1,138 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $16,000 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Pittsburgh from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Pittsburgh?
Homeowners in Pittsburgh can qualify for several solar incentives. Some are available statewide 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 |
Rebate Program Duquesne Light Company - Residential Energy Efficiency Program | Programmable Thermostats: $25 Central A/C / Heat Pumps: $100/ton ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Solar Water Heater: $300 Ceiling/Floor/Wall Insulation: $0.23/square foot ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifier: $20 ENERGY STAR Certified Refrigerator: $25 ENERGY STAR Certified Freezer: $10 ENERGY STAR Certified Room Air Conditioner: $25 ENERGY STAR Variable Speed Pool Pump: $200 Occupancy Sensor Based Control: $10 Smart Strip Surge Protector: $5 Furnace with High Efficiency Fan Motor: $100 Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $100 Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $35 |
Rebate Program Duquesne Light Company - Residential Solar Water Heating Program | $300/system |
Rebate Program First Energy (MetEdison, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) - Residential Solar Water Heating Program | $500 |
Rebate Program FirstEnergy (MetEdison, Penelec, Penn Power, West Penn Power) - Residential Energy Efficiency Programs | Appliances Refrigerator: $75 Clothes Washer: $25- $50 Clothes Dryer: $50 Freezers: $25 Dehumidifiers: $25 Fridge/Freezer Recycling: $50 HVAC HVAC tune up: $50 Furnace Fan Motor: $150 Ductless Minisplit AC : $200 Central AC: $100 - $200 Air Source Heat pump: $250 - $500 Geothermal Heat Pump: $600 Packaged Terminal AC: $75 Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $150 Programmable Thermostat: $25 Others Solar Water Heat: $500 Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Home Energy Audit: $250 Lighting: Available as in-store discount in participating stores |
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 Pittsburgh solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Trees, precipitation and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
For extra power storage, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is essential in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, using battery storage may lead to increased installation costs.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each differing in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels 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.
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