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10 best solar companies in Upper 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 Upper Merion. 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 Upper Merion, Pennsylvania requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Upper Merion to help you choose the perfect installer.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, review the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in Upper Merion or pick an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Even though solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Upper Merion homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Various solar companies offer different products. Be sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Upper Merion
Search for Upper Merion solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
SunPower Builders
Services offered
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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
Blessing Electric
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- Informative resources
Open Sky Energy
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- Clear pricing policy
Solar Energy World
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- Clear pricing policy
Solar States
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- Clear pricing policy
TerraSol Energies, Inc.
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- Clear pricing policy
Sunwise Energy
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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.
EcoGen America
MACK Solar and Roofing
Impact Solar LLC
Moore Energy LLC
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Upper Merion?
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Upper Merion, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for going solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the best method to ensure your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Transitioning to solar lets you lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would 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.
Facts about Upper 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 Upper Merion?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
In Upper Merion, solar panel installation costs approximately $16,365, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Upper Merion?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Upper Merion from going solar
Homeowners in Upper Merion who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Upper Merion is around 15 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Upper Merion: Based on calculations that leverage data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA, Upper Merion homeowners save around $1,066 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can expect to save about $14,891 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Upper Merion from going solar
Not only does switching to 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.
- 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 Upper Merion?
A variety of solar incentives are offered to Upper Merion homeowners. Some programs are offered to all Pennsylvania residents, though others differ by utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives accessible for Pennsylvania residents, according to DSIRE.
| 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 Upper Merion solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
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 apply for the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get the same levels of sunlight. The tree density, rain levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight amounts. 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 feature a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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