Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local Pennsylvania company specializing in custom renewable energy systems. They are known for personalized service, from initial consultation and system design to professional installation and maintenance. They have deep expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid battery backup systems.
A well-established regional installer based in nearby Scottdale, PA. EIS Solar has a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and offers comprehensive services, including energy efficiency assessments. They are a certified installer for major equipment manufacturers and are well-versed in local incentives and financing.
A formerly large, national provider that filed for bankruptcy in 2022 but had a significant installation footprint in Pennsylvania. They are included here with a strong caution due to their well-documented reputation for poor customer service, legal issues, and leaving customers with unresolved warranty and maintenance issues. Many former customers are now seeking new providers for service, making it a relevant, albeit negative, part of the local market landscape.
** The home solar market in Connellsville, PA, is characteristic of a smaller, rural-leaning city within Southwestern Pennsylvania. The market is **moderately competitive**, primarily served by a handful of dedicated regional installers and a large number of national companies that market heavily in the area. The average quality of service is bifurcated; customers who choose established local/regional contractors like Zager Technology or EIS Solar report very high satisfaction, while those who opted for now-defunct or out-of-state sales-focused companies have faced significant challenges. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a typical gross cost of **$25,000 to $35,000 for a 10 kW system**. The local utility, West Penn Power (part of FirstEnergy), offers net metering, which is a key incentive. Pennsylvania-specific incentives are limited, making the federal tax credit the primary financial driver. The presence of local experts is crucial for navigating interconnection agreements with the utility and understanding local permit requirements in Connellsville and Fayette County.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Connellsville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Connellsville, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW residential system in Connellsville, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Pennsylvania's statewide solar rebate program, which offers a one-time payment per kilowatt of installed capacity. Additionally, your system will be exempt from Pennsylvania's 6% sales tax, and it will increase your property's assessed value without increasing your property taxes for 20 years, thanks to the state's Clean Energy Property Tax Exemption.
Connellsville's four-season climate means production peaks in sunny summer months but decreases in winter due to shorter days, occasional snow cover, and cloudier skies. However, solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures, so spring and fall can be very productive. Snow usually melts quickly off angled panels, and our average of 162 sunny days per year is sufficient for strong annual energy generation, with systems designed to capture light even on overcast days common in Southwestern PA.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the City of Connellsville's Code Enforcement office. A reputable local installer will typically manage this entire process for you. The other critical step is interconnection approval from your utility, which for most Connellsville residents is either West Penn Power (FirstEnergy) or a rural electric cooperative. They have specific requirements for system safety and metering (net metering) that must be followed before your system can be activated.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience, proper Pennsylvania licensing, and insurance. Ask for references from recent installations in Fayette County and verify they understand local permitting and utility interconnection processes. It's essential to choose a company that will provide ongoing service and monitoring support. Be wary of out-of-area companies making unrealistic promises; a local presence ensures they can quickly address any post-installation issues.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, unless paired with a dedicated battery storage system. For severe weather like heavy snow, thunderstorms, or high winds, panels are rated to withstand Connellsville's conditions—typically certified for winds up to 140 mph and impact from hail. Proper installation and racking are critical. Discuss adding a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) with your installer if backup power is a priority for you.