Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Drums, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A family-owned and operated local leader in Northeastern Pennsylvania specializing in custom-designed residential solar systems. They are known for high-touch customer service, deep local knowledge, and handling the entire process from consultation to interconnection.
A regional solar provider with a strong presence in Pennsylvania, known for its comprehensive service offerings and high-quality installations. They partner with top-tier manufacturers and offer robust warranty packages.
A highly reputable, award-winning solar installer based in Long Island that has expanded its service area to include Northeastern Pennsylvania. They are known for exceptional craftsmanship, premium equipment, and expertise in complex installations, including battery backup.
The home solar market in Drums, PA, and the surrounding Luzerne County area is moderately competitive and of above-average quality. Homeowners have access to a mix of dedicated local installers and established regional companies. The market is driven by Pennsylvania's alternative energy portfolio standards, the continued decline in solar equipment costs, and the desire for energy independence amidst fluctuating utility rates. **Average Quality:** High. Reputable companies in this region typically employ NABCEP-certified installers and use tier-1 solar panels (e.g., Qcells, Silfab, REC) and inverters (e.g., Enphase, SolarEdge). **Competition Level:** Moderate. While not as saturated as major metropolitan markets, several strong regional competitors vie for projects, which helps maintain quality and competitive pricing. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Pennsylvania before incentives is between **$2.80 and $3.50 per watt**. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$22,400 to $28,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. Pennsylvania also offers a state-specific solar renewable energy credit (SREC) program, which can provide ongoing income for energy produced.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Drums regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Drums, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Drums, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. The key financial benefit is the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Pennsylvania also offers solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) through the state's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, allowing you to earn extra income for the electricity your system generates.
Drums experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and modern panels shed snow relatively quickly. While winter days are shorter, summer provides longer peak sun hours. Importantly, Pennsylvania's average of about 4 peak sun hours per day is sufficient for a productive system, with annual production designed to offset your electricity usage across all seasons.
Installation requires a building permit from the Butler Township office (which governs Drums) and an electrical permit, typically handled by your installer. Your system must pass inspection by the township building official and your local utility, PPL Electric Utilities. PPL has specific requirements for grid interconnection, and your installer will manage this entire process, ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code and net metering rules.
Prioritize local or regional installers with proven experience in Luzerne County and Pennsylvania's specific climate and regulations. Verify they are properly licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Ask for references from recent installations in the area and review their track record with PPL interconnection. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment of your roof's condition, orientation, and shading specific to your property.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a battery storage solution like a Tesla Powerwall. For storm resilience, panels are rated for heavy snow loads and high winds common in Northeastern PA. A battery backup can provide critical power during outages. Furthermore, net metering with PPL acts as a "virtual battery," crediting you for excess summer production to use during lower-production winter months.