Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Durham, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Lehigh Valley-based solar installer known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They are highly regarded for their customer service and expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
A well-established, family-owned Pennsylvania contractor specializing in energy solutions. They offer a personalized approach, handling all aspects of the solar process themselves and are experts in navigating state-specific incentives like the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Rebate Program.
A dedicated renewable energy company serving Eastern Pennsylvania, focusing on making solar accessible. They offer robust financing options, including leases and PPAs, and provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring services to ensure long-term system performance.
** The home solar market in the Durham, PA area is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. As a rural/suburban community within Bucks County, residents are served by a cluster of reputable regional installers rather than national corporations, which often translates to more personalized service. The average quality of providers is high, with most holding certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and offering strong manufacturer warranties (e.g., 25-year performance guarantees on panels). The competition level is healthy, driving companies to offer competitive pricing and a wide range of services, particularly in battery storage due to occasional grid reliability concerns in more rural parts of the county. Typical pricing for a residential system before incentives ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+,** heavily dependent on system size and energy needs. Providers are generally very knowledgeable about both federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Pennsylvania-specific incentives, which can significantly reduce the net cost for homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Durham regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Durham, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in the Durham area, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Pennsylvania homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, and you can also participate in the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which pays you for the clean energy your system produces. Additionally, PPL Electric Utilities, which serves Durham, offers net metering, ensuring you get credit for excess power sent back to the grid.
Durham experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and will still produce on cloudy days, though at a reduced rate. Winter snow can temporarily cover panels, but they are installed at an angle to encourage shedding, and their dark surfaces help melt snow relatively quickly. The annual sunlight in Pennsylvania is sufficient for a strong return on investment, with peak production occurring in the spring and summer months.
Installing solar in Durham requires compliance with both local township ordinances and utility rules. You will need to obtain a building permit from Durham Township, and your installer will typically handle this process. The system must also pass inspection by a certified third-party agency to ensure it meets the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Finally, your installer will manage the interconnection agreement and application with PPL Electric Utilities to connect your system safely to the grid.
Focus on local or regional installers with extensive experience in Pennsylvania's specific climate and regulations. Verify they are properly licensed and insured in the state, and ask for references from recent installations in Bucks County. It's essential to choose a company that will handle the entire process, including Durham Township permits, PPL interconnection, and SREC program registration. Always compare multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment, warranties, production estimates, and full project scope.
No, a solar installation will not increase your property taxes in Pennsylvania due to the state's Property Tax Assessment Law, which exempts renewable energy systems from increased assessment. For net metering with PPL, your system's excess generation is credited to your account at the retail rate, rolling over month-to-month. Your annual "true-up" period resets in June, so it's strategic to size your system to minimize a large credit forfeiture at that reset.