Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company specializing in turnkey residential solar solutions. They are known for their personalized customer service, in-house installation teams, and deep knowledge of Pennsylvania-specific incentives, including the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market.
EIS is a well-established, full-service electrical contractor that has expanded into a leading regional solar installer. Their background in electrical work gives them exceptional expertise in system design, grid-tie integration, and complex electrical upgrades. They are a certified installer for premium brands like Panasonic and Enphase.
Solar Switch positions itself as a customer-education-focused installer, emphasizing transparent pricing and no-pressure consultations. They offer a wide range of financing options, including leases, PPAs, and loans, making solar accessible to various financial situations. They serve as a project manager for the entire process from design to permitting and interconnection.
** The home solar market in East Pittsburgh is part of the growing and competitive southwestern Pennsylvania solar industry. The market is characterized by a mix of dedicated local/regional installers and a few national companies. The average quality is high, with leading local contractors holding prestigious NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications, ensuring industry-best practices. **Competition** is robust, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a strong focus on customer service. Companies differentiate themselves through their expertise in local permitting, utility interconnection processes (with Duquesne Light being the local utility), and mastery of state-specific financial incentives like the SREC program. **Typical pricing** for a residential system in the area generally falls between **$2.50 and $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $28,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment choices (e.g., premium panels vs. standard efficiency, adding battery storage), and roof complexity.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with East Pittsburgh regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in East Pittsburgh, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Pennsylvania also offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) through the AEPS program, where you earn money for the clean energy your system produces, providing ongoing income that further improves payback. Local installers can provide a detailed analysis of your specific savings based on your energy usage and roof.
Modern solar panels are highly effective at converting indirect and diffuse light, making them well-suited for Pittsburgh's mixed weather. While production is highest on clear, sunny days, systems will still generate significant power on cloudy days. A properly sized system is designed to account for our local climate, averaging about 4 peak sun hours per day annually, to meet a substantial portion of your yearly electricity needs. Seasonal snow cover can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the dark surfaces melt snow relatively quickly.
Installation requires an electrical permit from the Borough of East Pittsburgh and must pass inspection to ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Your system must also be approved by your utility company (typically Duquesne Light) for interconnection to the grid, which involves a specific application process. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting and interconnection process for you, ensuring all local and utility requirements are met.
Prioritize local, established companies with a proven track record of installations in Allegheny County. Verify they are properly licensed and insured in Pennsylvania, and ask for references from recent local customers. It's essential to choose a provider who handles all aspects locally, including navigating Duquesne Light's interconnection rules, securing East Pittsburgh permits, and providing post-installation service. Check their reviews and membership with organizations like the Pennsylvania Solar Center.
Going completely off-grid in our climate is technically possible but generally not practical or cost-effective for most homeowners. It requires a very large and expensive battery bank to store enough energy for prolonged cloudy periods, especially in winter. Most homeowners opt for a grid-tied system with net metering through Duquesne Light, which uses the grid as a "virtual battery," crediting you for excess power you send back and supplying power when your panels aren't producing, ensuring reliability without the exorbitant cost of a full off-grid system.