Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ellsworth, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated solar installer based in Western PA. They are known for personalized service, in-house installation teams, and deep expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup systems for residential properties. They emphasize education and custom design.
A rapidly growing regional leader known for its streamlined process and strong customer service. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and a variety of financing options, including PPAs and leases.
A national provider with a significant operational footprint in Pennsylvania. They offer a turnkey solution for homeowners, handling everything from design and permitting to installation and maintenance. Their large scale allows for various manufacturer partnerships and in-house financing options.
** The home solar market in Ellsworth, PA, is characteristic of a rural-to-suburban area within a state with moderate solar incentives. The market is not saturated with a high number of local, mom-and-pop installers, but is robustly served by well-established regional companies (like EIS Solar and EZ Solar) and national providers (like Pink Energy) based in nearby metropolitan hubs like Pittsburgh and Beaver. This creates a competitive environment that benefits the consumer with multiple quotes and service options. **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of service is generally high among the top contenders, with a focus on customer education and robust system design to handle Pennsylvania's varied climate. Competition is healthy, driving companies to offer competitive pricing and strong warranty packages. **Typical Pricing:** As of the latest data, the average cost for a residential solar panel system in Pennsylvania ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%, and Pennsylvania offers additional incentives like solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), making the net investment significantly lower. All top providers will be well-versed in these financial incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ellsworth regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ellsworth, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Ellsworth, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, and Pennsylvania offers a state-specific incentive through the Solar Alternative Energy Credit (SAEC) program, which provides ongoing payments for the clean energy you produce. Additionally, solar installations in Pennsylvania are exempt from state sales tax, and your system will increase your property value without increasing your property taxes due to the state's Clean Energy Property Tax Exemption.
Ellsworth's four-season climate means production varies: summer offers the most sun and highest output, while shorter, cloudier winter days yield less. Importantly, solar panels operate on light, not heat, and are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures, making Pennsylvania's spring and fall seasons very productive. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage shedding, and the reflective properties of snow can sometimes boost production on clear winter days.
In Ellsworth, you will need a building permit from your local municipality, which your installer should typically handle. The most critical step is interconnection approval from your utility provider (likely West Penn Power, part of FirstEnergy). Pennsylvania has standardized interconnection rules (Act 213), which streamline the process, but your installer must submit the correct application to connect your system safely to the grid and establish net metering.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in Washington County and a strong portfolio of installations in Southwestern PA. Verify they are properly licensed and insured in Pennsylvania, and check for certifications like NABCEP. Always ask for local references in Ellsworth or nearby communities like Canonsburg or McMurray to see their work firsthand and discuss their experience with the specific permitting and utility processes here.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup like a Tesla Powerwall. For maintenance, Ellsworth's rain generally keeps panels clean, but an annual check is recommended, especially after fall to clear any leaves or debris. Your installer should provide a production monitoring app, allowing you to easily track performance and identify any issues related to snow cover or seasonal shading.