Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Hershey, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest residential solar installers in the Northeast and has a significant presence in Pennsylvania. They are known for a streamlined process, strong manufacturer partnerships, and comprehensive in-house services from design to installation and financing. Their extensive experience makes them a reliable choice for standard grid-tied systems.
Paradise Energy Solutions is a highly-rated, regional installer known for its exceptional customer service and transparency. They are a certified installer for top-tier equipment and offer a strong "Triple 10 Guarantee" (10-year workmanship, roof leak, and production guarantee). They are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a premium, high-touch service experience.
Brightside Solar is a well-regarded local Pennsylvania installer focused on custom-designed solar solutions. They emphasize education and providing systems tailored to specific homeowner energy goals. Their local focus means they have deep knowledge of Pennsylvania-specific incentives, utility net metering policies, and regional installation requirements.
** The home solar market in Hershey, PA, is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality, regional installers rather than national corporations. The average quality of service is high, as evidenced by the consistently excellent reviews for the top providers. Homeowners in Hershey benefit from Pennsylvania's alternative energy portfolio standards, including the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which provides long-term financial incentives. The competition is strong among a handful of established companies, which helps maintain high standards for workmanship and customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in the area ranges from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$22,400 to $28,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment choices (e.g., premium panels vs. standard, adding battery storage), and roof complexity. All reputable local installers provide free, detailed consultations and quotes, and they are well-versed in navigating state incentives and financing options like PACE loans and in-house financing plans.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Hershey regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Hershey, 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 the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, where you earn income for the clean energy your system produces, providing ongoing savings for over a decade to help offset the initial investment.
Hershey experiences four distinct seasons, which impact solar production. Summer offers the most peak sun hours for maximum generation, while shorter winter days with potential snow cover reduce output. However, solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and Pennsylvania receives sufficient annual sunlight to make solar highly viable. Proper system design accounts for seasonal shifts to ensure your annual energy needs are met.
Installing solar in Hershey requires compliance with Derry Township's building and electrical codes, which includes securing a local building permit. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. Additionally, you must coordinate with your utility company, PPL Electric Utilities, for interconnection approval to ensure your system safely connects to the grid and qualifies for net metering.
Prioritize local Pennsylvania-based installers with strong experience in the Hershey region, as they understand local codes, utility requirements, and optimal designs for our climate. Verify they are properly licensed and insured, and ask for references from recent local installations. It's also wise to choose a provider who handles the entire process, including permits, SREC registration, and PPL interconnection.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during outages, you need a system paired with a battery backup. Regarding net metering, PPL's program credits you for excess energy sent to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month. Your bill is settled annually in June, making it crucial to size your system correctly to maximize the use of your credits throughout the year.