Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Howard, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, regional solar installer known for its strong Christian ethics, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer service. They offer a turnkey solution from design and financing to installation and maintenance, with an emphasis on high-quality equipment and workmanship.
A premier, award-winning solar installer based on Long Island that has expanded its service area to include Pennsylvania. They are known for their custom design expertise, robust maintenance programs, and knowledge of both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
A national leader known for its integrated solar roof and Powerwall battery storage system. Tesla offers a streamlined, technology-forward approach, often with a strong online design and ordering process. Their pricing is often competitive, but customer service experiences can be more variable than with local specialists.
The home solar market in Howard, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Centre County region is characterized by a few key factors. There is a moderate level of competition, primarily from well-established regional installers (like Paradise Energy Solutions) and national providers (like Tesla) who have certified local crews. The average quality of service is high, as the companies that succeed in this market tend to be those with proven track records and strong customer reviews, given the significant financial investment for homeowners. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in central PA generally falls between **$2.50 and $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. However, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. Pennsylvania also offers additional incentives, such as solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), which can provide ongoing income. The reputable providers listed above are all well-versed in these local and national financial incentives and can provide detailed consultations on the return on investment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howard regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Howard, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Howard, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Critically, Pennsylvania offers strong financial benefits, including the federal solar tax credit (26-30% of system cost) and the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which can provide significant long-term income. Additionally, Centre County may have specific property tax exemptions for solar installations, and some local utilities offer rebates, so it's important to ask your installer for a localized incentive analysis.
Howard's climate features four distinct seasons, which impacts solar production. While winter brings shorter days and potential snow cover (which panels can shed due to their slick, angled surface), the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Spring and fall offer excellent production with moderate temperatures and clear skies, while summer provides the most sunlight hours. Overall, Pennsylvania receives sufficient solar irradiance to make systems highly viable, with annual production peaking in the sunnier months to offset higher usage from air conditioning.
Installing solar in Howard requires compliance with local (borough or township) building and electrical codes, which typically involve obtaining a building permit. Your chosen installer should handle this process. You must also coordinate with your local utility, likely Centre County-based, for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid. Pennsylvania's net metering rules require utilities to credit you for excess power sent back to the grid, making interconnection a crucial step.
Start by selecting a provider with extensive local experience in Centre County, as they will be familiar with Howard's specific permit process, utility requirements, and optimal system designs for our climate. Verify they are properly licensed and insured in Pennsylvania, and ask for references from recent local installations. It's highly recommended to get detailed quotes from at least three local installers to compare equipment, warranties, projected production, and total cost.
A reputable local installer will first conduct a thorough roof inspection to ensure its structure can support the system; many older homes in the area have suitable, sturdy roofs. For winter performance, panels are designed to shed snow efficiently, and any accumulation usually melts quickly due to the dark surface and slight tilt. The energy produced on clear winter days, combined with net metering credits banked from sunnier seasons, ensures your system remains a sound financial investment year-round in Howard.