Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Hunker, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A family-owned and operated regional leader specializing in high-quality residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for their personalized service, in-house expertise, and deep knowledge of Pennsylvania-specific incentives, including the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) markets.
A highly-rated provider that combines solar installation expertise with roofing services, ensuring integrated system integrity. They offer comprehensive consultations and are praised for their customer communication and clean, professional installations.
A local contractor focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. They provide a wide range of services from solar PV and battery backups to energy audits, positioning themselves as a single-source provider for home energy modernization.
** The home solar market in and around Hunker, PA, is characterized by a mix of strong regional installers and local specialized contractors, rather than a high volume of national companies. The competition is moderate but of high quality, with several established businesses serving Westmoreland County and the greater Pittsburgh area for over a decade. The average quality of service is high, as evidenced by the consistently strong customer reviews for the top providers. These companies have built their reputation on reliability and customer service in a community-driven market. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Pennsylvania ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average-sized 8 kW system could have a gross cost between $20,000 and $28,000. The 30% federal tax credit significantly reduces this net cost. Providers in this area are generally well-versed in local net metering policies from utilities like West Penn Power and the value of Pennsylvania's SRECs, which provide ongoing income for solar energy production.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Hunker regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Hunker, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Hunker, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Pennsylvania homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, you can participate in Pennsylvania's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, where you earn credits for the electricity you generate and can sell them to utilities, providing ongoing income that further offsets your system cost over time.
Hunker experiences all four seasons, which impacts solar production. While winter brings shorter days and potential snow cover (which panels often shed due to their angle and dark surface), the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Summer offers the most sun hours, but heat can slightly reduce efficiency. Importantly, Pennsylvania receives ample annual sunlight for solar to be highly effective, and modern systems are designed to generate significant power year-round, with peak production typically from spring through fall.
Installation requires compliance with Hunker borough and Westmoreland County building codes. You will need to obtain a building permit, and your installer will typically handle this process. The system must pass a county electrical inspection. Furthermore, if your home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), Pennsylvania law (Act 2022-35) restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar installations, though they may have reasonable rules on placement for aesthetic purposes, so checking your covenants is still advised.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in Westmoreland County, as they understand the specific permitting and climate considerations. Verify they are properly licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Always request multiple quotes, check reviews on independent sites, and ask for references from past customers in the area. A reputable provider will conduct a thorough site assessment of your roof's condition, orientation, and shading before providing a detailed, customized proposal.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery storage system. For storm resilience, panels are rated to withstand Pennsylvania's hail and high winds (typically up to 140 mph). For snow, panels are installed at an angle to help it slide off, and their dark surface accelerates melting; you should never need to manually clear them, as doing so can risk damage or injury. Production will be temporarily reduced while covered, but this is factored into annual production estimates.