Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mars, 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 and battery storage 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.
A rapidly growing regional provider with a strong presence in Western Pennsylvania. Venture Solar emphasizes a streamlined process from consultation to installation and offers premium equipment partnerships with brands like Qcells and Enphase. They have a dedicated team for handling permits and interconnection agreements with local utilities.
**IMPORTANT CONTEXT:** Pink Energy was a major national player that filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in late 2022, ceasing all operations. It is included here because they installed a significant number of systems in the region. While they are no longer operating for new installations, their name appears prominently in local searches. Homeowners with existing Pink Energy systems must seek third-party providers for maintenance and repairs. This highlights the critical importance of choosing a stable, reputable, and local company.
** The home solar market in Mars, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Allegheny County is **moderately competitive and service-driven**. The market is not saturated with a high number of installers, but it is served by several robust regional companies. The legacy of Pink Energy's collapse has made local consumers more cautious and has increased the value placed on company longevity, local roots, and verifiable reputations. The average quality of providers is high among the established local players, who leverage strong manufacturer warranties (e.g., 25-year performance warranties on panels) and have expertise with the specific climatic and roofing challenges of Western Pennsylvania. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Mars is competitive with national averages, ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$22,400 to $28,000**. Financing options are widely available, including solar loans and leases, and reputable installers are proficient in navigating Pennsylvania's incentive programs, particularly the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which can provide significant long-term income for system owners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mars regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mars, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Mars, 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 on a market to utility companies, providing ongoing income.
Solar panels are effective in cold, sunny weather and actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures like those in Mars. While winter snow cover can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and any energy production helps melt it. Pennsylvania receives sufficient annual sunlight for solar to be highly viable, with systems designed to produce more in summer to offset lower winter production, ensuring annual energy needs are met.
Installation requires compliance with Mars Borough's local building and electrical codes, which typically involve securing a building permit. Your installer will usually handle this process. You must also coordinate with your local utility, likely West Penn Power (FirstEnergy), for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid and set up net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong experience with Pennsylvania's specific climate and interconnection rules. Look for companies with proven local references and projects in the North Hills region. It's essential to choose a provider familiar with handling the permitting process for Mars Borough and the interconnection process with West Penn Power to ensure a smooth installation.
Yes, net metering is a state-mandated program in Pennsylvania. With West Penn Power, your bi-directional meter will track the net difference between the electricity you consume from the grid and the excess solar energy you export. You receive a credit on your bill for that excess power at the retail rate, which can be used to offset future consumption, especially during less sunny periods at night or in winter, maximizing your system's financial return.