Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated solar installer based in the Pittsburgh region. EIS Solar is known for its personalized service, in-house installation teams, and expertise in both residential and commercial projects. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
EZ Solar is a prominent regional provider that combines solar expertise with roofing services, which is a significant advantage for homeowners concerned about roof integrity. They are praised for their customer service, transparent pricing, and knowledge of state and federal incentives.
A well-established local contractor with a strong focus on renewable energy and electrical work. E3 Power Solutions offers comprehensive energy assessments and is particularly skilled at integrating solar with home battery backup systems for energy independence and security.
** The home solar market in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, is part of the growing Western PA renewable energy sector. The market is characterized by strong regional competition rather than a high density of national providers. The average quality of service is high, as the established local and regional companies compete on reputation, personalized service, and deep knowledge of Pennsylvania-specific incentives like the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market. **Competition Level:** Moderate to High. While there may not be dozens of installers physically located in New Kensington itself, numerous highly-qualified companies from Pittsburgh and its suburbs actively compete for projects in the area. This gives homeowners a good range of choices. **Typical Pricing:** 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 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%, and additional state incentives can improve the return on investment. Most reputable local providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans and leases, to make systems more accessible.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with New Kensington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in New Kensington, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, Pennsylvania offers strong financial benefits, including the federal solar tax credit (26% of system cost), exemption from state sales tax on equipment, and a property tax exemption that prevents your home's assessed value from increasing due to the solar installation. Additionally, you can earn Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) through the PA Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, providing ongoing income by selling the clean energy your system produces back to the grid.
Solar panels are effective in cold, sunny weather and can even perform better in cooler temperatures. While New Kensington experiences variable weather, modern panels are efficient at capturing diffuse light on cloudy days. Snow is a minor, temporary factor; panels are installed at an angle so snow typically slides off, and their dark surfaces help melt it quickly. The key is proper system sizing by a local installer who understands our regional weather patterns to ensure your system meets your annual energy needs despite seasonal variations.
In New Kensington, your chosen installer will typically handle the permitting process, which includes a building permit from the city and an electrical permit. They will also manage the mandatory interconnection agreement with your utility, West Penn Power (FirstEnergy). A critical local consideration is the age and structure of your roof, as many homes in the area have older roofing. It's highly recommended to have a roof inspection and address any needed repairs *before* installation to avoid costly removal and reinstallation of panels later.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in Western Pennsylvania, as they understand our specific climate, utility requirements, and installation challenges. Verify they are properly licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Always get multiple detailed quotes, check reviews on independent sites, and ask for references from local past customers. A trustworthy provider will conduct a thorough on-site assessment of your roof and electrical panel, provide a clear production estimate, and offer robust warranties on both equipment and workmanship.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless you have a dedicated solar battery backup installed. Regarding net metering, West Penn Power offers a favorable 1:1 retail rate net metering program. This means any excess energy your system sends to the grid earns you a full credit on your bill, which you can use to draw power at night or on cloudy days. Your credits roll over monthly, with an annual "true-up" period where you may receive a payment for any excess generation, making system sizing for your specific usage very important.