Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally grown, employee-owned company that has become a leader in the Philadelphia solar scene. They are highly regarded for their educational approach, quality installations, and community involvement. They focus on making solar accessible and offer comprehensive services from design to maintenance.
As one of the largest dedicated residential solar companies in the U.S., Sunrun has a significant presence in Philadelphia. They are known for their flexible financing options, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leases, which lower the barrier to entry for many homeowners.
Based in nearby Newtown, PA, Exact Solar is a highly-rated, veteran-owned installer that serves the greater Philadelphia area. They are known for their meticulous design process, high-quality components, and expertise in both solar and battery storage systems, particularly Tesla Powerwall.
The home solar market in Philadelphia is robust and competitive, characterized by a mix of strong local installers and large national companies. The average quality of service is high, with many providers holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP. Competition helps keep pricing relatively competitive. The average cost for a residential solar system in Philadelphia typically ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000+** before incentives, with the final price heavily dependent on system size, roof complexity, and equipment choices. Homeowners can significantly reduce this net cost through the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Pennsylvania's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market. The city's Solar Rebate Program also provides additional, localized financial incentives, further driving adoption. Most installations are grid-tied, but interest in battery storage for backup power is rapidly growing.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Philadelphia regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The average cost for a residential solar system in Philadelphia ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this cost with the 30% federal tax credit, Pennsylvania's solar renewable energy credit (SREC) program which provides ongoing income for energy production, and a property tax exemption for the added home value. Many local installers also offer financing options like loans and leases to make the upfront cost more manageable.
Philadelphia's four distinct seasons impact solar production: you'll generate the most energy during sunny spring and summer days, while shorter, cloudier winter days produce less. However, solar panels operate efficiently in cold weather, and snow typically melts quickly off the angled panels. The city receives enough annual sunlight to make solar highly viable, and a properly sized system is designed to account for seasonal variations, ensuring your annual energy needs are met.
Installing solar in Philadelphia requires a permit from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Your chosen installer will typically manage this process, which includes structural and electrical reviews to ensure compliance with the Philadelphia Building Code. If you live in a historic district or a home with a historic designation, you will need additional approval from the Philadelphia Historical Commission, which can affect panel placement and visibility.
Look for Philadelphia-based installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong familiarity with local permitting and interconnection processes with PECO. Check for certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and read reviews on local platforms. Always get multiple detailed quotes, verify they will handle all city permits and utility paperwork, and ask for references from recent installations in your specific neighborhood.
Standard grid-tied solar systems will automatically shut off during a PECO outage for safety reasons, to prevent sending power back to the grid and endangering utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) that can isolate your home from the grid, creating a personal microgrid. This is an increasingly popular add-on in Philadelphia for both backup power and maximizing self-consumption of your solar energy.