Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company specializing in custom-designed solar energy systems. EIS is highly regarded for its customer service, technical expertise, and handling the entire process from consultation and design to installation and maintenance. They are known for their knowledge of Pennsylvania-specific incentives.
Evolve Solar is a regional installer serving Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh metro area. They emphasize high-quality equipment and professional installations. They offer a strong warranty and various financing options, making them a competitive choice for homeowners looking for a balance of quality and value.
Solar Revolution PA focuses exclusively on solar and battery storage installations. They are known for their straightforward consultation process and expertise in maximizing solar production for Pittsburgh's climate. They work with top-tier manufacturers and are well-versed in local permitting and utility interconnection.
The home solar market in Pittsburgh is mature and competitive, with a mix of strong local installers and regional companies serving the area. The overall quality of providers is high, with many holding top industry certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Competition helps keep pricing relatively fair, though it is a premium service. The typical cost for a residential system ranges from $15,000 to $30,000+ before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and roof complexity. Homeowners in Pennsylvania benefit from the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which provides long-term additional income, alongside the 30% federal tax credit. The market is predominantly focused on grid-tied systems with growing interest in battery storage for backup power, given that Pittsburgh can experience power outages from weather.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Pittsburgh regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While Pittsburgh has more cloudy days than sunnier regions, modern solar panels are highly efficient at converting diffuse sunlight into electricity. The city still receives sufficient annual solar irradiance to make systems highly viable, with production peaks in sunnier months offsetting lower winter output. Many Pittsburgh homeowners achieve a full return on investment within 8-12 years, especially when leveraging Pennsylvania's net metering policies and federal tax credits.
Beyond the 30% federal solar tax credit, Pennsylvania offers a strong net metering program, requiring utilities like Duquesne Light to credit you at the full retail rate for excess energy sent to the grid. There is no state sales tax on solar equipment, and while there is no statewide rebate, some local programs may offer additional savings. Importantly, a solar installation increases your home's value without increasing your property tax assessment in PA due to the state's Clean Energy Property Tax Exemption.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 5 months. After design and contract signing, the timeline includes securing permits from your local municipality (which can vary in speed), approval from your utility (Duquesne Light or West Penn Power) for interconnection, and finally the installation itself. Seasonal weather can impact installation scheduling, but the permitting and utility approval stages often take the most time.
Prioritize local, established installers with extensive experience navigating the specific permitting requirements of Allegheny County and surrounding municipalities. Verify they are properly insured and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Always request multiple quotes, check reviews on independent sites, and ask for references from recent installations in your specific neighborhood to see how their systems perform in our local climate.
Solar panels are rigorously tested to withstand Pittsburgh's hail, high winds, and heavy snow loads. A light dusting of snow often melts and slides off angled panels quickly. For heavier snowfalls, the panels' dark surfaces and your system's inherent warmth usually facilitate melting. Importantly, most reputable installers use racking systems rated for our region's snow loads, and your homeowner's insurance typically covers panels as part of your dwelling.