Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Riverside, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a strong local network of installation partners. They are known for their flexible financing, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and lease options, making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. Their Brightbox battery storage solution is a key offering for energy independence.
A highly-rated, local Pennsylvania company based in the Lehigh Valley, serving the entire Northeastern PA region, including Riverside. They specialize in custom-designed systems and pride themselves on high-touch customer service from consultation through post-installation support. They are experts in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest privately-held solar providers on the East Coast, with a significant operational presence in Pennsylvania. They have a strong reputation for quality installation and customer care. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance and have deep expertise in navigating Pennsylvania-specific incentives.
** The home solar market in Riverside, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area is moderately competitive, characterized by a mix of large national providers (like Sunrun and Trinity) who leverage local installation crews and dedicated regional installers (like Verde Energy Solutions). The overall quality of providers is high, as the state's licensing and interconnection requirements create a barrier to entry for less reputable operators. The competition benefits homeowners, leading to competitive pricing and a strong focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and roof complexity. The key financial driver in Pennsylvania is the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market, which allows homeowners to earn credits for the power their systems generate. Top-tier providers distinguish themselves through their expertise in maximizing these state-level incentives, offering robust battery storage options for backup power, and providing clear, flexible financing pathways.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Riverside regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Riverside, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Riverside, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Pennsylvania offers strong financial benefits, including the federal solar tax credit (26% of system cost) and the state's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which allows you to earn income for the electricity your system generates. Additionally, property tax exemptions in PA ensure your home's assessed value doesn't increase due to the solar installation.
Riverside's climate, with cold, sunny winters and warm, humid summers, is well-suited for solar. Panels operate efficiently in cooler temperatures, and winter sun can produce strong output on clear days. While summer haze and occasional cloud cover can cause dips, the annual average of sunny days provides excellent production. Seasonal considerations include ensuring panels are clear of heavy snow, which typically slides off angled panels, and accounting for shorter winter daylight hours in your annual energy production estimates.
Installing solar in Riverside requires compliance with local building codes and securing a permit from the Borough's building department. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. Key regulations involve structural requirements for your roof and adherence to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). You must also coordinate with your utility, PPL Electric Utilities, for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid and enroll in net metering.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in Northeastern Pennsylvania and specific knowledge of PPL's interconnection process. Verify they are properly licensed and insured in Pennsylvania. Ask for references from recent installations in Riverside or nearby communities like Moosic or Taylor, and review their workmanship warranties. It's essential to get multiple detailed quotes that compare equipment quality, projected production for our area, and full-scope pricing.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during outages, you must pair your system with a solar battery backup. For net metering with PPL, you earn bill credits for excess power sent to the grid, which roll over month-to-month. Your bill is settled annually in a "true-up" period; any remaining credits are paid out at a lower wholesale rate, making it advantageous to size your system to match your annual usage closely.