Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Southwest, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company renowned for its high-quality installations and exceptional customer service. EIS Solar handles the entire process in-house, from design and permitting to installation and maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience. They are known for their expertise in complex roof types and their strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
ESD Solar is an established, full-service provider with a strong engineering background. They are particularly adept at designing high-efficiency systems tailored to the specific energy needs and roof layouts of Pennsylvania homes. They offer comprehensive energy assessments and are experts in navigating state and federal incentive programs.
Evolution Solar provides a strong balance of competitive pricing and quality service. They focus on making solar accessible through various financing options and are known for their straightforward, informative consultation process. They serve a wide area across Southwestern PA and emphasize customer education and long-term system performance.
** The home solar market in Southwest Pennsylvania is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. The region is served by a mix of strong local/regional installers (like the ones listed above) and a few national companies. The local companies often have an advantage due to their deep understanding of Pennsylvania's specific climate, utility interconnection policies (like those with Duquesne Light and West Penn Power), and state-specific incentives such as the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of providers, the established companies are highly competent and compete on service, design expertise, and equipment quality rather than just price. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in PA 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. **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, with reputable installers using Tier-1 equipment (e.g., from manufacturers like Qcells, REC, Silfab, and Enphase or SolarEdge for inverters) and offering robust workmanship warranties of 10-25 years.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Southwest regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Southwest, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in our region, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Pennsylvania's Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, which provides ongoing payments for the energy you produce. Local utilities like Duquesne Light may also offer specific rebates, significantly reducing the net cost over time.
Modern solar panels are highly efficient at converting indirect and diffuse light, making them productive even on overcast days common in our region. While snow can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. Importantly, Pennsylvania has sufficient sunny days to make solar highly viable, with systems often producing excess energy in summer to offset lower winter production.
Installation requires an electrical permit from your local municipality and an interconnection agreement with your utility (e.g., Duquesne Light, West Penn Power). A key local step is ensuring your system meets your specific township's zoning and building codes, which can vary. Reputable local installers will manage this entire permitting process for you, including the required inspections to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Prioritize installers who are locally established, licensed, and insured in Pennsylvania. Look for certifications like NABCEP and check reviews on local platforms. Ask for references from recent installations in your specific county (e.g., Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland) and verify they handle all local permitting and utility interconnection paperwork, as this is a critical service.
Pennsylvania has a statewide net metering policy. When your panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the excess is sent to the grid, and your utility (like Duquesne Light) credits your account. You then draw on these credits at night or during low-production periods. It's essential to confirm your specific utility's net metering rules and any applicable caps, but this system effectively uses the grid as a "battery," maximizing your annual savings.