Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in State College, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, employee-owned solar installer serving the Mid-Atlantic region, known for high-quality installations and exceptional customer service. They offer a comprehensive "Triple Promise" warranty covering workmanship, production, and equipment. Their consultants are highly knowledgeable about local incentives and financing.
A trusted local installer based in Pennsylvania, SUNSPARK focuses on custom-designed solar solutions for homeowners. They are praised for their detailed consultations, clean installations, and expertise in both grid-tied and hybrid systems with battery backup.
A rapidly growing regional provider known for its technology-forward approach and transparent pricing. Lumina offers a streamlined process from design to installation and emphasizes educating homeowners on their system's performance and savings.
The home solar market in State College, Pennsylvania, is robust and served primarily by high-quality regional installers rather than large national companies or purely local storefronts. The presence of Penn State University contributes to a community that is generally tech-savvy and environmentally conscious, driving steady demand. Competition is strong among the top-tier regional providers, which helps maintain high standards for installation quality and customer service. These companies are well-versed in Pennsylvania-specific incentives, such as the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) market, and the federal investment tax credit (ITC). Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, making an average 8 kW system cost between $22,400 and $28,000. Financing options are plentiful, with loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) widely available. Overall, homeowners in State College have access to reputable, experienced installers capable of delivering comprehensive solar energy solutions.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with State College regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in State College, Pennsylvania.
For an average-sized home (6-8 kW system), the gross cost before incentives in State College typically ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Pennsylvania also offers a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program, where you earn credits for the power you generate, providing ongoing income that can significantly improve your payback period, often to 8-12 years.
Modern solar panels are quite efficient at converting diffuse light, so they still generate power on cloudy days, albeit at a reduced output. Snow can temporarily cover panels, but their dark, slick surfaces often cause snow to slide off quickly. The key is that Pennsylvania has enough annual sunny days, and your system's summer overproduction (credited via net metering) will offset lower winter generation, making it effective year-round.
Installation requires a permit from the State College Borough or your specific township's building department, ensuring compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Your installer will typically handle this. You must also coordinate with Centre Region Code Administration and your utility provider (often West Penn Power or PPL) for interconnection approval to enroll in net metering, which is mandated by state law.
Prioritize installers who are certified (like by NABCEP), licensed, and insured to work in Pennsylvania. Look for companies with extensive local experience, as they understand State College's specific permitting, climate, and utility requirements. Always check reviews, ask for references from nearby past projects, and obtain multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment, warranties, production estimates, and full cost breakdowns.
No, they cannot outright prohibit it. Pennsylvania's Solar Rights Act (Act 43 of 2022) prevents HOAs from banning solar installations, though they may have reasonable rules regarding placement for aesthetic purposes (e.g., panel visibility from the street). You should review your HOA's covenants and submit an application, but the law protects your right to install a system on your home.