Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Tarrs, Pennsylvania. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A family-owned and operated premier solar installer serving Western PA, including Westmoreland County. They are known for their personalized service, in-house installation teams, and expertise in both residential and commercial systems. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
A local solar energy contractor focused on providing custom-designed systems for homeowners. They emphasize energy efficiency and offer consultations that often include home energy assessments to maximize the benefit of the solar installation.
While based slightly further away, EZ Solar is a major regional player known for its strong manufacturer partnerships and comprehensive service packages. They offer robust warranty options and are a certified installer for top-tier equipment manufacturers, providing customers with high-quality components.
The home solar market in and around Tarrs, PA, is moderately competitive, characterized by a mix of established local/regional installers and larger national companies that service the area. The quality of providers is generally high, with several companies boasting excellent reputations and long track records. As a rural community, Tarrs presents opportunities for both standard grid-tied systems and potential off-grid solutions for more remote properties. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $25,000 for a 6-8 kW system**. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost for homeowners. Providers in this area are well-versed in Pennsylvania-specific incentives, such as net metering policies and the Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) markets, which can provide additional long-term savings.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Tarrs regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Tarrs, Pennsylvania.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Tarrs, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Pennsylvania homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, and you can sell Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) in the PA-eligible market, providing significant long-term income. Additionally, your local utility, likely West Penn Power (FirstEnergy), offers net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Tarrs experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers and cloudy, snowy winters. Solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and will still produce on cloudy days, albeit at a reduced rate. Snow will temporarily halt production, but panels are installed at an angle (optimal for PA is about 35-40 degrees) that helps snow slide off, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting, minimizing long-term impact on annual energy yield.
Installation requires a building permit from your local municipality (likely Donegal Township or the relevant borough). Your installer will typically handle this. You must also comply with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The most critical step is interconnection approval from your utility company (e.g., West Penn Power), which has specific requirements for system safety and equipment to connect to the grid under their net metering program.
Look for installers licensed and insured in Pennsylvania with specific experience in Westmoreland and surrounding counties. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for local references in Tarrs or nearby communities like Mt. Pleasant to see their work and ask about their experience with the local permit process and utility interconnection.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety, meaning you will not have power. To have backup power during outages, which can be caused by Pennsylvania storms and winter weather, you must install a dedicated solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This stores excess energy for use when the grid is down, providing critical backup for sump pumps, refrigeration, and heat.