The 6 Best Solar Companies in Pennsylvania (February 2024) – MarketWatch

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Compare Our Recommended Installers

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Cost of an 8 kW System* BBB Rating Visit Site
$20,000–$25,000 A-
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$20,000–$25,000 A+
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*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from Sunrun, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary.

Pennsylvania’s Top Solar Energy Companies

Based on our extensive market research, provider review methodology and in-depth surveys of homeowners with solar systems, the following are our picks for the top solar companies in the state.

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We compiled our list of the best solar companies in Pennsylvania by researching available installers and rating each company based on our in-depth provider review methodology. We also considered data from two nationwide surveys of solar system owners we conducted in March and September 2023, with responses filtered by Pennsylvania residents. Our research is further informed by talking to local experts and solar installers to understand the state’s solar market. Finally, we researched state-specific resources to better understand the cost of going solar and how to save money on a system installation in Pennsylvania.

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Solar Energy World

Our pick for long-term warranty coverage

BBB Rating A+

  • Warranty: 30-year warranty on solar panels, inverters and workmanship
  • Cost: Contact the company for pricing
  • Read Our Review

Pros and Cons

Pros





Offers one of the longest warranties of the providers on our list





Installs high-quality solar equipment





Sustainability-focused and donates to social causes in developing countries


Cons





Offers fewer services than some other solar providers





Does not list pricing information online

Why We Chose Solar Energy World

While most installers provide a 10- or 25-year warranty coverage, Solar Energy World has a comprehensive and longer warranty of 30 years. Known as the Triple Platinum Warranty, it covers system equipment and workmanship. The installer also has strong customer reviews on multiple reviewing platforms, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews, signaling trustworthy customer service.

Solar Energy World’s focus on sustainability goes beyond the services it offers. The company has a 48 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system powering its facility and donates to social causes in developing countries.

Services and Financing Options

Solar Energy World offers a relatively limited set of services, including:

  • Solar battery installation
  • System monitoring
  • Solar panel installation

Homeowners can choose from the following payment options: cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease or PPA.

Customer Reviews

One of the factors that separates Solar Energy World from its competition is its positive reviews on multiple platforms. Satisfied customers mention high installation quality and professionalism. Other customers say the company has a slow response time when problems arise.

“I have had Solar Energy World installed solar panels for almost a year now. They have performed beyond expectations. The installation process was seamless and easy. Everyone at Solar Energy World, from the salesperson and electrician to panel installers, was knowledgeable, and professional. They were meticulous in cleaning up after themselves. I highly recommend Solar Energy World.” —Michael H. via the BBB

“Solar Energy World is great at selling you a system, but that’s about it. It didn’t file for my tax credits like it said it would and now I am out $2,000 because the credit expired. You will not hear back from your rep as soon as they are done with the installation. [The company] did a great job with the installation — left some wire and trash in my rock bed but that wasn’t a big deal.” —Steven R. via Yelp

We reached out to Solar Energy World for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.

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Venture

Our pick for aesthetic panels

BBB Rating B-

  • Warranty: 25-year product warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty
  • Cost: Contact the company for pricing

Pros and Cons

Pros





Has a straightforward and quick installation process





Uses high-quality solar equipment





Offers flexible payment options, including solar loans and leases


Cons





Does not include system pricing online





Offers an ordinary workmanship warranty of 10 years

Why We Chose Venture Solar

Venture Solar is an experienced and reputable solar company servicing Pennsylvania and the northeast U.S. It is popular for providing fast and simple installations, which it often finishes in a day. It also uses Tier 1, high-quality solar panels with 25-year warranties and offers multiple payment options, such as solar loans and leases. However, the company offers limited services compared to other providers on our list.

Services and Financing Options

Venture Solar can provide only two service options:

  • Solar battery installation
  • Solar power systems

Venture offers a variety of payment options to make it easy for homeowners to switch to solar, including cash purchases, solar loans and leasing.

Customer Reviews

Venture Solar has mixed reviews from its customers. Based on our analysis, customers like Venture’s speed of installation and equipment quality but dislike aspects of its customer service.

“My experience to this point is terrific! I spoke with a sales representative and they took care of everything. They are extremely professional and get you involved in every step of the process by calling you and giving updates. The [installation] was surprisingly fast and painless. They came in with a big team and got it all done in four to five hours.“ Staten Island E. via Yelp

“It is taking these guys five months now to make my system operational. They lack electrical experience and [my system] failed inspection two times. They are never on time and the customer experience is not very good. They even made basic billing errors.” Michael S. via the BBB

We reached out to Venture Solar for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.

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Sunrun Solar

Our pick for leasing options

Coverage 50 States

BBB Rating A-

Pros and Cons

Pros





Offers unique solar lease and PPA options





Has noteworthy industry experience





Uses high-quality solar equipment


Cons





System pricing may be more expensive than other providers on our list





Has received a higher volume of negative reviews in recent years regarding customer service

Why We Chose Sunrun

Sunrun only sells high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels. Though product information is limited online, the company offers popular brands such as LONGi. It also has two lithium-ion solar battery options: the Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem.

Sunrun includes a 10-year warranty with all of its solar panels. This warranty is shorter than the industry standard of 20 to 25 years, but it’s comprehensive. The warranty covers equipment replacement, system repairs and associated labor costs.

Additionally, Sunrun offers a unique bumper-to-bumper system warranty. Active monitoring, free equipment replacement, and system repairs are included for 10 years. The warranty also includes insurance against theft or damage.

Services and Financing Options

Sunrun offers the following solar services:

  • Solar panel installation
  • Solar battery installation
  • EV charger installation
  • Energy efficiency audits
  • System monitoring
  • Optional service package
  • Mobile app

Sunrun offers two leasing options: a traditional monthly lease or a full lease that allows you to prepay for 25 years of solar energy upfront. You can also pay in cash or with a solar loan.

Customer Reviews

Sunrun has thousands of customer reviews online, many of which are positive. Satisfied customers praise Sunrun’s equipment and installation quality, while unhappy customers point to disappointing customer support in recent years.

“My family and I just got solar with Sunrun and our overall experience has been amazing from start to finish. The process was efficient, precise and well-organized. When the installation date came, a team of well-mannered professionals arrived on time. They were efficient, had great customer service and communication, were quick and kept us updated throughout the process” —Chaniquea P. via Yelp

“[I] had Sunrun install solar panels and battery backup system in Jan. 2023. It has been 11 months of fighting with the company to send someone to fix my wiring issues. During installation, the tech said it was not wired right and we needed another day to tie in my subpanel and then never came back. So I am stuck paying $60,000 for something that doesn’t work and [Sunrun] won’t fix the problem.” —Connie M. via the BBB

We reached out to Sunrun for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.

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Palmetto Solar

Our pick for protection plans

Coverage 24 States

BBB Rating A+

Pros and Cons

Pros





Offers a unique protection plan that provides several perks





Install high-quality solar equipment





Has a strong warranty structure


Cons





Does not include daily system monitoring as a free feature





No pricing information available online

Why We Chose Palmetto

Palmetto Solar offers high-quality monocrystalline solar panels from Q Cells and smart-home solar batteries. It supplies a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty covering equipment and performance.

For a small monthly fee, customers can add the Palmetto Protect plan. This plan provides access to regular maintenance, panel cleaning, pest abatement and active system monitoring. The plan also includes roofing services and panel removal or reinstallation if you move.

Services and Financing Options

Pennsylvania homeowners interested in going solar with Palmetto can choose from the following services:

  • Solar panel installation
  • Solar battery installation
  • Energy efficiency audits
  • System monitoring
  • Panel cleaning, removal and reinstallation
  • Peace of Mind Protection Plan
  • Pest abatement
  • Mobile app

Palmetto offers four payment options: full purchase, solar loan, solar lease or a PPA.

Customer Reviews

Palmetto Solar’s reliability as a solar installer is apparent from the high number of positive customer reviews it has received. Customers praise the company for its transparent consultation and smooth installation process. It does not have many negative reviews but some customers mentioned slow post-installation customer service.

“Palmetto Solar was open and honest throughout our installation process. Communication at all levels among team members was consistent and professional. I would recommend [Palmetto] to anyone.” —Richard G. via the BBB

“Panels were installed two months ago and still have not been activated. Palmetto has not responded to my many inquiries for an explanation for the delay and an updated activation date. I have no idea what’s going on. As another reviewer indicated, Palmetto is good in the beginning but terrible customer service towards the end and when they run into problems.” —James L. via Google Reviews

When we reached out to Palmetto for comment on its negative customer reviews, the company responded with the following statement:

“Excellent customer experience is a cornerstone of our company’s values,” said David Fairbank, the senior vice president of Services and Hardware. “We recognize that at times, Palmetto’s network of affiliated sellers and installers may have had the opportunity to deliver a better customer experience, and we are always looking to improve in this area. To do our best to ensure customer happiness, Palmetto assigns every homeowner one dedicated Palmetto customer lead, and one dedicated service technician to communicate directly with the homeowner pre- and post-installation.”

“We also offer a customer-facing account for everything related to Palmetto, which notifies homeowners of updates leading up to installation day, enables the homeowner to see system performance once the system is operational and offers in-app chat service,” he added.

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Bright Eye Solar

Our pick for local experience

  • Cost: $15,000–$20,000
  • Financing options: Cash or loan
  • Warranty: 25-year product warranty, 10-year workmanship warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros





Has significant local experience





Has high customer ratings and reviews





Offers competitive pricing


Cons





Offers limited payment options





Offers a limited number of services

Why We Chose Bright Eye Solar

With two offices in Pennsylvania, Bright Eye Solar is a local installer that has served residents of the state for more than a decade. It has high-quality solar system components and generated many positive reviews from happy customers.

Bright Eye Solar uses in-house teams of NABCEP-certified, experienced technicians and offers a production guarantee in each of its proposals. Bright Eye is a well-insured, stable solar company with a strong market presence, which should let it honor customer warranties for many years.

Services and Financing Options

Bright Eye Solar specializes in solar energy and offers two services:

  • Solar battery installation
  • Solar panel installation

Customers choosing Bright Eye Solar have two payment models:

  • Solar loan
  • Cash purchase

Customer Reviews

One of the strengths of Bright Eye Solar is its high number of positive reviews. Many satisfied customers highlight the installer’s professionalism and installation quality. A small number of people mention an occasional lack of responsiveness.

“BrightEye was a pleasure to work with throughout the process. The individuals responsible for all aspects of the planning through installation were always rapidly responsive and helpful. The installers did a great job. The materials used are top quality.” —Martin G. via Yelp.

“…I have never dealt with a company so unresponsive and unprofessional … For the amount of money we spent on this system, if it wasn’t already installed on my roof, I would have canceled my contract with them … The owner of the company is a nice guy and has been working out the major issues we came across however, when it comes to trying to get ahold of someone when needed no one answers emails or the phone with urgency.” —Jon Z. via Yelp.

We were unable to reach Bright Eye Solar for comment on its negative customer reviews.

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SunPower

Our pick for most experience

Coverage 50 States

BBB Rating A+

Pros and Cons

Pros





Has nearly four decades of industry experience





Offers highly-rated in-house solar equipment





Offers industry-leading warranties of 25 years


Cons





Some reviews mention slow responses





Can be more expensive than other installers

Why We Chose SunPower

SunPower offers some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. Its manufacturer, Maxeon, was previously in-house but went independent in early 2022. The companies still work closely together.

SunPower provides a comprehensive 25-year warranty covering labor and the solar panel system itself. The warranty guarantees 92% power output throughout the length of the contract. SunPower provides free repair or replacement if any issues arise.

*Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar cost survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar systems.

Services and Financing Options

SunPower offers the following services:

  • Solar panel installation
  • Solar battery installation
  • EV charger installation
  • Solar panel and solar battery manufacturing
  • System monitoring
  • Mobile app

SunPower customers can choose from three payment options: a cash payment, solar lease or solar loan.

Customer Reviews

Based on our review, SunPower has high customer ratings across multiple reviewing platforms. Positive reviews for SunPower praise its equipment and installation quality, while negative reviews mention slow customer support.

“Working with SunPower has been an absolute pleasure. Everyone, from my initial inquiry until [the finish] was prompt, kind, supportive and knowledgeable. Every crew member was also helpful, articulate and excited to be installing our array. I recommend it to all homeowners I know!” —Rachel R. via the BBB

“I had a good experience with the initial setup, but after a power outage, I haven’t had any power generated for a week. I’ve called Sunpower four times, been promised either solutions or site visits, and have gotten none of it. I haven’t seen any production for over a week. Think twice before working with this company.” —Job Ang via Trustpilot

We reached out to SunPower for comment on its negative customer reviews but did not receive a response.

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What To Look for in a Solar Company

Pennsylvania has 491 solar companies operating in the state, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). While more choice is typically better, homeowners may find it difficult to select a provider that suits them best. Below are three key factors that can help you choose a solar installer for your home. 

  • System cost: The average cost of solar in Pennsylvania is $3.16 per watt — almost 11% higher than the national average. This rate makes it important to choose an installer that balances affordable pricing with high equipment quality. A reasonably priced system can offer faster payback and greater lifelong energy savings. We recommend you request multiple quotes before choosing an installer.
  • Equipment and warranties: With 179 sunny days per year, parts of Pennsylvania’s cloudy climate will not always allow solar panels to generate large amounts of power. High-efficiency equipment allows homeowners to generate maximum solar energy, while lower-quality components could mean lower power production, more maintenance needs and faster system degradation. Also consider the warranty coverage a provider offers — the longer a warranty, the more peace of mind you will have in the event of any issues.
  • Reputation: As the solar market becomes increasingly competitive, the number of unreliable installers also grows. Some residents of Pennsylvania have fallen prey to fraudulent sales practices, and we recommend homeowners conduct careful research on a company’s reputation before signing a purchase agreement. You can do this by checking the company’s BBB rating and online customer reviews in your area.

Benefits of Going Solar in Pennsylvania

To help you decide if solar is right for you, we compiled a list of benefits of installing a system in the state of Pennsylvania.

  • Avoid high electricity bills: At more than 18 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), Pennsylvania residents pay more for energy than the national average. The state’s average electricity cost has also gone up from 17.06 cents to 18.01 cents per kWh in just one year. The average Pennsylvania family consumes over 10,000 kWh of electricity each year, spending thousands of dollars in power bills. Going solar can not only significantly reduce energy bills, but it can also protect you from rising power costs.
  • Protection from power outages: Pennsylvania is among the top 10 states that experience power outages. Unfortunately, it is also the eighth-least prepared state for blackouts. More so, the state’s Public Utilities Commission predicts outages will become more common. Installing a solar panel and battery system can keep a home’s essential appliances running through a power outage.
  • Beneficial solar incentives: Despite being known as the Coal State in the past, Pennsylvania is now a solar-friendly state with several pro-solar policies and incentives. Solar panel owners in the state can benefit from its Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) market and a lucrative solar rebate program. Homeowners going solar can also save with a net metering program and by claiming the federal tax credit.

Common Concerns

Despite the significant savings that come with a solar conversion, some Pennsylvanians may remain skeptical about solar. One reason is the poor sunshine levels in certain parts of the state like Pittsburg, which can detract from solar panel power generation. However, installers can oversize a system to match any production deficit.

Another concern is the slightly higher pricing of solar panel systems. Pennsylvania’s average solar cost is $3.16 per watt, which is higher than the national average of $2.85. But with an average payback period of less than 10 years, solar customers can still save on energy bills for up to two decades.

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Get a Quote on Your Solar Installation in 30 Seconds

On Average, Homeowners Save $5,000–$20,000 with Solar Panels

Solar Trends in Pennsylvania

Despite being the nation’s third-largest coal supplier, Pennsylvania residents show increasing interest in adopting solar power. A study by Wood Mackenzie showed the state’s solar use grew an average of 32% per year over the past 10 years, higher than the national average (22.5%) over the same time.

The state saw 160% growth in the number of installations over the past five years, according to the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection. 


Solar Incentives in Pennsylvania

Though solar systems are expensive, there are several ways to lower your installation costs. Pennsylvania homeowners qualify for the federal tax credit (ITC), which provides a federal tax deduction equal to 30% of your solar expenses. This rate will reduce to 26% in 2033 and drop to 22% in 2034 before ending 2035.

Pennsylvania also offers several state and local incentives. Learn about the key programs below.

  • Net metering: Pennsylvania net metering allows you to sell the excess energy your system generates back to the grid at retail price. It is paid out in credits on your future utility bills or in an annual lump sum, depending on the program.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): Pennsylvania residents receive a SREC for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar energy their system generates. You can sell these SRECs at market price to utility providers, allowing you to make money from your solar system in addition to lowering your electricity bills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Solar Companies


No, you cannot get free solar panels in Pennsylvania. However, some solar companies offer as little as $0 down for qualifying customers. Additionally, the state offers a variety of statewide and local incentives to reduce costs. 


Pennsylvania has a generous net-metering program. As a result, most residents who go solar can eliminate their energy bills.


While there is no statewide solar tax credit in Pennsylvania, other cost-saving incentives exist. Homeowners also qualify for the federal solar tax credit.


It costs an average of $3 per watt to go solar in Pennsylvania. You can expect to pay around $15,000 for a typical 5-kilowatt (kW) system, but the total cost will vary.*

Related Posts in Pennsylvania

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Discover our top home services recommendations and find out which providers meet your needs.


Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Solar Companies

We closely evaluate solar installation companies with a focus on the factors most important to homeowners like you. We based our solar company methodology on input from multiple homeowner surveys, discussions with industry experts and research into the renewable energy market. Our review process involves assessing each company on the following criteria, which we then use to calculate a rating out of 5 stars.

  • Cost and payment options (20 points): Cost is one of the most important factors when installing a solar energy system. Solar providers that offer cash purchases and in-house loan financing earn full points in this category. Companies also receive bonus points for offering solar panel leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
  • Services (20 points): In addition to solar installations, companies offering backup battery and electric vehicle charger installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring earn the most points in this category. Companies can also receive points for completing installations in-house, as opposed to using third-party contractors.
  • Reputation (20 points): To assess the reputation of each company, we consider Google star ratings, Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores and reviews, and NABCEP certification status. We also look at customer complaint rates on sites like the BBB and weigh how the company responds.
  • Warranty (15 points): We verify that each company offers workmanship, product and performance warranties on all of its solar installs. A provider earns more points for extending warranties that meet or exceed industry standards, including 10 years for system workmanship and products and 25 years for panel performance.
  • Customer Support (10 points): Solar companies that offer virtual consultations, a mobile app, 24/7 customer support and high customer satisfaction with backend support earn the most points in this category.
  • Industry Experience (10 points): Providers with 10 or more years of experience in the solar installation industry earn a perfect score in this category.
  • Sustainability (5 points):To measure sustainability, we assess each company based on whether it shares a detailed sustainability statement or ESG disclosures on its website. We also conduct research to see if companies offer end-of-life panel disposal programs or have eco-friendly community partnerships.

How We Gathered Our Cost Data

We conducted in-depth research and analyzed several factors to determine our solar cost data, which is based on the following resources:

  • Conducting surveys: We have conducted two surveys to gather solar cost data for homeowners across the country. Both launched in 2023, each survey polled 1,000 homeowners who have installed residential solar systems. We compared the results of each survey to determine average pricing based on solar system size, location and installer.
  • Researching reliable sources: We gathered information from reliable solar sources like the Solar Energy Industries Administration (SEIA), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to assess the national average cost of solar panels. We also used these sources to determine the cost of electricity and solar power systems by state.
  • Consulting industry experts: We spoke with industry experts, including Jesse Solomon, the co-founder of NCSolarNow, to understand the costs of going solar for both customers and installation companies. We also researched solar products in today’s market, including the cost of solar panels and accessories like solar batteries.

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