The best solar installers in Pennsylvania
A geographically balanced top 5 spanning the Philadelphia metro, Pittsburgh / Western PA, Central PA, and the Lehigh Valley — so homeowners across the state have a local-to-them option in the top picks. For other regions, see the Honorable mentions below.
Solar States Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 140 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Energy Independent Solutions (EIS Solar) Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 22 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Exact Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 113 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Lumina Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 327 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Sun Directed Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 15 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Pennsylvania residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Pennsylvania solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Pennsylvania average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.13–$0.17 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,200–1,350 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (PA PUC) |
| Average cash payback | 10–13 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Pennsylvania solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Pennsylvania stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Pennsylvania state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: PA Act 13 of 1999 — property tax exemption for solar PV (handled at county level).
- Sales tax: PA does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Pennsylvania
PA retail-rate NEM up to 50 kW for residential. See also net metering explained.
- PECO: Retail NEM www.peco.com
- PPL Electric Utilities: Retail NEM www.pplelectric.com
- Met-Ed / Penelec / Penn Power / West Penn (FirstEnergy): Retail NEM www.firstenergycorp.com
- Duquesne Light: Retail NEM www.duquesnelight.com
Pennsylvania city-level programs
- Philadelphia — Solarize Philly + $0.20/W rebate: Active program for Philly residents (verify 2026 amount) link
Pennsylvania SREC market
PA SREC market: PA SRECs trade actively — strong residual revenue for the system lifetime.
Pennsylvania EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- State EV purchase rebate: PA Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate: Up to $3,000 for new EV (verify 2026 funding).
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Pennsylvania utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- PA DEP: www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/My-Home/Pages/Energy-Efficiency-and-Conservation.aspx
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=PA — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Pennsylvania
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Pennsylvania installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Pennsylvania installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong PA-based alternatives and regional installers that serve Pennsylvania from neighboring states.
Other Pennsylvania-based installers
Pennsylvania Solar Energy Co. Local
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 70 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Ethical Energy Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 837 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Green Rack Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 59 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Pennsylvania
Worth a quote if you're near the NJ, MD, or NY border, but expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully PA-based installer.
IntegrateSun Regional
Why listed: 4.3-star Google rating from 309 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: Philadelphia residents may qualify for the city's $0.20/W Solarize Philly rebate on top of state and federal benefits — confirm eligibility with your installer before signing. Net metering at retail rate is available with PECO, PPL, Met-Ed, and Duquesne Light.
Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania solar
Does solar make sense in Pennsylvania?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Pennsylvania's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Pennsylvania solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Pennsylvania solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Pennsylvania; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.