Best Solar Installers & How to Choose

For homeowners looking for the best solar installers you need to review the top companies in your region, look at reviews and company performance before you make your choice. In this article we review the top seven solar companies in the state of Pennsylvania as a way to focus on the specific example of one state. Read on to learn the characteristics to look for in the top performing companies offering solar installation.

7 Best Solar Installers In Pennsylvania, 2026

Pennsylvania’s solar market is entering a new chapter in 2026. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) expired on December 31, 2025, eliminating one of the most significant financial incentives that drove residential solar adoption nationwide. But that doesn’t mean solar has lost its appeal in the Keystone State, far from it.

Electricity rates across Pennsylvania continue to climb. PECO, PPL Electric, and Duquesne Light have all pushed through rate increases over the past two years, and the trajectory shows no signs of slowing. The average Pennsylvania household now pays well above the national median for electricity, which means the long-term savings from solar remain substantial, even without the ITC.

At the same time, Pennsylvania’s Solar Alternative Energy Credit (SREC) market and mandatory net metering policy still create meaningful financial returns for homeowners who generate their own power. The state requires utilities to credit solar customers at the full retail rate for excess electricity sent back to the grid, which directly accelerates system payback timelines.

The challenge now is choosing the right installer. With the ITC gone, system pricing, installer quality, and warranty coverage matter more than ever. A poorly sized system or an installer who disappears after year two can cost you thousands in unrealized savings.

This guide breaks down the seven best solar installers operating in Pennsylvania in 2026, covering what each company does well, where they install, what equipment they use, and how they structure financing and warranties. Whether you’re a homeowner in Philadelphia weighing rooftop solar or a property owner in Lancaster County considering a ground-mount system, this is the information you need to make a confident decision.

Why Pennsylvania Is a Strong Solar Market in 2026

The expiration of the federal ITC shifted the economics of going solar, but Pennsylvania’s fundamentals remain strong for a few key reasons.

First, electricity prices. Pennsylvania deregulated its energy market years ago, and while competition was supposed to keep costs low, the reality has been the opposite for most ratepayers. Utility default service rates have increased significantly, particularly in the PECO and PPL service territories. For households paying $150 to $250 per month in electricity, solar still delivers a compelling return on investment simply by displacing grid purchases.

Second, net metering. Pennsylvania’s net metering law requires all electric distribution companies to offer full-retail-rate credits for excess solar generation up to 200% of a customer’s annual usage. This policy is one of the more favorable in the Mid-Atlantic region and means every kilowatt-hour your panels produce has tangible value, whether you consume it directly or export it to the grid.

Third, SRECs. Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard requires utilities to source a portion of their electricity from solar. To meet these mandates, utilities purchase Solar Alternative Energy Credits from solar system owners. While SREC prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, they represent an income stream that can accelerate your payback period by several years.

Fourth, the state’s solar resource itself. Pennsylvania averages roughly 4.0 to 4.5 peak sun hours per day. Lower than the Southwest, but more than adequate for productive residential solar. A properly sized system on a south-facing roof in the Philadelphia suburbs or the Lehigh Valley can offset 90% to 100% of an average household’s electricity consumption annually.

The bottom line: even in a post-ITC environment, the combination of rising utility rates, strong net metering policy, SREC revenue, and declining panel costs makes Pennsylvania one of the better solar markets on the East Coast.

The 7 Best Solar Installers in Pennsylvania

Each company on this list was selected based on years in business, licensing and certifications (including Pennsylvania’s required EAA photovoltaic certification), customer review scores across Google and independent platforms, warranty terms, financing flexibility, service area coverage, and equipment quality. Here’s who made the cut.

1. Ethical Energy Solar

Ethical Energy Solar has built a reputation as one of the most trusted Pennsylvania solar installers. Based in York, PA, the company serves homeowners across the state with an approach that prioritizes transparency, education, and system performance over high-pressure sales tactics.

What stands out about Ethical Energy Solar is the consistency of their customer experience. With a 4.9-star rating across nearly 800 Google reviews, they hold one of the highest review scores of any solar installer in the state, local or national. That kind of sustained customer satisfaction doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects a company that takes installation quality, communication, and post-sale support seriously.

Ethical Energy handles every phase of the solar installation process in-house, from initial roof assessment and system design through permitting, installation, and utility interconnection. They don’t subcontract out labor, which gives them direct quality control over every project. Their team includes NABCEP-certified professionals and licensed electricians who hold the state-required EAA photovoltaic certification.

On the equipment side, Ethical Energy works with tier-one panel manufacturers and pairs systems with high-efficiency microinverters or string inverters depending on roof layout and shading conditions. They also offer battery storage solutions for homeowners who want backup power capability, though their team will advise honestly on whether a battery makes financial sense given Pennsylvania’s full-retail net metering policy.

Financing options include cash purchase, solar loans with competitive interest rates, and lease and power purchase agreement (PPA) structures for homeowners who prefer a lower upfront commitment. Their warranty coverage is comprehensive, including workmanship protection that covers roof penetrations and installation labor.

Service areas: Statewide across Pennsylvania, with strong coverage in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the Lehigh Valley.

2. Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise Energy Solutions is a Lancaster County–based solar installer that has been operating since 2009. They serve residential customers but have carved out a particularly strong niche in commercial and agricultural solar installations across Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Paradise Energy is known for their Triple Ten Guarantee, which includes a 10-year workmanship warranty, a guarantee that your system will produce the amount of energy promised in your proposal (or they’ll write you a check for the difference), and a production monitoring setup that tracks system performance in real time. This performance guarantee is notably more aggressive than what most competitors offer, and it demonstrates confidence in their system designs.

Their commercial division has completed installations for farms, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and municipal buildings throughout the Mid-Atlantic. For agricultural customers in particular, solar can offset a significant portion of operational electricity costs and Paradise Energy understands the permitting and structural considerations that come with barn-mount and ground-mount installations in rural Pennsylvania.

Paradise Energy offers multiple financing paths including cash purchase, solar loans, and USDA REAP grants for qualifying agricultural and rural commercial projects. They use tier-one equipment from established manufacturers and maintain an in-house installation crew for quality control.

Service areas: Pennsylvania (statewide), Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia.

3. Lumina Solar

Lumina Solar operates across the Mid-Atlantic region with offices serving Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. They hold a 4.9-star Google rating backed by over 760 reviews, placing them among the highest-rated solar companies in the region.

Lumina focuses exclusively on residential solar and battery storage installations. Their sales process begins with a detailed energy audit and roof assessment, followed by a custom system design that accounts for shading, roof orientation, and household energy consumption patterns. They use satellite imagery and on-site visits to ensure accuracy before any proposal is finalized.

The company installs high-efficiency panels paired with Enphase microinverter technology, which optimizes production on a panel-by-panel basis, particularly valuable on roofs with partial shading or multiple planes. They also offer Tesla Powerwall and Enphase IQ battery storage systems for homeowners looking to add backup power.

Lumina’s financing options include cash purchase, multiple solar loan products with varying term lengths, and lease agreements. Their team manages the entire permitting and interconnection process with local utilities, including navigating Pennsylvania’s net metering application requirements.

Service areas: Southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Washington D.C.

4. Solar States

Solar States is a Philadelphia-based solar installer and educator that has been operating since 2014. They are a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet verified standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This distinction is rare among solar installers and reflects a genuine commitment to community impact beyond just selling panels.

Beyond residential and commercial installations, Solar States runs workforce development programs that train individuals from underserved communities in solar installation skills. It’s a differentiator that matters to homeowners who want their solar investment to support the local economy in a meaningful way.

On the installation side, Solar States handles both rooftop and ground-mount solar systems as well as battery storage. Their team includes NABCEP-certified installers and licensed electricians. They design systems using detailed shading analysis and energy modeling software, and they manage all permitting and interconnection paperwork.

Solar States works with established equipment manufacturers and offers financing through solar loan products and, in some cases, partnerships with community solar programs. Their workmanship warranty covers installation labor, and their team provides ongoing monitoring and maintenance support.

Service areas: Greater Philadelphia region, southeastern Pennsylvania, parts of New Jersey and Delaware.

5. Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar is a national solar installer headquartered in New Jersey with significant operations throughout Pennsylvania. Founded in 2009, they’ve grown into one of the larger residential solar companies on the East Coast, with installations completed across multiple states.

Momentum’s primary differentiator is their warranty structure. They offer a 25-year warranty package that covers panels, inverters, and workmanship. A duration that matches or exceeds what most competitors provide. For homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term, this extended protection reduces the risk of unexpected out-of-pocket repair costs.

The company uses tier-one solar panels and partners with established inverter manufacturers. Their sales process includes a virtual or in-home consultation, custom system design, and project management through installation and utility interconnection. Momentum handles permitting in-house and coordinates directly with Pennsylvania utilities for net metering enrollment.

Financing options include solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Their lease and PPA options may be particularly relevant in a post-ITC landscape for homeowners who want to go solar without a large upfront investment, since the financing company, not the homeowner absorbs the system cost.

Service areas: Pennsylvania (statewide focus on eastern and central PA), New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Florida, and Texas.

6. Palmetto Solar

Palmetto Solar takes a technology-forward approach to residential solar. The company’s digital platform allows homeowners to monitor system performance, track energy production, and manage their solar account through a single app. For homeowners who want visibility into how their system is performing on a daily and monthly basis, Palmetto’s monitoring tools are among the more polished in the industry.

Palmetto operates as a solar marketplace and project management company, partnering with vetted local installation crews in each market. In Pennsylvania, this means your physical installation is completed by a local team, while Palmetto oversees system design, permitting, quality assurance, and customer support.

The company offers both solar panel installations and battery storage systems. Their quoting process starts online, with satellite-based roof analysis and energy usage modeling generating a preliminary proposal before any in-person visit. This streamlined digital experience appeals to homeowners who prefer a low-pressure sales process.

Palmetto offers cash purchase, solar loan, and lease financing structures. Their loan products include options from multiple lending partners, which means homeowners can compare rates and terms within the Palmetto platform. They also provide a performance monitoring guarantee backed by their technology platform.

Service areas: Pennsylvania and 20+ additional states nationwide.

7. Sunrun

Sunrun is the largest residential solar and battery storage company in the United States. Their scale gives them purchasing power advantages on equipment costs and access to financing structures that smaller installers can’t always match, particularly on the leasing and PPA side.

For Pennsylvania homeowners who don’t want to purchase a system outright, Sunrun’s lease and PPA programs allow you to go solar with little to no money down. Under these agreements, Sunrun owns and maintains the system on your roof, and you pay a fixed monthly rate (or per-kilowatt-hour rate) that is typically lower than your current utility bill. In a post-ITC environment, this model may appeal to homeowners who want the savings of solar without navigating system ownership and maintenance.

Sunrun also offers their Brightbox battery storage solution, which integrates with their solar installations to provide backup power during grid outages. Given Pennsylvania’s susceptibility to severe weather events, particularly summer storms and occasional ice storms. Battery backup is a practical consideration for many households.

The trade-off with Sunrun is the one common to all large national installers: customer experience can vary by region depending on the local installation crew and regional management team. Reading Google reviews specific to Sunrun’s Pennsylvania operations is worth the time before signing a contract.

Service areas: Pennsylvania and 22 additional states plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Pennsylvania Solar Incentives and Rebates You Should Know

With the federal Investment Tax Credit no longer available for residential solar installations as of January 1, 2026, understanding Pennsylvania’s state-level incentives is more important than ever. These programs now represent the primary financial mechanisms that improve solar’s return on investment.

Solar Alternative Energy Credits (SRECs)

Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard requires electric utilities to source a growing percentage of their electricity from solar. To comply, utilities purchase SRECs from solar system owners. Each SREC represents one megawatt-hour (1,000 kWh) of solar electricity generated. For a typical 10 kW residential system producing around 12,000 kWh annually, that’s roughly 12 SRECs per year. SREC prices vary based on market conditions, but they provide a recurring income stream over the life of your system that directly reduces your effective cost of solar.

Net Metering

Pennsylvania law mandates that all electric distribution companies offer net metering to customers with solar installations. Under net metering, excess electricity your panels generate during sunny hours is exported to the grid, and your utility credits you at the full retail rate. These credits roll over month to month and can offset electricity you draw from the grid at night or during cloudy periods. The policy caps system size at 200% of your annual electricity consumption, which gives ample room for most homeowners to size a system that covers their entire electric bill.

Local Utility Programs

Some Pennsylvania utilities and municipalities offer additional rebates, low-interest financing programs, or community solar options. PECO, PPL Electric, and Duquesne Light each have programs or partnerships that may reduce costs further. It’s worth checking with your specific utility or asking your solar installer about any programs currently available in your service territory.

Property Tax Exemption

Pennsylvania does not assess additional property taxes on the value added by a solar energy system. This means your panels can increase your home’s market value without increasing your property tax liability, a meaningful benefit when you consider that solar installations typically add between 3% and 4% to a home’s resale value according to national studies.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Pennsylvania?

Without the federal ITC, the full system cost now falls on the homeowner (unless you opt for a lease or PPA). Understanding current pricing helps you evaluate quotes accurately and avoid overpaying.

As of early 2026, the average cost of solar in Pennsylvania ranges from approximately $2.90 to $3.40 per watt installed, depending on the installer, equipment selected, system size, and installation complexity. For context, here’s what that looks like for common system sizes:

System Size	Est. Cost Range	Typical Home Size
7 kW	$20,300 – $23,800	1,200 – 1,400 sq. ft.
8 kW	$23,200 – $27,200	1,400 – 1,600 sq. ft.
9 kW	$26,100 – $30,600	1,600 – 1,800 sq. ft.
10 kW	$29,000 – $34,000	1,800 – 2,000 sq. ft.
12 kW	$34,800 – $40,800	2,200+ sq. ft.

These figures reflect total installed cost before any SREC income. The actual net cost over time will be lower once you factor in SREC revenue and electricity savings.

Several factors influence where your quote falls within this range. Roof complexity (steep pitches, multiple planes, or the need for structural reinforcement) can add cost. Ground-mount systems typically carry a premium over rooftop installations due to additional racking and trenching. Battery storage adds $10,000 to $18,000 depending on the system, though this is a separate line item from the solar array itself.

The average payback period for solar in Pennsylvania now sits in the range of 9 to 13 years for a cash purchase, depending on local utility rates, system size, and SREC income. After the system pays for itself, the remaining 15+ years of a panel’s typical 25-to-30-year lifespan represent pure savings.

How to Choose the Right Solar Installer for Your Home

Choosing a solar installer is the single most consequential decision in the process. The panels themselves are commodity hardware. What separates a great solar experience from a frustrating one is the company that designs, installs, and stands behind the system.

Start by getting at least three quotes. Comparing proposals side by side reveals differences in system sizing, equipment selection, pricing, and warranty terms that aren’t visible when evaluating a single quote in isolation. Pay close attention to the cost per watt, not just the total system price, it’s the most reliable metric for apples-to-apples comparison.

Verify that the installer holds Pennsylvania’s required EAA photovoltaic certification and carries adequate liability insurance. NABCEP certification is an additional credential worth looking for, it’s the gold standard in the solar industry and indicates that the installer’s team has passed rigorous technical exams.

Ask about the installation timeline and who performs the physical work. Some companies use in-house crews while others subcontract to third parties. In-house installation teams generally offer better quality control and accountability.

Review the warranty terms carefully. A strong workmanship warranty should cover at least 10 years and protect against issues caused during installation, including roof leaks around panel mounting points. Equipment warranties (panels and inverters) should align with manufacturer standards. 25 years for panels and 12 to 25 years for inverters, depending on the brand and technology.

If you’re financing, compare the total cost of ownership across different structures. Solar loans include dealer fees that can inflate the system price by 15% to 25%, a detail that isn’t always transparent in initial proposals. If you’re considering a lease or PPA, check the escalator clause to ensure your annual payment increases stay below the rate of local utility price inflation (typically around 3% per year). A lease with a 3.5% or higher escalator could end up costing you more than grid electricity over time.

Solar Battery Storage: Is It Worth It in Pennsylvania?

Battery storage has gained significant attention in the residential solar market, and for good reason. The idea of energy independence and blackout protection resonates with homeowners. But the financial case for batteries varies significantly by state, and Pennsylvania’s policies shape the equation in a specific way.

Because Pennsylvania requires full-retail net metering, your excess solar production already earns its maximum value when exported to the grid. A battery doesn’t increase that value. It simply stores energy for later use instead of exporting it. In states where net metering credits are lower than retail rates (or where net metering is being phased out), batteries can capture a financial spread. In Pennsylvania, that spread doesn’t currently exist for most ratepayers.

That said, batteries are absolutely worth considering if backup power is important to you. Pennsylvania experiences power outages from summer thunderstorms, winter ice storms, and aging grid infrastructure. A battery system paired with solar can keep critical loads running lights, refrigerator, internet, medical equipment during a grid outage, which is something net metering credits alone cannot do.

The most popular battery options among Pennsylvania installers include the Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and the Franklin WH system. Costs typically range from $10,000 to $18,000 installed for a single battery unit, with pricing varying based on capacity, inverter compatibility, and installation complexity.

If your primary goal is maximizing financial return, solar panels alone will likely deliver better ROI in Pennsylvania’s current policy environment. If reliability and backup power rank high on your priority list, a battery is a practical addition worth budgeting for.

Final Verdict on Choosing From the Best Solar Installers

Pennsylvania’s solar market in 2026 rewards homeowners who do their homework. The federal ITC may be gone, but rising electricity rates, a strong net metering policy, SREC income, and a property tax exemption for solar installations still make the economics work for most households, especially those with electricity bills above $125 per month.

The right installer makes all the difference. Ethical Energy Solar leads this list for good reason: they combine a local, in-house installation model with exceptional customer review scores, transparent pricing, and comprehensive warranty coverage. For homeowners who want a Pennsylvania-based company with a proven track record, they’re the strongest choice.

Paradise Energy Solutions is the standout for commercial and agricultural projects, while Lumina Solar and Solar States both deliver excellent residential experiences with distinct value propositions. Regional reach and community impact, respectively. Momentum Solar, Palmetto, and Sunrun each bring strengths on the national scale, from extended warranties to digital platforms to flexible lease and PPA financing.

Whatever path you choose, get multiple quotes, read the fine print on financing and warranties, and verify that your installer holds the proper certifications. Solar is a 25-year investment. Treat the decision with the seriousness it deserves, and the returns will follow.

FAQs: The Best Solar Installers & How to Choose

How much can I save with solar panels in Pennsylvania?

Savings depend on your current electricity rate, system size, roof orientation, and local utility policies. A typical 10 kW system in Pennsylvania can save between $1,200 and $2,000 per year in displaced electricity costs, plus additional revenue from SRECs. Over a 25-year system lifespan, cumulative savings often exceed $40,000 to $60,000, well above the initial cost of the system.

What is the payback period for solar in PA?

Without the federal ITC, the average payback period for a cash-purchased residential solar system in Pennsylvania ranges from 9 to 13 years. This timeline shortens if your utility rates are above the state average or if SREC prices remain strong. After the payback period, electricity generated by your system is effectively free.

Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Solar installations in Pennsylvania require building permits and electrical permits from your local municipality. Your solar installer should handle the entire permitting process on your behalf. Additionally, Pennsylvania requires solar installers to hold an EAA photovoltaic certification, so verify that your installer carries this credential before signing a contract.

What is the 20% rule for solar panels?

The 20% rule is a sizing guideline that suggests installing a system capable of generating roughly 20% more energy than your average household consumption. This buffer accounts for real-world efficiency losses from weather variability, seasonal production shifts, panel degradation over time, and potential increases in future energy usage. It helps ensure your system consistently meets your electricity needs across all seasons.

Why is my electric bill still high with solar panels?

Several factors can contribute. Your system may be undersized for your actual consumption, or your energy usage may have increased since installation (new appliances, electric vehicle charging, or additional heating and cooling loads). Seasonal production dips, particularly in Pennsylvania’s shorter winter days can also result in higher grid reliance during certain months. Additionally, fixed utility charges for grid connection and transmission appear on your bill regardless of how much solar you generate. Reviewing your monitoring data and comparing production against consumption is the best way to diagnose the issue.