Switching to cleaner and renewable energy has been popular these days, and quite frankly, it is beneficial in reducing the damage humans do to our planet. In your journey to installation and planning for solar energy systems, assessment is critical. Here are the best solar companies in Pittsburgh and installation tips.
This article will cover
- Pittsburgh Solar System Installation Costs
- Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates for Local Solar Panels in Pittsburgh
- Top 7 Solar Companies in Pittsburgh
- What to Look at When Installing Solar Panels in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Solar Panel System Installation Costs
Solar system installation costs can vary from area to area. This can be because of the different aspects encompassing a particular region. As for Pittsburgh, the average solar panel price of installing this system is $3.15 per watt.
Thus, on average, the cost per kilowatt is around $3,150. For an estimate, you can then multiply the per kiloWatt range and your preferred system size. The average cost of a standard 5 kW solar system installation could be around $12,281 to $20,216. However, these prices are still raw and without the application of solar incentives.
Average solar panel cost in Pittsburgh (before tax credit)
| Size | Area it covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 90 sq. ft. | $3,150 |
| 2 kW | 180 sq. ft. | $6,300 |
| 3 kW | 270 sq. ft. | $9,450 |
| 4 kW | 360 sq. ft. | $12,600 |
| 5 kW | 450 sq. ft. | $15,750 |
| 6 kW | 540 sq. ft. | $18,900 |
| 7 kW | 630 sq. ft. | $22,050 |
| 8 kW | 720 sq. ft. | $25,200 |
| 9 kW | 810 sq. ft. | $28,350 |
| 10 kW | 900 sq. ft. | $31,500 |
Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates for Local Solar Panels in Pittsburgh
Every state or area usually offers incentives and credits to its taxpayers. As a consumer, you have to be aware of these things for you to maximize and use them for your convenience.
Installing solar system panels can be a bit pricey, and in some cases, pretty intimidating. And so, we only see huge companies and the government installing these systems. People have their eyes and minds usually closed for these alternatives.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
In installing a solar energy system in your household or establishment, the tax credit is currently at 30% of the total cost of the system you are purchasing.
You can quickly compute the amount you will save by extracting 30% of the total cost and subtracting it from the total. This Tax credit is changing as the flow in the market and money also changes. It is calculated to drop at 26% once we reach the end of 2033.
Average solar panel cost in Pittsburgh (after 30% tax credit)
| Size | Area it covers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 90 sq. ft. | $2,590 |
| 2 kW | 180 sq. ft. | $4,424 |
| 3 kW | 270 sq. ft. | $6,636 |
| 4 kW | 360 sq. ft. | $8,845 |
| 5 kW | 450 sq. ft. | $11,374 |
| 6 kW | 540 sq. ft. | $12,449 |
| 7 kW | 630 sq. ft. | $15,481 |
| 8 kW | 720 sq. ft. | $17,715 |
| 9 kW | 810 sq. ft. | $20,294 |
| 10 kW | 900 sq. ft. | $22,134 |
SRECS and Metering in Pittsburgh
Aside from the electricity, you are also subject to an invisible renewable energy certificate termed SREC. You can sell them to utility companies as they also need them for their marks and acquisition of credentials.
Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program
This is part of the funding for developing alternative energy as well as producing a greener world. This program benefits homeowners and small businesses who plan on setting up solar energy systems. This program issues rebates to help in deducting the overall cost of installation.
Net Energy Metering
This is one of the most prominent programs in Pittsburgh and also to a lot of areas when
It comes to solar energy systems. Net energy metering deals with the position of your residential system in correlation to the grid. With Net metering, you are given the ability to sell the excess electricity generated back to the grid.
In simpler words, you are paying less for electricity and generating extra energy, so you have some when you need it. Not only that but you are also credited in full retail for the amount of electricity you send back to the grid.
Top 7 Local Solar Companies in Pittsburgh
1. Energy Independent Solutions
This company provides professional and experienced staff to help you with your project. You will be able to communicate with people who provide excellent service. People here are easy to get along with. They provide you with the things you need to know. They also offer an app that’s easy to access and navigate.
Location: 51 Arch St, Carnegie, PA 15106
Phone: 412-294-1741
2. Scalo Solar Solutions
This company provides good service. Their staff is well-experienced and knows what they are doing. The installation process is also very seamless and quick, without much hassle for the client at all. They give you the best offer and help you get the best you can with the project.
Location:22 Rutgers Rd #101, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Phone: 412-921-9968
3. Pennsylvania Solar Energy Company Inc
This company provides one of the fastest services, especially when it comes to customer service. Clients rated five stars for this company’s superior customer service. This company also offers high-quality products as well as services. It’s one of their main goals to provide nothing but the best for their clients.
Location:390 Old Hickory Ridge Rd, Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-514-7306
4. Resnick Roofing & Contracting, LLC
This company provides good service as well as reasonable prices for their products and services. They are also careful with their projects along with being fast and efficient with their jobs. Most clients commend their ability to finish the project promptly without compromising the overall quality.
Location: 5320 William Flinn Hwy, Gibsonia, PA 15044
Phone: 412-212-7663
5. Carbon Recall Bridgeville
This company aims to connect and improve communities by forwarding renewable and greener energy sources. One of their primary goals is to build better homes and, in the process, build stronger communities. This company is focused and sure to provide its clients with clean, affordable, and safe energy.
Location: 3 Nicholson Dr, Cuddy, PA 15031
Phone: 412-600-4821
6. Palmetto Solar
This company follows through with the plan and the process without swerving to unnecessary things along the way. The staff is easy to work with, whether it be the sales or the design team. This company aims to be of help as we shift into greener and healthier choices for our planet.
Location: 10339 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090
Phone: 724-940-4100
7. Solar Energy Pittsburgh
This company provides you with all the information you need as you plan to switch to renewable and clean energy. Their staff is approachable, and they take their time making sure that you have all the information you need before embarking on your solar project. It’s part of their goal to make sure your journey will be smooth.
Location: 715 S Aiken Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Phone: 412-979-7179
What to Look at When Installing Solar Panels in Pittsburgh
There is more than the price, discounts, and incentives to look at in installing solar energy panel systems. A good purchase always starts with a reasonable assessment of everything you need to take into consideration.
One of the things to look into is the temperature and climate of your place. Pittsburgh does not receive much sunlight, averaging only 6.5 hours of sunlight each day.
In some parts of the year, they get fewer sunlight hours. They only get 2.8 hours per day during January. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pittsburgh ranks as the 11th cloudiest city in the entire country.
Since the city is relatively cloudier than others, the electricity production through solar energy panels can be lesser than others, especially for those who live in a sunnier area. However, installing a solar energy system in a cloudy place does not all disadvantage.
Assessing and playing the cards right can reveal the advantages of installing a system. In Pittsburgh, electricity rates are higher than in some areas. When the electricity rate is higher in a cloudier area, this is where the tables turn. It turns out it’s a better investment compared to solar systems in sunnier regions.
For Pittsburgh, the angle and direction recommended for your panels are also facing south. There are choices, and you can also decide whether you would want a fixed position, or perhaps an option where you can tilt every two seasons (twice a year) or a four-season tilt (four times a year).
For a fixed-tilt system, where you attach the panels to your roof at a constant angle, the optimal angle would be 33.8°. On the other hand, when you choose a two-season tilt, the best angle to go for is 16.6° during summer and 54.6° during the snowy months/winter. Lastly, if you choose a four-season tilt, you can adjust its angle per the following seasons.
- Summer – 12.9°
- Winter – 60°
- Autumn and Spring – 37.3°
Other factors can include trees and shade. It would be best if you noted the big trees and maybe buildings that may overshadow your roof. Sometimes, your roof can be too steep or have not enough mounting space.
Summary
Being knowledgeable about these aspects and conducting advanced research facilitates the decision-making process for your project. It also saves your time in trial and error and the extra cost of poor and rash decisions.