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Best Solar Companies in Philadelphia, PA

We compared 14 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,033)
    • Community solar
      CleanChoice Energy
      4.7(58)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      Best Solar Companies in Philadelphia, PA

      Our top solar company picks for Philadelphia

      1. Best overall: Sunrun
      2. Our pick for community solar: CleanChoice Energy
      3. Great for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Philadelphia on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies in Philadelphia

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Philadelphians’ energy needs.

      Our top pick overall

      Sunrun

      4.2
      3,033 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers. Over a recent two-year period, 77% were satisfied with their installations and 73% were satisfied with the technology. Many tell us about significant savings on electric bills and would highly recommend the company to others. We also like that Sunrun’s leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

      • “I had Sunrun install at my mother's ranch house which is situated in a very sunny area. It has 70 panels on the roof, which is a good amount. We're approaching our first year with it. In the summertime, we have no electric bills. It's an all-electric house, so the heat is electric in the wintertime. Then in wintertime, the bill has been about half of what we had been paying. … People should definitely look into it. Even if they don't have enough roof space, Sunrun can put it on other things like on garage roofs or in backyards. For those coming online now, they have the option of purchasing the Tesla wall battery, which we wish was available because that's something we really want to put on too.” — Stephanie in Philadelphia
      • “Sunrun seemed to have the best things going on for them. Levi was my rep and he was awesome. I still talk to him and ask him a couple of questions here and there. I talked to the installers briefly and they were decent and fast. We're still in the new phases of this solar thing but I have nothing bad so far. There is benefit to it price-wise. To anyone asking about working with Sunrun, go to Levi because he made the process seamless.” — Stephen in Philadelphia

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Some customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

      Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

      • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

      Pros

      • Reliable systems
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some customer service complaints
      • Occasional billing issues
      Our pick for community solar

      CleanChoice Energy

      4.7
      58 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      N/A
      Payment options
      Varies
      Year founded
      2012

      CleanChoice Energy isn't a solar panel installer. Instead, the company purchases renewable energy on your behalf in the form of grid power and renewable energy certifications. This makes it a good option for people who rent or otherwise can't install a solar panel system.

      • “CleanChoice Energy has been good to me. The one that first came to the house and talked to me was good. He did all the paperwork for me. Even the guy that enrolled me was nice. He explained everything to me and showed me some things. I moved, and I turned my light back on to the other place and they just followed me. They picked me back up. I already told my sister about CleanChoice. PECO tried to get me to switch back but I won't because they're high. So, CleanChoice's rates are good for me. They're the best.” — Veatta in Philadelphia
      • “I prefer to pay for clean energy versus gas or coal. But I could do without the extra emails coming in. The less phone calls and emails we get that we don't need is always better.” — Cindy in Philadelphia

      CleanChoice generally buys the cheapest clean energy available in your area, but you should be aware that energy prices can still fluctuate. While a few negative reviews mention issues with promotional rates, the majority of customers are satisfied with their experience.

      CleanChoice Energy acts as an alternative energy supplier. Instead of getting your electricity from the default utility company in your area, you can get electricity sourced from wind and solar power that is generated in the region. Your local utility still handles the poles, wires and infrastructure that brings power into your home.

      It has monthly, quarterly and annual memberships. Pricing plans may vary depending on the market conditions. There are no cancellation or early termination fees for residential customers, so you can stop at any time without penalty.

      Pros

      • 100% clean energy from local sources
      • Variable and fixed payment plans
      • No termination fees
      • Referral bonuses

      Cons

      • Services vary by location
      • Prices are dependent on market

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      • “I'm building an off-grid RV out of an old bus and solar is the only way to go for that. I've been researching this for a while and ended up with ShopSolarKits. What I liked about them was they were the only place I found that was all-inclusive. They provided the whole system with construction and support. Everybody else I talked to were all piecemealing. You had to piece together the parts and I got nervous about that being a first-time solar person. ShopSolarKits was very knowledgeable and very educational for me. I had a lot of questions once the stuff came and I reviewed what I had to do. I wanted to make sure I did everything right and the technical support was really helpful and very responsive. Right now, I'm in the prep page. I got everything laid out but I haven't installed it yet. We still have a few things to do to the bus. On the whole, things went about as smooth as they could go. ShopSolarKits made me confident in my purchase and the pricing was good. They turned me into a confident solar installer and I didn't know anything about it. If a friend of mine heard me say that, they would trust what I said.” — Carmen in Wynnewood

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      How we chose the best solar companies in Philadelphia

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Philadelphia solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of Pennsylvanians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Philadelphia residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $28,859 in Philadelphia.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Philadelphia may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Philadelphia County or Pennsylvania government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Philadelphia

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,870 to $28,200 in Pennsylvania. Prices in Philadelphia are comparable, ranging from $10,955 to $31,300.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Philadelphia household needs a system with a capacity of 9.22 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Philadelphia

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Philadelphia?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Pennsylvania if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Philadelphia homeowners with solar panels can avoid $75,242 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Space limitations may affect solar system sizing, and rooftop assessments for structural integrity are sometimes required. The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Philadelphia

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Pennsylvania have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: You can verify your contractors licensing through this City of Philadelphia database. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Solar incentives in Philadelphia

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Pennsylvania to maximize savings.

      For instance, Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Solar Program offers rebates and other financial incentives, but funding availability varies. Once your installation is complete, net metering lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to your local power grid.

      Philadelphia solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Philadelphia?

      Yes. Standard local permits are generally required for most residential solar panel installations in Philadelphia. 

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Pennsylvania ranked 15th in 2024

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Yes, homeowners associations (HOAs) in Pennsylvania can prohibit solar panels in their neighborhoods. Pennsylvania does not have a right-to-access law that prevents HOAs from restricting solar panel installation.

      » GREENEST STATES: Pennsylvania ranked 24th in 2024

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Philadelphia?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Philadelphia. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Philadelphia

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Philadelphia customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks: 

      1. Sunrun
      2. CleanChoice Energy
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Philadelphia, PA." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Pennsylvania Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. DSIRE, "Pennsylvania Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Pennsylvania." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Federal Trade Commission, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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