7 Best Solar Companies in College, PA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 7 in College based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for College, PA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average College homeowner saves $1,052/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in College
If you're a home or business owner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in College, it can be difficult to narrow down which company to go with. But, it's worth it since adopting solar energy is typically a fantastic choice. On average, you can save $12,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And since solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be even higher overall.
If you want to start making use of the great amount of perks of solar, we're here to help you narrow down your options to find the College solar installer that's right for you. We advise shopping around to get quite a few quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get free quotes from trusted solar companies in College, click the link below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in College
Sun Directed
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Free Quotes - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Business installations - Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Envinity, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Elk Creek Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
Grove Solar & Electrician Services
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Universal Solar, LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Green Legacy Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
SolarPower Divine
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in College
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in College based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in College
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Pennsylvania solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in College
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your panels. Some key things that determine the cost and possible savings include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can take advantage of. Additionally, you can save about $12,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- average energy usage: The more electricity your home uses on average and the larger your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by switching to solar.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, plus the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can produce.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what model of solar panels you can buy.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar incentives, all while helping preserve the planet.
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Adopting clean energy can greatly impact both the environment and your bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for College, PA.
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Solar Incentives in College
Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time because of smaller power bills and government incentives. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that earn anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money back after buying solar panels. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in College
Going solar can have a meaningful effect on the environment. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? The amount of energy you use is an important factor to think about. The more energy you use, the greater your impact when you switch to solar energy. In College, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year once they go solar. Since solar energy is abundant and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's College, PA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In College, Sun Directed is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
What are the biggest pros and cons of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it can give you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 13.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.