15 Best Solar Companies in Pittsburgh, PA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Pittsburgh based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Pittsburgh, PA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Pittsburgh homeowner saves $1,306/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Pittsburgh

Looking for energy freedom in Pittsburgh? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since there are many perks when you switch to solar power. With good amounts of average daily sunlight in Pittsburgh, the solar industry is growing steadily. An overlooked driver of this has been national incentives that support residential and commercial solar projects.

There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Pittsburgh. To get an idea of how much you might pay to put up a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Pittsburgh by clicking the "get quote" button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Pittsburgh

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best for Leasing
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Solar Veteran
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Trinity Solar

  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Pros icon Family-owned and -operated
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Con icon Limited service area
  • Con icon Relatively short workmanship warranty

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.trinity-solar.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

International Electric Power

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.iepwr.com/
Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 4125671500
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Bluebird Sky Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.bluebirdskysolar.com/
Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 4125105698
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CCI Industries, Inc. DBA: Commonwealth Utilities, Inc..

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.commonwealthutilities.net/
Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 8009796697
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

US Energy Solutions

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://usenergysolutions.us/contact-us
Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 6302830032
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Connected Energy Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.connectedenergysolar.com/
Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Phone: 4122948249
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solbridge Energy Advisors

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://solbridgeea.com/
Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 4128416285
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Scalo Solar Solutions

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.scalo-solar.com/
Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Phone: 4129219968
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Energy Independent Solutions

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.eissolar.com/
Address: Carnegie, PA 15106
Phone: 4122941741
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Skibo Energy

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.skiboenergy.com/
Address: 6901 Lynn Way, PA 15208
Phone: 4122256889

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Pittsburgh

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh


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 Pittsburgh

For many homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels boils down to the cost. Some significant things that determine how much it will cost and how much you could save include:

  • The kind of solar panel system you can buy: This hinges on how much you're willing to spend upfront.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
  • Electricity consumption: The average home in Pittsburgh uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
  • Your household's power bills: Based on the fairly high monthly energy bills in Pittsburgh, you could save about $1,100 a year with solar.

Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the amount of daily direct sunlight available and your local electricity rates.

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Solar Incentives in Pittsburgh

Since solar power is more sustainable than traditional energy sources, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage its adoption. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Pittsburgh.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Pittsburgh

Going solar can have a beneficial effect on the environment. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? In a city like Pittsburgh where energy use is rather high, making the switch to solar power is a good idea for people who are worried about the state of the planet. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 80 pounds each year. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Pittsburgh, PA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best in Pittsburgh?

In Pittsburgh, Valley Energy Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.

Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

When is the best time of year to install solar panels?

You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.

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.