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
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Average Pittsburgh homeowner saves $1,306/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 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 Pittsburgh
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
International Electric Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Bluebird Sky Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
CCI Industries, Inc. DBA: Commonwealth Utilities, Inc..
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
US Energy Solutions
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
Connected Energy Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Solbridge Energy Advisors
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
Scalo Solar Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Home installations
Energy Independent Solutions
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Skibo Energy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
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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Adopting solar energy can greatly impact both the environment and your monthly expenses. To see how much, use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Pittsburgh, PA.
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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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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.