15 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, PA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Richmond based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Richmond, PA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Richmond homeowner saves $1,219/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Richmond
If you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Richmond, digging through hundreds of options can be challenging, but it can pay off since switching to solar energy can offer so many great perks. Installation costs can be high, but adopting solar will save you money on your power bills over many years. In fact, you can expect to save about $14,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you find the top options in your area.Want to know how much it’d cost to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Richmond solar installer.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Richmond
SunPower Builders
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
SunPower
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Lumina Solar PA
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Stokes Solar LLC,
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Pinnacle Exteriors
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Evoke Solar, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Bright Eye Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
PosiGen
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
PowerStream Solar & Electric
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
TerraSol Energies, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
SunPulse Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Green Home Systems
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Finray Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Community Solar Projects
- Panel Installation
Moore Energy LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Exact Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Richmond
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Richmond 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 Richmond
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 Richmond
Even though solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on power bills over time, it’s important to consider the upfront costs.Some significant things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $14,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can generate.
- Energy consumption: Solar may be an expensive investment for households that don’t consume too much energy per month.
- The make and model of solar panels you want: Some cost more, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar incentives, all while helping preserve the planet.
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Solar Incentives in Richmond
If you’re planning on making the switch to solar power, various government incentives and subsidies can drastically reduce the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment.Local solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond
A lot of people want to do their part for the environment, which in many cases is the primary motivation to install a solar system.You may be asking yourself – how much do solar panels help the planet anyway? The amount of energy you use is a key factor to keep in mind. The more electricity your household consumes, the bigger your impact when you switch to solar energy.If you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 50 pounds a year. For people who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Richmond, PA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Richmond?
The highest-rated local solar company in Richmond is SunPower Builders, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle 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.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending 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 household 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.