Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've assembled a list of the top solar companies in Bensalem.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Bensalem or select a well-known national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that moving to solar energy lets Bensalem homeowners to save an average of $1,100 per year.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Bensalem solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Bensalem, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar include these:
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on statistics from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean cost to install solar panels in Bensalem is $16,360.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
In Bensalem, you can anticipate saving money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Bensalem can be eligible for several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all Pennsylvania residents, and others are determined by your municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Pennsylvania residents, according to DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Loan Program High Performance Buildings Incentive Program | Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000 Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000 |
Loan Program Wind and Geothermal Incentives Program | Manufacturer loans: $40,000 per job created within 3 years Manufacturer grants: $5,000 per job created within 3 years Loans for geothermal systems: $3 per square foot of space served up to $5 million; also limited to 50% of eligible costs for residential systems. Loans for wind energy production projects: $5 million Grants for wind energy production projects: $1 million Grants for feasibility studies: 50% of cost up to $175,000 Loan guarantee grants: Up to 75% of deficient funds up to $5 million |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Alternative Energy Credits | Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices. |
Grant Program High Performance Building Incentives Program | Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Required permits and local or state codes could impact your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all residences get the same levels of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
A number of solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries conserve extra energy, which can be vital for avoiding outages during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the total cost.
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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