PV Gap

Ted Said:

I would like to know if solar panels are available in phila county for private homes.?

We Answered:

Anyone can purchase solar panels and have them installed on their home - although if you live in a housing development, you'll want to check with the rules of your homeowners association. Some don't allow solar panels for aesthetic reasons.

Solar photovoltaic panels / systems are quite expensive, so you don't see a lot of folks installing them. Also, at the moment solar panels are in very high demand. For commercial projects, we've been seeing lead times of two to nine months before we can obtain panels. For a small project for your home, though, I'd think you can find panels more easily since you would only need a few of them.

Solar water heating panels are much easier to come by, and pay for themselves fairly quickly. Those should be readily available.

I'd find a local solar installer by going to the NABCEP web site. NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) offers formal "certification" for solar installers, so by choosing a vendor from their list you'll be sure that you are dealing with someone who has at least a bit of experience with solar. A solar installer should be able to help you size and price a system, research incentives available to you, and give you an idea on how long it might take to get all the necessary equipment. They may even have a stock of panels that you can purchase.

Good luck!