Electrical Expertise

Electrical Expertise | Solar Installation | Electrical | Philadelphia

Imagine flipping the switch on your Philadelphia home or business and seeing your meter spin backward. That’s the power of partnering with HEP’s master electricians for a seamless solar installation—designed, wired, and activated by a team that understands both the nuances of renewable energy and the rigors of local electrical codes. From detailed roof assessments and on-site energy audits to precise panel placement and inverter configuration, we handle every stage with uncompromising craftsmanship and a neighborly approach that has defined HEP for decades.

While the sun does the heavy lifting, we make sure your investment shines for years to come. Our NABCEP-certified professionals integrate cutting-edge monitoring systems, surge protection, and future-ready battery hookups, so you can track production in real time and stay powered through grid outages. Whether you’re in a historic brownstone near Rittenhouse Square or a bustling warehouse along the Delaware River, HEP delivers clean energy solutions that lower your bills, raise your property value, and light up the City of Brotherly Love in the smartest possible way.

FAQs

Do I need permits to install solar panels in Philadelphia, and how does your team handle them?

Yes. The City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) requires both an Electrical Permit and a Building Permit for most solar installations, and Historic Commission approval if you live in a historic district. Our NABCEP-certified electricians take care of the entire permitting process for you—drawing up stamped plans, submitting applications through the eCLIPSE portal, scheduling any required structural reviews, and meeting inspectors on-site. Permit fees and administrative time are included in our turnkey proposal, so you never have to navigate city hall paperwork yourself.

How much sunlight does Philadelphia receive, and will my system still work in winter or on cloudy days?

Greater Philadelphia averages about 4.2–4.6 peak sun-hours per day, which is plenty to make solar a solid investment. Your array will produce the most power from March through October, but high-efficiency panels coupled with module-level power electronics (MLPE) continue generating in low light, snow, or partial shade. Our engineers model your expected output using 20-year weather data from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) station, factoring in snow load and temperature derates, so you receive realistic performance projections year-round.

What incentives and rebates can Philadelphia homeowners use to lower the cost of going solar?

1) Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – currently 30 % of the total system cost with no cap. 2) Pennsylvania Net Metering – full retail credit on excess kWh exported to PECO, carrying forward indefinitely. 3) Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) – every 1 MWh your array produces earns an SREC you can sell on the PA market; we help you register with PJM-GATS. 4) Philadelphia Solar Rebate – pays $0.20/W for residential systems (up to $1,000) once your project is energized and inspected. 5) Property-Tax Exemption – Pennsylvania excludes the added value of a solar array from property tax assessments. We prepare all rebate paperwork and can apply the ITC and local rebate as line-item reductions in your financing plan.

How does net metering with PECO work, and what will I see on my bill?

Once your system passes the PECO interconnection inspection, your existing meter is replaced with a bi-directional smart meter. When your array produces more than your home is using, the excess kWh spin the meter backwards, creating a credit at the full retail rate (generation + distribution). Each month, PECO subtracts your solar credits from your consumption; any surplus rolls over to the next bill. On your May statement each year, PECO issues a payout for any remaining credits at their Average Annual Locational Marginal Price (historically 2–4 ¢/kWh). Our monitoring app shows your production and compares it to the net-metering line items on your bill so you can track savings in real time.

Can your electricians upgrade my electrical service or roof to support solar, and is that included in the proposal?

Absolutely. Many Philadelphia rowhomes have 100-amp or even 60-amp service that must be brought up to 200 amps for larger solar arrays or future electric-vehicle chargers. Our master electricians can handle service-panel upgrades, meter-socket replacements, grounding, and surge protection as part of the same project. Should your roof need reinforcement or new shingles, we coordinate with licensed roofers so your new solar warranty sits on a roof that’s warrantied too. All required upgrades are itemized in your fixed-price proposal so there are no surprise change orders later.

How long does a typical residential solar installation take from contract signing to system activation in Philadelphia?

Project timelines average 8–12 weeks: • Week 1–2: Site survey, engineering, and utility interconnection application. • Week 3–6: Permit review at L&I and PECO approval (timing varies by season). • Week 7: One- to two-day on-site installation by our in-house electrical crew. • Week 8: City and PECO inspections; meter swap. • Week 9–12: Permission to Operate (PTO) letter from PECO and final commissioning. We provide an online project tracker so you can see each milestone—engineering complete, permits issued, inspections scheduled—in real time. Commercial or battery-storage projects may extend the schedule slightly, but proactive permitting and our dedicated PECO liaison keep things moving quickly.