Energy Independence

Energy Independence | Solar Installation | Electrical | Philadelphia

Turn the historic skyline of Philadelphia into your own personal power plant with HEP’s expert solar installation services. Our local team designs and fits high-efficiency panels that soak up every ray the city offers, cutting monthly bills and protecting you from rising utility rates. From the bustling streets of Center City to the leafy lanes of Chestnut Hill, we handle permits, incentives, and inspections—all you have to do is watch the meter spin backward.

Choosing HEP means choosing resilience. During grid outages your system can keep essential circuits running, and over time the surplus energy you generate can even earn credits through net metering. Whether you’re motivated by carbon reduction, long-term savings, or the thrill of energy independence, our certified electricians translate those goals into a seamless, hassle-free experience. Ready to power your Philly home or business with the sun? Let’s start planning your solar installation today.

FAQs

Is Philadelphia sunny enough for solar panels to make sense?

Yes. Philadelphia receives about 4.3–4.6 peak sun-hours per day on average, which is comparable to many successful solar cities in the Northeast. A properly designed 6-kW residential system can generate roughly 7,200–7,500 kWh per year—covering 70-100 % of a typical home’s annual electricity use. Our engineers optimize roof layout, tilt, and panel choice to maximize production even on partly cloudy days.

What incentives, rebates, and tax credits can I use to lower the cost?

1. Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): 30 % of the total project cost through 2032. 2. Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): You earn 1 SREC for every 1 MWh your system produces; they can be sold on a market for extra income. 3. Philadelphia’s Solar Rebate Program: $0.20 per watt for residential and $0.10 per watt for commercial systems (first-come, first-served until funds are exhausted). 4. Net-metering with PECO: Excess power you export is credited at the full retail rate, lowering future bills. 5. Low-interest solar loans and on-bill financing options through state-partnered lenders. Taken together, these incentives typically reduce upfront costs by 40-45 % for most of our customers.

How long does the solar installation process take and what permits are needed?

The timeline averages 6–10 weeks: • Site visit & design (1 week) • PECO interconnection application (1–2 weeks) • City of Philadelphia electrical & building permits (2–4 weeks) • Equipment ordering & scheduling (1 week) • On-site installation (1–3 days for most homes) • Final inspection & utility meter swap (1–2 weeks) We handle all permit paperwork, engineering drawings, and utility coordination, so you only need to sign the applications. Commercial projects or major roof work can add a few extra weeks.

What kind of savings and payback period can I expect?

For a typical Philadelphia household using 8,500 kWh per year, a 7-kW system costs about $19,000 before incentives and roughly $10,500 after the 30 % ITC and city rebate. Annual electric-bill savings average $1,200–$1,400, plus $200–$300 in SREC income. Most customers reach cash-flow break-even in 6–8 years, with 25+ years of warranted power production ahead—yielding an internal rate of return (IRR) of 9–12 %.

Can I add battery storage for backup power and greater energy independence?

Absolutely. We integrate lithium-ion batteries (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, or similar) that store excess solar energy for nighttime use and can keep critical circuits running during grid outages. In Philadelphia, time-of-use rates are not yet widespread, but batteries still add resiliency and allow you to self-consume more of your solar production. A single 13.5 kWh battery typically powers essentials (fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, boiler fan) for 12–18 hours; multiple units can support whole-home backup.

How do snow, cold, and seasonal weather affect solar performance?

Solar panels actually operate more efficiently in colder temperatures, so clear winter days can yield strong production. The main seasonal effect is shorter daylight hours, so output in December is roughly half of June’s. Panels are installed at a tilt that helps most snow slide off within 24–48 hours; any temporary coverage is already factored into our annual production estimates. All equipment is rated to handle Philadelphia’s snow load, wind, and temperature swings from ‑10 °F to 110 °F.