- HEP
- Renewable Energy Solutions
Renewable Energy Solutions
Renewable Energy Solutions | Solar Installation | Electrical | Philadelphia
Philadelphiaâs skyline is evolvingârooftops across the city are becoming power plants, thanks to HEPâs renewable energy solutions. Our licensed electricians design and install high-efficiency panels that convert every hour of sunlight into reliable, wallet-friendly power, freeing homeowners and businesses from rising utility costs while shrinking their carbon footprints.
Whether youâre restoring a century-old townhouse in Society Hill or outfitting a cutting-edge warehouse in the Navy Yard, HEP streamlines every step of your solar installation, handling permitting, grid interconnection, and ongoing monitoring with the skill only a local team can offer. Join your neighbors in leading Philly toward a brighter, cleaner futureâbook a free on-site assessment today and watch the sun go to work for you.
FAQs
What types of solar energy systems do you install in Philadelphia?
We design and install grid-tied, grid-tied with battery backup, and fully off-grid photovoltaic (PV) systems for homes, businesses, and nonprofits. Most Philadelphia customers choose grid-tied arrays because they are eligible for net metering through PECO, require no on-site fuel, and have the fastest payback. If you need resiliency during power outages, we can integrate lithium-ion battery storage (such as Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery) into the design. For properties without utility access, we engineer stand-alone off-grid systems that include batteries and, when appropriate, supplemental generators.
How much can I expect to save on electricity bills with solar panels in Philadelphia?
Savings depend on system size, roof orientation, shading, and your current electricity rate, but most residential customers offset 70â100 % of their annual usage. A typical 7 kW home system in Philadelphia produces about 8,400 kWh a year, eliminating roughly $1,300 in PECO charges at todayâs rates. Because PECOâs rates have risen about 3â4 % annually, the value of your solar production generally increases over time, shortening payback to 6â9 years and providing 20+ years of free electricity afterward.
Are there financial incentives or rebates for installing solar in Philadelphia?
Yes. (1) Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): 30 % of the project cost, available through 2032. (2) Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): You earn one SREC for every 1 MWh your system generates; they can be sold in the PA market for additional income. (3) PECO Net Metering: Excess generation spins your meter backward; credits roll over month-to-month and settle annually at avoided-cost rates. (4) Philadelphiaâs Solar Rebate: While funding is limited and application windows vary, qualifying residential systems can receive $0.20/W and commercial $0.10/W (up to set caps). (5) Property-assessed clean energy (C-PACE) financing is available for commercial projects, and sales-tax exemptions apply to PV equipment.
What is the installation process and timeline for a residential solar project in Philadelphia?
1. Site assessment (1 week): We analyze roof condition, shading, and electrical service. 2. System design & proposal (1â2 weeks): You receive a detailed layout, production estimate, and financial model. 3. Permitting (2â4 weeks): We secure electrical and building permits from Philadelphia Licenses & Inspections (L&I) and file PECO interconnection paperwork. 4. Installation (1â3 days on-site): Our NABCEP-certified crew mounts racking, panels, inverter(s), and any batteries. 5. Inspections & meter swap (1â2 weeks): L&I and PECO inspect the system; PECO installs a bidirectional meter. 6. Commissioning & monitoring setup (same day). From signed contract to permission to operate, most residential projects take 6â10 weeks, although supply-chain delays or complex structural work can extend the timeline.
Will solar panels work on my roof, and what if my roof needs repairs?
Your roof should have at least 300 ft² of unobstructed area, face south, southeast, or southwest (flat roofs are fine), and receive minimal shading between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. We perform a structural analysis to ensure rafters can handle an additional 2â3 lb/ft². If your roof is older than 10 years or shows signs of deterioration, we recommend re-roofing before or during solar installation; removing and reinstalling panels later is more costly. We coordinate seamlessly with roofing contractors and can bundle both projects into a single financing package.
How do you maintain and monitor the solar system after installation?
PV systems have no moving parts, so routine maintenance is minimal. Panels are self-cleaning in most weather, but we suggest visual checks and light washing if production drops. All our inverters come with web-based monitoring that lets you track real-time performance and receive automatic alerts. We include a 25-year panel warranty, 10â25-year inverter warranty, and our own 10-year workmanship warranty. If an issue arises, our service team can remotely diagnose most problems and schedule on-site repairs, usually within three business days.