Solar Installer In Columbia, PA

After over 20 years, Belmont Solar proudly continues our mission of delivering high-quality solar system design and installation services, driven by Ben Zook’s initial spark of curiosity that ignited a passion for harnessing the power of the sun. 

We specialize in off-grid solar systems, grid-tied solar, and grid-tied solar with battery backup, all while helping the Colombia, PA community discover the wonders of solar power. Additionally, we can supply electricity to homes in areas without local utility service.

Solar System Cost in Columbia, PA

Installing a solar power system for your home has never been more convenient, efficient, or affordable. At Belmont Solar, we’re proud to be pioneers in the solar industry, merging our expert technical knowledge with the craftsmanship of our Amish team for every project in Columbia PA. By making the switch to solar, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electricity bills.

Curious about the cost of a solar panel system that can cover your electricity needs? Use our solar panel cost calculator today! Just enter an amount close to your monthly bill, and our calculator will provide you with estimates to give you a clear idea of what a full-sized solar installation in Columbia might cost. We prioritize a hassle-free customer experience, simplifying the process compared to other solar companies.

Solar Installations In Columbia

Types of Solar systems we offer for Columbia, PA

As a solar installer in Columbia, PA, we offer a few different options for solar systems at Belmont Solar:

Grid-tie Solar Systems

Grid-tied solar systems are solar panel installations that get connected to the home and to the power grid.

Hybrid Solar Systems

A hybrid system that connects to the utility grid and includes a bank of solar batteries to provide power during emergencies and to decrease reliance on the grid.

Off Grid Solar Systems

The solar panels operate independently of the local utility provider, utilizing a bank of solar batteries and specialized appliances for power.

Discover our selection of helpful videos, easy-to-follow guides, and interactive tools that make understanding home solar systems simple. When you’re ready to move forward, try out our solar cost estimator to get a customized quote—or reach out to our experts to start building a solar solution that fits your property and energy needs.

Components In A Residential Solar System

Learning about the basic components of a home solar energy system is an important first move toward embracing solar power. At Belmont Solar, we’re honored to support Columbia homeowners with professional installations and reliable service. Each of our systems includes three essential elements: top-tier solar panels that harness sunlight, an inverter that turns that power into electricity your home can use, and a sturdy mounting structure that keeps the system securely positioned for lasting efficiency.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are the centerpiece of your solar system, responsible for absorbing sunlight and turning it into electrical power your household can use. Designed for durability and optimized efficiency, they deliver reliable energy production and contribute to the system’s performance year after year.

Inverters

Inverters play a vital role in your solar system by converting the direct current (DC) generated by your panels into alternating current (AC), which is used to power your home’s appliances. Engineered for long-term performance and efficient integration, they ensure a steady energy supply and enhance the system’s overall output.

Racking System

The racking system serves as the structural foundation of your solar array, keeping the panels firmly mounted and properly angled to absorb optimal sunlight. A well-built mounting solution is essential for both performance and longevity. At Belmont Solar, we install the Tough Trac racking system—designed for exceptional strength and resilience in all weather conditions—to ensure your solar setup remains secure and efficient for years to come.

How To Go Solar In Columbia, PA

Our Solar Panel Installation Process

Fill out a contact form or complete the solar cost calculator form, and one of our solar consultants will get in touch to discuss your objectives for your Columbia PA Solar System. We will assist you in identifying the most suitable system for your needs and tailor-design your solar installation.

Next, we will provide you with a proposal that includes a detailed cost breakdown and a preliminary installation schedule. Once you electronically sign the proposal and make your down payment, we will start the preparations to install your solar system.

We’ll work closely with your local municipalities to ensure all applications and permits are properly submitted. We take care of everything, including interactions with utility companies, making the process hassle-free for you. You can relax and enjoy peace of mind! The final step will be the installation of your solar panel system and its activation to ensure it’s generating power.

Solar Panel FAQ

Several factors affect the longevity of a residential solar system, but it generally lasts between 25 to 30 years. Most manufacturers also offer warranties that guarantee the panels will maintain at least 90% of their efficiency for up to 25 years.

While solar panels primarily rely on direct sunlight to generate electricity, they can also convert diffuse and indirect sunlight into power. This means that solar panels remain effective even on cloudy or snowy days, although their efficiency is lower compared to sunny conditions.

  • Renewable Energy Source: Sunlight is abundant and limitless, making solar power a sustainable energy option.
  • Reduced Energy Costs: Generating your own electricity can lead to significant savings on monthly energy bills.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Solar energy production has a minimal environmental impact, as it produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Long-Lasting: With proper maintenance, solar panels can operate effectively for many years.
  • Increased Property Value: Homes with solar panels often see a property value increase of around 4.1%.

If your solar panel system produces more electricity than you use, the surplus can be fed back into the electrical grid. Depending on your location, this process—known as net metering or a feed-in tariff—allows you to earn credits that can be applied to reduce your future electricity bills.

Setting up a solar system in Columbia typically requires obtaining permits related to construction, electrical work, and zoning compliance. Belmont Solar handles this entire process for you—from preparing and submitting the required paperwork to coordinating with local officials. Our goal is to make sure your installation stays on schedule and fully adheres to local regulations. For the latest permit guidelines, it’s also a good idea to consult Columbia’s Planning Department directly.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are tradable credits that reflect the environmental impact of the clean energy produced by your solar system. You earn one SREC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (1 megawatt-hour) of electricity your panels generate. These certificates can be sold for additional income, helping to increase the financial return on your solar setup.

Looking for a quick explanation? Watch our brief SREC video guide on YouTube.

What our customers say

I used Belmont for my rooftop solar project and they were great! They were quick to get me a proposal when I first reached out, happy to modify it to suit my needs, offered experienced input and recommendations, and provided a complimentary site visit to go over the specifics and finalize the details before any commitments were made. The installation happened faster than expected and their entire team was responsive to all my questions along the way. The combination of value and service is outstanding! Highly recommend!

Nicholas Piro

Belmont Solar is a great company to work with. They were much cheaper than one of the large solar companies and actually sent an engineer out to help scope out the system. Our install was not the usual setup because we wanted a battery and already had a generator. They got it all installed and it works great. I really enjoyed the whole process. Highly recommended!

James Rumbaugh

Belmont Solar estimated all costs accurately, and including them in their contract with me, for a ground mounted 22 KW solar system installed at my residence. The installation went smoothly. February 15th 2023 was the one year anniversary of the Solar Panels being placed on line by my utility company. In the first 12 months the panels produced 28.8 megawatts of power. All payback calculations presented by Belmont were based on an annual production of 27 megawatts of power. I believe they are reliable and trustworthy.

George Metzler

I’m very happy with my choice to use Belmont Solar for my solar project. I found Ben Zook to be straight-forward and knowledgeable and the installers to be professional and personable.

I talked to three solar firms before deciding to go with Belmont. I ruled out the first firm when I noticed a contentious clause in the fine print of their contract. In final discussions, the third firm promised to get me up and running fast while Belmont promised to do a very neat job. I think this is the reason I ultimately decided to go with Belmont.

During the project, Ben Zook went above and beyond to fix a financing mistake that was clearly my fault and the installers offered to spend extra time in my hot and uncomfortable attic to make the final system look great. The system was finished in a timely fashion, looks awesome and performs as expected. Belmont exceeded my expectations on multiple occasions, which is why I’ve published this review and why I’m recommending them to my father for a ground mount system in the near future.

Ed Slatt

Absolutely a+

jonathan king

Although I decided not to install solar at this time, I found Ben to be both knowledgeable and especially honest. His 15+ years of hands-on experience provide him with a wealth of insight.

Mike Heaney

I interviewed several national solar companies looking for the best way to affordably install solar on my house. One told me to remove eleven trees, then they might consider looking at my house. Another offered to share fifteen dollars a month of the savings, if I paid one hundred a month for the privilege. Huh???

Finally a friend suggested Belmont Solar. My first call to Ben Zook put me totally at ease, there was no pressure but much professionalism and incredible knowledge. He quoted me not one or two options, but four. Contrary to one review here, he understood my budget and respected it without a second thought. He is a man of great integrity, you will find out for yourself. I can’t help but laugh at the negative reviews below. He “threatened” me too, why, he even showed up in my yard personally to resolve an unforeseen issue, at no charge. Such a ‘troublemaker’, LOL. He’s a very kind and honest man, period.

Long story short, Isaac and Jonathon came from Belmont for the installation, were perfect gentlemen and extremely helpful and clearly very skilled, and a year later I already have forty percent of my investment back in my bank account. It pays back that fast! I’m already saving my dollars to make my system bigger and would not dream of anyone but Ben and the Belmont team…. and I’m in New England!

Go with the best, Belmont Solar, and trust me when I say it’s smart to go solar. You won’t regret it, I sure don’t. You can totally trust Ben and his team, I’ll never have it any other way. I’m Bill Dudley, Foxboro, Mass., and I give you my word.

Bekah Dudley

God Provides Solar Power For Free!