In Pennsylvania, heat waves cause more expected losses than any other outage-prone weather, so plan backup power around air conditioning. Below, you'll find installers by city, how Pennsylvania's local licensing works, and what to ask before you hire.
Find an Installer by City
Don't see your city? Many installers serve a wide area. Check the nearest city, or ask us for help.
Installers Serving Pennsylvania
We're still vetting installers in Pennsylvania. In the meantime, our team can help you plan a system and explain what to look for in an installer.
Home Backup in Pennsylvania: What to Know
Outages and the Pennsylvania Grid
Heat waves lead Pennsylvania's outage-related weather risks, with about $365 million in expected annual losses in FEMA's National Risk Index, followed by cold waves and hurricanes. Within the state, Philadelphia County faces the highest heat-wave losses.
Utilities
PECO, PPL Electric Utilities, Duquesne Light and FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania utilities serve most Pennsylvania homes, along with co-ops and municipal utilities.
Incentives and Utility Programs
Ask PECO, PPL Electric Utilities, Duquesne Light, your FirstEnergy utility or your electric co-op about battery, demand-response or export-rate programs before you size a system. Programs change often, and DSIRE (dsireusa.org) lists current state and utility incentives.
Checking an Installer's License
Pennsylvania doesn't license electricians statewide. Cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh license electrical contractors, and most home improvement contractors must register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General, though registration isn't a trade license. Check the registration on the Attorney General's site and ask which local license your installer holds.
Permits and Inspections
Electrical permits come from your municipality, which may use a third-party inspection agency under the state Uniform Construction Code.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Home Backup Installer
- Are you licensed for this work in Pennsylvania? Ask for the license number and check it with the city or county that licenses electricians where you live.
- Will you pull the permits and schedule the inspections? Permitted work protects your insurance and resale value.
- Have you installed this type of system before? Ask about battery, generator or transfer-switch projects like yours, and which brands.
- Will you install equipment I buy myself? Many installers will. Some only install what they sell. Ask before you buy.
- What's included in the quote? Look for the equipment, panel work, transfer switch, permits, utility paperwork and haul-away.
- What warranty do you provide on your workmanship? It's separate from the manufacturer's equipment warranty.
- How will the system switch over in an outage? Automatic or manual, and which circuits will be backed up.
- Who services the system after installation?
Need Help Choosing Equipment First?
Tell us about your home and what you want to keep running, and an Outbound Power specialist will recommend a system and explain how installation would work. No obligation.
Pennsylvania Home Backup FAQs
Do I need a licensed contractor to install a home battery in Pennsylvania?
Are there Pennsylvania incentives for home batteries?
Can a home battery run my air conditioner?
Many whole-home systems can run central AC if the battery and inverter are sized for its starting and running load. Your installer should confirm the AC unit's requirements during the site visit.
Can I buy my own equipment and hire a local installer?
Often, yes. Many installers will install customer-supplied equipment, but policies vary. Each listing in this directory shows whether the installer says they do. Confirm with the installer before you buy, and share the exact model so they can plan the installation.
Does Outbound Power install equipment?
No. Outbound Power sells home backup equipment and helps you plan a system. Installation is done by independent, licensed contractors like those listed here.
How are installers chosen for this directory?
Installers apply or are invited. Before listing, we confirm their business identity, check their license with the city or county that licenses electricians where you live, and confirm their services and service area. Verified installers have also completed an insurance and reputation review. Nobody pays to be listed or for placement. Directory standards →
Installers listed here are independent businesses, not employees or agents of Outbound Power. We check the items described in our directory standards, but we don't supervise or guarantee their work. Confirm licensing, permits, pricing and warranty terms in your written agreement. Listed in alphabetical order; Verified installers appear first. Nobody pays for placement.
