Best 5 Solar Companies in Post Falls, ID

The Post Falls community is intentional about protecting the environment and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar companies for their homes. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. An experienced team can help you install and optimize a system that fits your energy needs without breaking the bank. On this page, we'll highlight Post Falls' premier solar installers and give expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar installers near Post Falls, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Post Falls solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Post Falls community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Post Falls Homeowners?

Idaho's public agencies and power companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Post Falls

The price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some key items to consider while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Idaho's Division of Building Safety recently began to issue solar PV contracting licenses. If you're installing a solar thermal system, your installer must be a licensed plumbing contractor. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Post Falls

The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar provider offers these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Post Falls and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,300 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Post Falls

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, leases, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Post Falls.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy