Best 5 Solar Companies in Washington, OH

Washington homeowners are lucky to live in ample sunlight, both to enjoy and harness as energy. Many are hiring top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A skilled team can help you set up and optimize a system that fits your energy needs without being too expensive. Discover Washington's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Washington solar companies.

• Professional licensure and experience: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Washington community for a decade or longer.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Washington solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your monthly electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Washington Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Washington

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Ohio may require a solar company to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For home solar panel installations, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 Washington

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Washington and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,050 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Washington

Choosing the best financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements, and loans. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

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