Best 5 Solar Companies in Bothell, WA

Bothell homeowners are lucky to live in ample sunlight, both to bask in and use for energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $860 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll highlight Bothell's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

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

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Bothell solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Bothell community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lower utility costs: Generating some or all of your own energy will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bothell Homeowners?

Washington homeowners who choose solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, rebates and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bothell

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

Solar companies in Washington must hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In specific situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to confirm compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Bothell

The kind of solar panels you select decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider offers these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Bothell and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,950 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Bothell

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for providers that offer several 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 Bothell.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

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