Best 5 Solar Companies in Federal Way, WA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Federal Way

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

Solar contractors in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In some 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 respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Federal Way

The style of solar panels you purchase decides how much energy you can produce. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Federal Way homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,950 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Federal Way

Choosing the ideal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. 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 valuable 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) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.