Best 4 Solar Companies in Kennewick, WA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Kennewick

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Solar energy contractors in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In certain situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to verify compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Kennewick

The kind of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,950 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Kennewick. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Kennewick solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Kennewick

Choosing the correct financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. We recommend 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable 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 suitable in certain circumstances. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.