Best 5 Solar Companies in Lake Stevens, WA

With Lake Stevens' clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $850 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll highlight Lake Stevens' premier solar installers and provide expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar companies near Lake Stevens, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Lake Stevens solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Lake Stevens community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lake Stevens Homeowners?

The state of Washington offers a number of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lake Stevens

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the provider that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Solar energy companies in Washington need to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In some situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to test compliance and the viability and integrity of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. 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 Lake Stevens

The style of solar panels you select determines how much power you can generate. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,950 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Lake Stevens. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Lake Stevens

Choosing the correct financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. We advise paying with cash or securing 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 cut 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 benefiting from 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 rate to rent your panels, while a PPA 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 provider you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A consultant 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 Lake Stevens.

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 rebates and financing plans 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