Best 5 Solar Companies in Lakewood, WA

With Lakewood's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an excellent area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. If you live in one of the area's many old homes, you might not think your electrical system would support solar panels. However, new technology and knowledgeable installers can help these homeowners access renewable, clean power. In this guide, we'll show you Lakewood's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar providers near Lakewood, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Lakewood community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Lakewood solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lakewood Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lakewood

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

Solar companies 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 viability and integrity of a contractor's job. Solar providers can also pursue certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lakewood

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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 battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Lakewood and are considering getting 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 Lakewood

Choosing the best financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving 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) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask 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 Lakewood.

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

Sources

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