Best 5 Solar Companies in Puyallup, WA

With Puyallup's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $880 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll showcase Puyallup's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of Puyallup solar installers, using the following criteria to choose the top-notch:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Puyallup solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider 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 Puyallup community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Puyallup Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Puyallup

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately function. Consider each of these criteria in your company search.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Puyallup

The style of solar panels you choose dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Puyallup. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Puyallup

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and cash payments. We advise 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 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 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) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each business you're considering about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

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