Best 5 Solar Companies in Redmond, WA

With Redmond's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses hoping to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. 0 homes in the area already use a solar PV or water heating system. Expert installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to join the solar bandwagon with confidence. In this article, we'll highlight Redmond's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Redmond solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the top-notch:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Redmond community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Redmond solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Redmond Homeowners?

Washington homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Redmond

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

Solar energy contractors in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In specific situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to test compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected 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 Redmond

The type of solar panels you choose determines how much energy you can generate. 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 vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,950 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Redmond. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Redmond

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. 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) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to 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 recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and secure 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 Redmond.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions 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