Best 5 Solar Companies in Spanaway, WA

Spanaway homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. If you live in one of the area's many old homes, you might doubt your electrical system would accommodate solar panels. However, new technology and experienced installers can help these homeowners access eco-friendly, clean power. In this guide, we'll highlight Spanaway's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed a multitude of Spanaway solar installers, using the following criteria to choose the finest:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Spanaway community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Spanaway solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Spanaway Homeowners?

The state of Washington offers a variety of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Spanaway

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some important factors to consider while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Spanaway

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Spanaway

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, loans, and leases. We suggest 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 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 installments while still benefiting from 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 particular circumstances. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

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