Best 5 Solar Companies in Spokane Valley, WA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Spokane Valley

The cost and performance of solar panels often hinge on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these criteria in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

Solar energy contractors 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 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 accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 Spokane Valley

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.

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

If you're a resident of Spokane Valley and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,950 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Spokane Valley

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend 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 minimize 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 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, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.