Best 4 Solar Companies in Spokane, WA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Spokane

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Consider each of these elements in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

Solar energy companies 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 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 credentials. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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

The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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 provide these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Spokane homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,950 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Spokane

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-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, akin to an electric bill. We typically 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 company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.