Best 5 Solar Companies in University Place, WA

University Place homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $880 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover University Place's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best University Place solar companies.

• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Certifications and credentials: Each company 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 University Place community for over 15 years.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most University Place solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
• Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to University Place Homeowners?

Washington's public agencies and power companies offer a variety of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in University Place

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

Solar companies in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In certain situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to verify compliance and the viability and integrity 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 credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in University Place

The type of solar panels you select decides how much energy you can generate. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider includes these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of University Place and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,950 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in University Place

Choosing the right financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto 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) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and acquire 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 University Place.

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.

Sources

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