Best 10 Solar Companies in Meridian, ID

Meridian homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. A knowledgeable solar installer can help you set up and adjust a system that fits your energy needs without breaking the bank. In this article, we'll showcase Meridian's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar providers near Meridian, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Meridian community for more than a decade.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Meridian solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Meridian Homeowners?

Idaho agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Meridian

The cost and efficiency of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

Idaho's Division of Building Safety recently began issuing solar PV contracting licenses. If it's a solar thermal system you're after, your installer must be a licensed plumbing contractor. Solar companies can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Meridian

The type of solar panels you purchase decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar provider offers these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,300 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Meridian. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Meridian

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. 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 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Ask each business you're considering about the financing options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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