Best 10 Solar Companies in Longview, WA

With Longview's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. A skilled solar company can help you install and optimize a system that matches your energy needs without being too expensive. Discover Longview's best solar companies and learn important decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar providers near Longview, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Longview solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Longview community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted 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 battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Longview Homeowners?

Washington agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Longview

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Consider all of these factors in your business search.

Licensing and Training

Solar installers 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 verify compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among 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 Longview

Your solar panels' model will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Longview

Solar companies use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

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