Best 10 Solar Companies in South Hill, WA

South Hill homeowners are lucky to live in abundant sunlight, both to enjoy and harness as energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $880 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll show you South Hill's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best South Hill solar companies.

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• 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 South Hill community for more than a decade.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most South Hill solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to South Hill Homeowners?

Washington agencies and electric companies offer a number 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 South Hill

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Here are some essential aspects to bear in mind while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

Solar installers 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 verify compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized 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 South Hill

The type of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

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

If you're a resident of South Hill and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,950 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in South Hill

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best 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 own 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each company you're evaluating about the payment plans it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

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

Sources

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