Best 4 Solar Companies in Spokane, WA

The Spokane community is committed to protecting the environment and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. A skilled solar installer can help you set up and adjust a system that fits your energy needs without being too expensive. Discover Spokane's top-rated solar companies and learn crucial decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Spokane solar companies.

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Spokane solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Spokane community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Spokane Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Spokane

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

Solar energy contractors in Washington need 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 viability and integrity of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 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 companies provide these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Spokane. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Spokane

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $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, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans 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