Best 10 Solar Companies in Vancouver, WA

With Vancouver's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. A skilled solar contractor can help you set up and optimize a system that fulfills your energy needs without costing a fortune. In this article, we'll highlight Vancouver's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar installers near Vancouver, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Vancouver community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Vancouver solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and well-being.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Vancouver Homeowners?

Washington homeowners who choose solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, tax credits and rebates. Here are just a few of the region's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Vancouver

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

Solar contractors 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 confirm compliance and the viability and integrity of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Vancouver

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies include these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Vancouver homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,950 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Vancouver

Choosing the correct financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. We suggest making a cash payment 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials 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