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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros
Last Updated February 2024
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Our panel of experts found the 0 solar companies on this list to have exemplary professional standards, a good customer reputation, and a long portfolio of reliable solar projects. Supporting your home improvement goals with authoritative advice and company recommendations is our mission at Today's Homeowner. Learn more about our methods by clicking here.
63°F
47°F
55%
56lbs CO2e/yr
3.62"
$650/yr
The first important decision you'll make when planning your solar system is what panels to use. There are three main kinds to choose from, and you can decide which one is right for you based on your budget and the design of your home.
In the warm summers of District Of Columbia, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell uses only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate more energy with a small array. Since they're more intricate, they come at a higher-than-average starting price point. However, they also have the longest lifespan and better ROI possibilities than other types of solar panels.
Polycrystalline solar panels have navy blue cells made of multiple silicon fragments. Aside from their lower upfront cost, they have a less wasteful manufacturing process.
However, they take up more space than monocrystalline panels, so you'll need more space on your roof for a high-capacity array.
Thin-film solar panels use different metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their lower weight or greater compatibility with unique roof shapes. Others go with them for their high heat resistance and low-light performance. Thin-film panels are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of District Of Columbia. They keep their efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes.
Although some thin-film panel models are about as efficient as polycrystalline panels, other models are far less efficient or have very short lifespans.
Adopting solar power is a large investment. Once you and your contractor agree on which kind and model of panels to use, you can select from a range of purchase options, like the following:
State governments and utility companies incentivize solar panel installation through a variety of different programs, like:
Curious about solar energy's impact on the District Of Columbia economy? These statistics paint a good picture of the growing solar market in your area.
Want to learn more about solar energy in your area? Take a look at these pages and resources:
A solar water heater might be the ideal place to start if you don't have much roof space or want to install fewer panels. However, if you have the budget and space for a photovoltaic system that can power your entire home, you'll have the best possible versatility and value.
Solar energy is more effective and versatile than other renewable energy sources. You can utilize solar power for any appliance or fixture in your home or transfer it to the grid for more savings.
There are three common types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type has different advantages and drawbacks that make it ideal for certain applications. Monocrystalline panels are best for efficiency, while other types may be better if price is a concern or are dealing with a non-traditional roof.
Before hiring any contractor, you should double-check their credentials and experience to ensure they're qualified for your project. A quality contractor will practice clear and regular communication, find ways to minimize your costs without compromising on safety or efficiency, and keep an unobtrusive and safe work environment.
With disruptive technology, solar energy has become viable in many more places. However, the amount of sunlight someplace gets remains the most impactful factor affecting solar viability. In District Of Columbia, the direct sunlight per day is about average.
On average, you can expect to pay about $2,650 per kW for their solar panels. However, this number depends on several factors, such as the panel wattage and the quality of the solar panels you select.
To estimate your payback period, your installer will consider the total amount of energy your solar panels can generate. The average payback period for a 5 kW system in District Of Columbia is 16.3 years, but it can be as short as seven years with a higher production level or as long as 15 with a lower output.
You can increase your solar system's efficiency by regularly cleaning your panels, ensuring there are no obstructions like tree branches, and updating your inverter as needed. Your contractor may include panel maintenance as part of a comprehensive plan.
On average, a solar system can generate between 9.8 and 20 kW. The bigger your system is, the more power you'll generate and the greater your initial costs will be.