Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Sandpoint. A solar panel array can help you decrease your carbon footprint, add value to your property, and provide a dependable source of power. Going solar allows you to cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why, after properly vetting providers, we put together a guide to the most dependable solar companies in Sandpoint. These installers consistently deliver dependable quality service.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
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:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Idaho's Division of Building Safety recently began to issue solar PV contracting licenses. If it's a solar thermal system you're after, your installer must be a licensed plumbing contractor.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help decrease your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
In Sandpoint, solar panels cost an average of $3,460 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 8.8 kilowatts. The typical Sandpoint homeowner spends $21,309 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's required preliminary work, capacity, size, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
40% in the first year; 20% per year for next three years
Incentive Amount:
Energy Star Clothes Washer: $30
Energy Star Clothes Dryer: $60
NEEM Manufactured Home (electric heat): $1,000
Ductless Heat Pumps for Existing Homes: $800 zonal, $1,000 electric forced air
Ductless Heat Pumps for New Construction: $700 stick built, $1,000 manufactured
Air Source/Geothermal Heat Pumps: Contact Northern Lights
Energy-Saving Showerhead: two free
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Sandpoint amount to $1,309.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Sandpoint with moderate sunlight, the period could last 16.3 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. A majority of solar contractors in the Sandpoint area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Yes, solar panels can still generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system will keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.
