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 Richland homeowners. A solar panel array can help you provide a dependable source of power, add value to your property, and decrease your carbon footprint. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we put together a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Richland. These providers have a reputation for excellent service.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Family-operated business
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners reduce utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This ensures that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, the law doesn't explicitly require solar installers to be licensed, but workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar power can help reduce your electricity costs long-term. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
Richland homeowners typically spend about $17,318 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Richland cost roughly $4,060 per kilowatt, with an average size of 6.1 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, permit fees, and preliminary work, and will account for your system's capacity, size, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Appliance Recycling
Refrigerator: $50
Chest Freezer: $50
Window Air Conditioners: $15
Dehumidifier: $15
HVAC
WiFi Thermostat: $75
ECM Blower Motor: $200
Central Air Conditioning: 150 - $500
Central Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $500
Mini/Multi-Split Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750
HVAC Combo Bonus: $100 bonus
Smart HVAC Combo Bonus: $150 bonus
Tune-Up Central Air Conditioner or Air-Sourse Heat Pump: $50
Ground-Source Heat Pump: $500 - $750
Efficient Circulation Pump: $100
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $250
Pipe Wrap Insulation: $0.80/ft. ($8 max)
ENERGY STAR Products
LED Bulbs: In-store savings vary by retailer
LED Downlight Kits: In-store savings vary by retailer
Outdoor LED Fixtures: $5
Ceiling Fan: $10
Advanced Power Strip: $5
Room Air Conditioner: $10
Air Purifier: $10
Dehumidifier: $15
Clothes Washer: $20
Refrigerator: $20
Chest Freezer or Upright Freezer: $15
Television: $10 - $20
Personal Computer: $10
Occupancy Sensor: $5
Wifi-Enabled Thermostat: $75
Income Qualified Services
Free Product Kit: May include energy-saving items, such as LED lights and a smart power strip
Incentive Amount:
Appliances
Washing Machine: $25 - $50
WiFi Enabled Thermostat: $50 - $100
Room Air Conditioner: $20
Dehumidifier: $20
Pool Pump: $350
Refrigetor/Freezer Recyclilng: $50
Room Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier Recycling: $15
Heating & Cooling
Split System Central AC: $50 - $500
Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250
Ground Source Heat Pump: $200 - $300
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $350
ECM Motor: $50
Thermostat: $10 - $100
Central AC Tune-Up: $50
Windows & Insulation
Roof Insulation: $50 - $200
Wall Insulation: $50 - $125
Crawlspace Insulation: $10 - $50
Rim Joist Insulation: $20 - $50
Window Replacement: $15/window
Patio Door Replacement: $40/door
Lighting
Varies
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Richland, the average amount someone can save is $1,358 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Richland with moderate sunlight, the period could last 12.8 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. A majority of solar contractors in the Richland area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
The most common types of home solar panels in Richland include monocrystalline, thin-film and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about which solar panels they work with.
Solar panels are on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.
