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 is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Auburn homes. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a qualified solar installer. That’s why, after properly vetting installers, we put together a guide to the most dependable solar companies in Auburn. These providers offer dependable quality service.
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Fair employee wages
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Solar energy contractors in Washington are required to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In specific situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to confirm compliance and the viability and integrity of a contractor's job.
Check consumer review platforms like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with installers that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your energy expenses over time. Be sure to weigh these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Auburn varies depending on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system could range from $3,590 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Auburn are 4.3 kilowatts, and the typical Auburn homeowners spends $10,839 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Auburn, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Auburn with moderate sunlight, the period could last 14.5 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
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.
