Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Bellingham. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, decrease your carbon footprint, and add value to your property. Adopting solar energy can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and assembled a guide to the most dependable solar installation companies in Bellingham. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
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 crucial factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Solar installers in Washington must hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In certain situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to confirm compliance and the viability and integrity of a contractor's job.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar companies. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar company that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.
Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar power can help reduce your electricity costs in the long run. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
The cost of home solar panels in Bellingham 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 complete solar energy system costs $3,590 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, labor, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Bellingham are 4.4 kilowatts, and the typical Bellingham homeowners spends $11,157 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Bellingham, 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, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly 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 Bellingham, the average amount someone can save is $750 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Many solar contractors in the Bellingham area offer multipoint maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for 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 let your insurer know 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.
