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3 Best Solar Companies in College Place, WA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in College Place. A new solar energy system can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Adopting solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation providers in College Place.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in College Place

Genesis Smart Homes

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1030 N Center Pkwy, Kennewick, WA 99336 (509) 572-2332 genesis.sh

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation

Wire-Tech Electric, Inc.

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195 E Reata Rd, Kennewick, WA 99338 (509) 221-1566 wire-techelectric.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Panel installation

Umatilla Electric Cooperative

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750 W Elm Ave, Hermiston, OR 97838 (541) 567-6414 umatillaelectric.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Solar energy companies in Washington need to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In certain situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to test compliance and the viability and integrity of a contractor's job.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar company that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Going solar can help decrease your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also offer incentives. The credits can add up to significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased upfront or financed through loans or leases. Check important financing details such as fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local electric providers may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the requirements to qualify and the rebate values with your local utility provider to determine what your savings could be.

Cost of Solar Installation in College Place

In College Place, solar panels cost an average of $3,590 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 4.1 kilowatts. The typical College Place homeowner spends $10,203 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information reflecting your desired system's panel type, capacity, size, and required preliminary work. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

College Place Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff

Website: energy.wsu.edu

Incentive Amount:

FY 2021: $0.02/kWh - $0.10/kWh

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Website: dor.wa.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption for sales of forest derived biomass used as fuel;
100% exemption for solar photovoltaic systems 10 kilowatts or less, and solar thermal systems;
75% exemption for other qualified systems

Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive

Website: commerce.wa.gov

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in College Place, WA

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.

With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in College Place, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.

Absolutely. College Place uses a balanced mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will save you money and lower your home's individual emissions, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.

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 College Place amount to $750.

When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

Solar panels can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have inexpensive upkeep and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.

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