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4 Best Solar Companies in Kennewick, WA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and compiled a guide to the best solar companies in Kennewick. These reputable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.

Our Recommended Providers

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

Top 4 Best Solar Companies in Kennewick

Genesis Smart Homes

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

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

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

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs

Umatilla Electric Cooperative

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

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation

Benton Rural Electric Association

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402 7th St, Prosser, WA 99350 (509) 786-2913 bentonrea.org

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
System decommissioning
Consultation
Cleaning and maintenance
Skilled repairs
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

Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is reliable.

Check Licensing

It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Solar energy companies 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 test compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help decrease your electricity costs over time. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time through a lease or loan. Confirm all terms when financing, such as fees, annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, and ownership implications.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for the full solar system cost is available through 2032. Many states provide incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Some energy providers may provide additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the qualification rules and rebate amounts offered by your local electric provider to estimate your potential savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Kennewick

The average Kennewick homeowner will spend around $9,712 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Kennewick cost approximately $3,590 per kilowatt, with an average size of 3.9 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 panel type, capacity, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Kennewick 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 Kennewick, WA

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.

With home solar panels, 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 what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Kennewick, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.

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 Kennewick amount to $750.

Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Kennewick gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 13.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.

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 Kennewick area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.

While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

Yes, solar panels will still be able to generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to 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.

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