Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Lake Stevens. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, add value to your property, and decrease your carbon footprint. Making the transition to solar energy can help you save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing installers, we assembled a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Lake Stevens. These installers have a reputation for high-quality service.
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Family-operated business
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
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 lower 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 ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. Solar energy contractors in Washington must hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In some situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to test compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job.
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. Be wary of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should outline all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers 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 guarantees demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Lake Stevens 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 will cost $3,590 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in Lake Stevens are 4.4 kilowatts, and the typical Lake Stevens homeowners spends $11,028 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system 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 Lake Stevens, your best time to get solar 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 Lake Stevens amount to $750.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can return the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
Although solar energy is a great option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider 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.
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.
