Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A new solar energy system could give you 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 select a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Olympia. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Fair employee wages
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Solar installers in Washington need 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.
Check Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar installers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you evaluate a provider's reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.
Switching to solar power can help lower your energy expenses over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Olympia 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 permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Olympia are 4.5 kilowatts, and the typical Olympia homeowners spends $11,424 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. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. With the winter months in Washington being very mild, you have a wide time window to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, 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.
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. A majority of solar contractors in the Olympia area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Olympia. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
