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3 Best Solar Companies in Othello, WA

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Year after year, more Othello residents turn to rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Going solar allows you to cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why, after properly vetting installers, we compiled a guide to the most dependable solar companies in Othello. These providers have a reputation for high-quality service.

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 Othello

Genesis Smart Homes

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

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Panel installation

Wire-Tech Electric, Inc.

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

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Prompt service delivery

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
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

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

System decommissioning
Skilled repairs
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Consultation
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 reduce 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.

Check Licensing

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

Read Customer Reviews

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

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

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

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs is available through 2032. Many states also have incentives. These credits provide substantial savings for solar customers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra discounts to motivate homeowners to install solar panels. Review the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts with your local provider to calculate your potential savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed over time through leases or loans. Confirm all terms when financing, including fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications.

Cost of Solar Installation in Othello

The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Othello solar array has a capacity of 4.0 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt; the average Othello homeowners spends about $10,057 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar installer will account for factors such as the capacity, panel type, and size of the planned system, and should include prices for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.

Othello 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 Othello, WA

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

With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

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 Othello, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.

Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, their rated capacity, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Othello gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 13.4 years per 5 kW of capacity.

The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Many solar contractors in the Othello area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.

The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Othello. However, if you have a limited budget, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Solar panels are gaining wider adoption for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

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