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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for University Place residents. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar installers and compiled a guide to the best solar companies in University Place. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Our Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Fair employee wages
Services Offered
Our Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could reduce your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Solar energy contractors in Washington are required 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 viability and integrity of a contractor's job.
Check consumer review platforms like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation problems such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping 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 University Place varies depending on several factors, including your system's expected capacity and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $3,590 per kilowatt, not including labor, permit fees, or preliminary work. Most solar systems in University Place are 4.3 kilowatts, and the typical University Place homeowners spends $10,754 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
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 PV, 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.
Absolutely. The grid in University Place already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In University Place, the average amount someone can save is $750 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like University Place with moderate sunlight, the period could last 14.3 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the University Place area offer multipoint 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. In most cases, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in University Place. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you could thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels a company offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Solar panels are becoming more popular 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.