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10 Best Solar Companies in University Place, WA

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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.

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Top 10 Best Solar Companies in University Place

GRIT CITY SOLAR CO

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2040 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98403 (253) 449-3012 solar-tacoma.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
System decommissioning
Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation
Panel installation
Battery storage
Off-grid solar systems

Sun's Eye Solar

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5249 S Puget Sound Ave Unit B, Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 314-6555 sunseyesolar.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system
Off-grid solar systems

CapStone Solar

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2641 Willamette Dr NE, Lacey, WA 98516 (800) 583-3620 capstonesolar.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation
Permit assistance

Elevation Home Services

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716 S Hill Park Dr Suite B-103, Puyallup, WA 98373 (800) 878-9935 ehouserepair.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation

Sunset Air

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5210 Lacey Blvd SE, Lacey, WA 98503 (360) 456-4956 residential.sunsetair.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Skilled repairs

South Sound Solar, Inc.

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4511 Lemon Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506 (360) 352-7869 southsoundsolar.com

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Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Financing assistance

Sun Path Electric

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309 S Cloverdale St Building C, unit 26, Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 792-7234 sunpathelectric.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Consultation
Financing assistance
Permit assistance
Battery storage
Panel installation
Grid-tied solar system

Artisan Electric

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969 S Nebraska St suite a, Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 557-4215 artisanelectricinc.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Fair employee wages

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Community solar projects
Permit assistance
Panel installation
Consultation
Battery storage
Tesla powerwall
Solar panel upgrades

West Seattle Electric and Solar

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6921 34th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126 (206) 459-8442 westseattlenaturalenergy.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Skilled repairs

A&R Solar

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3211 Martin Luther King Jr Way S Suite B, Seattle, WA 98144 (206) 707-9937 a-rsolar.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Tesla powerwall
Permit assistance
Battery storage
Panel installation
Financing assistance
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

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.

Check Licensing

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.

Read Customer Reviews

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.

Compare Multiple Quotes

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.

Ask About the Warranty

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.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

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.

  • Look into utility rebates: Some energy providers may provide additional rebates to incentivize homeowners to install solar panels. Check the qualification rules and rebate amounts offered by your local power company to estimate the possible savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or paid for over time through a lease or loan. Review all terms when financing, including payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and ownership implications.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for solar the applies to the full system cost is available through 2032. Many states also offer incentives. These credits provide substantial savings for solar customers.

Cost of Solar Installation in University Place

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.

University Place 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 University Place, 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 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.

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