Best 10 Solar Companies in Kent, WA

With Kent's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $860 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Kent's best solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated a multitude of Kent solar providers, using the following criteria to select the top-notch:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Kent solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Kent community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Kent Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Kent

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Consider each of these factors in your company search.

Licensing and Training

Solar companies 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 verify compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Kent

Your solar panels' model will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Most Kent homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,950 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Kent

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Kent.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy