Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Maple Valley, Washington, you'll need to find a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Maple Valley to help you find the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Maple Valley or opt for a leading national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy enables Maple Valley homeowners to save an average of $750 every year.
Different solar companies offer different products. Be sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Seek out Maple Valley solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review platforms. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with increased rain or cloud coverage like Maple Valley, can still take advantage of solar energy. Here are the best reasons for adopting solar power:
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, roof orientation, sunlight availability, labor costs, shading and system size. Opting for extras such as batteries, animal guards or solar trackers will raise the overall cost.
In Maple Valley, solar panel installation costs around $10,925, based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
In Maple Valley, you can plan to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Several solar incentives are available to Maple Valley homeowners. Certain programs are open to all Washington residents, whereas others vary by utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Washington residents, as listed by DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Payment | FY 2021: $0.02/kWh - $0.10/kWh |
Sales Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption | 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 |
Green Building Incentive Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard for Affordable Housing | See Website |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, reflect on these important questions.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Required permits and local or state regulations could impact your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Trees, rain conditions and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Numerous solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is especially useful when you want to prevent power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage might affect the overall expense.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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