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10 best solar companies in Auburn, Washington
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Auburn. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Auburn, Washington requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've compiled a list of top solar companies in Auburn to help you choose the right installer.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to identify the best company for you. You can choose a local Auburn solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Auburn homeowners to save $750 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Auburn
Focus on Auburn solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Read through reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for frequent bad reviews.
Artisan Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
- Fair employee wages
Omnidian
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
A&R Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sun's Eye Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SolTerra
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
Sun Path Electric
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Puget Sound Solar LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
Sunergy Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Brimma Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
West Seattle Electric and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Northwest Electric and Solar
Sunset Air
Galaxy Electric & Solar LLC
Capstone Wireless Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Auburn?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Auburn, can still benefit from solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy lets you lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels replaces electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to supply your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Auburn
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Auburn has a typical cost of $10,839.
How much can you save by going solar in Auburn?
While solar panel installation might be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Auburn from going solar
In Auburn, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Auburn's average payback period for solar is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Auburn: Auburn homeowners can expect to save around $750 per year on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $10,705 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Auburn from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 12 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 300 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Auburn?
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Auburn. Certain programs are applicable to all Washington residents, while others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Auburn solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by 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 big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage might affect the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
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.
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