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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 Bainbridge Island. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Bainbridge Island, Washington, you'll need to hire a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Bainbridge Island to help you choose the right one.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Bainbridge Island or decide on an established national brand.
Although solar panels need a large initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables Bainbridge Island homeowners to save a yearly average of about $750.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Ahead of scheduling your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Search for Bainbridge Island solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Bainbridge Island, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Key reasons to consider solar are:
Based on a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
According to numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Bainbridge Island has an average cost of $11,397.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
In Bainbridge Island, you can anticipate saving money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Bainbridge Island homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are available statewide to all Washington residents, while others depend on utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible solar incentives for Washington homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
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. |
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't large enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state laws could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The extra battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
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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