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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 Renton. 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 Renton, Washington requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the best solar companies in Renton to help you hire the perfect installer.
Before settling on an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Renton or pick an established national brand.
Even though solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can lower your energy expenses in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables Renton homeowners to save a yearly average of around $750.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
When looking into Renton solar companies, find those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad 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 cloudier places such as Renton, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Drawing from data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Renton generally runs about $10,925.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see major savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
After fully switching to solar power, Renton homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Several solar incentives are available to Renton homeowners. Various programs are open to all Washington residents, though others differ by municipality, city and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives to 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. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't expansive enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state codes could impact your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Not all residences get the same levels of sunlight. The tree density, rain levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
For extra power storage, many panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature becomes critical during storms and helps to mitigate power loss. However, adding battery storage may lead to increased overall installation expenses.
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These elements influence cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used 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.
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
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While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
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Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
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Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
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