Best Solar Panel Installation Companies In Washington, DC
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Eternal freedom
Perfect for cash customers
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If you need the help of a nationwide company that installs a wide variety of the most popular solar systems available, include Forever Freedom in your search. Freedom Forever also offers some products that take the hassle and risk out of going solar, such as a manufacturing warranty and a back-up cash purchase option. Online reviews show that customer satisfaction has been low recently, although the company says that is changing.
Comfort9.3/10
Warranty7/10
Service5/10
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Tesla Sun
The cheapest
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Tesla's solar division appears to be Elon Musk's most underrated company. Even the Tesla hatch is becoming increasingly popular.
If price is something you don't want to change, you should consider Tesla. As it turns out, Tesla installs high-quality panels and makes the closest thing to solar panels, which is the nominal name, the Powerwall.
Are you missing customer service? Online discussions show that Tesla's service is a game.
Comfort7.3/10
Warranty6.5/10
Services8/10
Local solar installers in Washington DC
Revolution Solar was founded in 2009 and is headquartered directly in DC. This is a black and white solar installation with more than 1000 solar panel installations.
The company says it has experience installing residential and commercial flat and pitched roofs and promises to complete the job in 30-45 days. The company says it has representatives who can help you in English and Spanish.
Uprise Solar operates in Washington and Maryland, and with a 20-year warranty, they promise to treat your system with the same love and care they treat their own systems. Uprise Solar's website says it has representatives who can help you in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Armenian.
Here's how to decide which solar company is best for you
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are 28 solar installers in D.C. that homeowners can choose from. Some solar companies outsource the installation process while others do the installation process themselves. Therefore, before hiring a company, make sure you are familiar with its installation process.
With so many companies to choose from, it's easy to rush into the decision-making process. Before you make a hasty decision, consider the variables that may affect you in this decision-making process. A company's reputation can be important, but make sure it offers a price, product and warranty that meets your needs.
"If you're thinking about going solar, you should first contact at least four to five installers and get at least a few quotes before committing to one company," says Mishra.
Solar United Neighbors offers free consultation helpers, Mishra said.
Cost of solar panels in Washington
There is no one-time price that you will find when determining the cost of purchasing your solar system. There are several important variables that can cause your purchase price to go in different directions.
For example, you should repair the roof before installing solar panels. The size of your solar system is also a determining factor in the final cost.
We typically use data on national solar panel costs from FindEnergy.com, but specific numbers for D.C. were not available. Instead, we've included information about Maryland and Virginia in the table below to give you an idea of costs in that area.
According to FindEnergy.com, this map shows the average total cost of solar panel systems in various states, cost per watt and system size. Prices shown do not reflect changes in government tax credits or solar credits. If FindEnergy does not have solar data for a particular state, it will be grayed out on the map.
Washington DC Incentives and Rebates for Solar Panels
No matter where you live in the United States, there are government incentives that help make solar more attractive. The biggest incentive is a significant tax credit that covers 30% of the cost of adding clean energy to your home.
"If homeowners don't have a high enough federal tax liability to take advantage, they can use the appropriate amount for that fiscal year and carry the rest over the next 10 years," said DC Program Director Sukrit Mishra. Neighbors united. "You don't have to use it for a year."
DC has its own local incentives that can help you save even more money.
In addition to the tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, there is a property tax exemption for solar panel systems installed in Washington. This means you won't have to pay property taxes on the value your solar system can add to your home.
The District of Columbia has legislation supporting the Solar for All program, which can save you 50% of your energy costs over 15 years, provided the household's income meets the Solar for All program guidelines. Alvin Jones, the department's energy program specialist, said that if no family member has any income, the family must also complete a zero-income affidavit and have it notarized before applying for the Solar for All program. ". Energy and environment. email
Because the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, there is no guarantee that you will be accepted into the program. However, if passed, the cost of the solar system would be fully covered by Columbia's Department of Permanent Energy.
There are also several non-income incentives for D.C. residents to go solar. Solar access laws do not allow homeowners associations to ban solar panels on your property.
Finally, DC Solar's renewable energy certifications and local grid metering initiatives ensure that you are rewarded for all the clean energy your solar panels produce. SRECs are credits earned every time a solar panel system produces 1 megawatt hour of energy. These credits can then be sold on the regulated SREC market as passive income.
In fact, DC SRECs are among the most profitable SRECs in the country. "One SREC is trading at $430-$440 per loan," Mishra said. “Assuming the solar system lasts 25 years and rates remain stable, that would be $40,000 to $50,000 in gross income plus what the homeowners would save on energy costs.
These incentives can help shorten your solar payback period and save you money faster.
Installation factors should be considered
The economics of buying or leasing a solar system aren't the only variable to consider. While the incentives and tax deductions are tempting, there are unique hurdles to overcome before making this decision.
The location and angle of the roof. Before installing solar panels, it's important to know if your roof can provide a system that can meet your energy needs. Not only must your roof be strong enough to support the panels, but the angle determines how much energy your panels produce. The panels can only generate electricity when the sun is shining. So, make sure your roof is at an angle that provides the best energy production.
Insurance: If you decide to install a solar system on your property, it is important that you have the right home insurance to ensure you are fully protected. Many insurance policies already cover solar panels, but you should talk to your insurance company to better understand what is and isn't covered under your current plan.
Climate. While DC sometimes gets a lot of snow during the winter months, it doesn't significantly affect the performance of your solar system. When sunlight hits your solar system, you can produce electricity. Solar panels are also typically installed at an angle that allows snow to drain away and leaves most of the panel surface exposed.
HOA Rules: The District of Columbia has a solar law that prevents homeowners associations from prohibiting the installation of solar panel systems on your property.
Historic keeper. Although residential buildings cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels in Washington, some areas have laws that require the preservation of historic monuments. If you live in one of these areas, you can install solar panels on your home as long as it doesn't go outside. If you live in a historically preserved part of DC, be sure to let your installer know that this is an important factor.
Cost and time. Going solar is an expensive decision, whether you pay up front or finance the installation with a loan. Solar energy savings are achieved in the long run. If you're moving quickly, solar energy probably won't be a profitable investment for you.
How to pay for solar panels in Washington
A solar system is an investment that can save you a lot of money over time, but that doesn't mean it's cost-effective from the start. A solar system is a big purchase, so before you dive headfirst into it, you need to think carefully about how you are going to finance the purchase.
Cash. On paper, paying for a solar system out of pocket is one of the best ways to finance this project. There is no bonding and you benefit from less fading time from the sun. However, installing a solar system is an expensive investment that requires a lot of money. Solar projects typically cost between $10,000 and $30,000. So save some money if you don't plan to use an alternative financing method.
Solar credit. You can get special solar loans to finance the installation of a solar system. The installer you choose may have a relationship with a bank that can offer you a loan for a custom installation. In general, you should shop around for solar loans at different financial institutions to ensure you get the best deal possible.
HELOC/Home Loan. A home equity loan or home equity line of credit is a financing option for a solar installation. But be aware that not paying these costs on time can result in your home being foreclosed on. .
Personal loan. You can finance a solar system with an unsecured personal loan by contacting the financial institution of your choice. Unsecured personal loans have cheaper interest rates because they are basically unsecured loans.
Rent the sun. can be rented from a solar installation company for a fixed monthly fee. This option may make more sense for homeowners who have no reason to claim tax relief, such as retirees with little or no taxable income.
Electricity purchase agreement. Through power purchase agreements, similar to leasing agreements, the solar company installs the panels on your roof and retains ownership of them. Instead of buying panels or making monthly payments like rent, you pay the company per kilowatt hour for the energy produced by the panels you use. Power purchase agreements have many advantages and disadvantages. Please consider them carefully before completing this installation option.
How we found the best solar companies
The companies we've listed above as "Best" were selected from CNET's list of the best solar companies. Companies on the leaderboard are ranked based on the equipment they offer, warranty and customer service. We will then verify that these guidelines are available in your state. You can read a detailed description of how we rate solar companies here.
The companies listed under Local Plumbing are less rigorously selected. We chose them because they offered something unique or noteworthy to customers in the state, were well-regarded by online reviewers, or were one of the few plumbers we could find in the state.
Regardless of whether we have done a full evaluation of the company or not, it is always a good idea to get several quotes from different installers before choosing a company.
Washington DC Solar FAQ
What are the benefits of solar panels?
The advantages and disadvantages of solar panels vary depending on the purpose. Overall, solar panels produce clean energy and can save you more money after your solar bills are gone.
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?
The solar payback period for a particular system depends on the size and cost of the solar system you install, the payment method you choose, your consumption habits, and a number of other factors.
Does Washington offer a solar tax credit?
Tyler Graham is CNET's Home Energy and Solar Editor. A Jersey boy, he stayed to study in his home state and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Seton Hall University. When Tyler isn't busy asking questions or looking for his next mission, he's probably relaxing with an action movie or a new video game.
