More than ever, Alaskans rely on clean and renewable energy sources, and as the cost of solar panels falls quickly, so does the entrance barrier. However, given that Alaska is the state in the U.S. with the northernmost points and some of the most extreme seasonal swings in sunshine hours, residents will want to be sure they will see a net positive return before investing in renewable energy sources, especially solar panels.
Alaska’s one and only statewide incentive, which went into effect in 2022, treats all green energy sources equally, encouraging citizens to invest in clean energy even if sunshine is not consistent throughout the year. To learn more about solar energy in Alaska and the main solar companies in Alaska, keep on reading.
google.comArctic Solar Ventures won the first position in the list of the top solar companies in Alaska. Locally owned and operated company, it can ensure that your needs are met in no time. It has helped countless solar customers in Alaska go green. Its service, response times, and communication are great! As one of Anchorage’s most established solar companies in Alaska, Arctic Solar Ventures offers the stellar customer service every customer expects.
Arctic Solar Ventures only provides specific solar services. You can go for solar panels or a solar battery installation if you want to. The company only offers one brand (LG) of solar panels, but this brand is highly rated and has good energy production to make up for the dark months of winter.
Its “bumper to bumper” warranty is one-of-a-kind and guarantees solar panels for 30 years, no matter what. It not only offers solar loans to make solar energy more accessible, but it’ll help you take advantage of solar incentives and rebates so that you can get even more savings. This includes the federal tax credit!
Another local company and a winner in our classification among solar companies in Alaska is Alaska Solar. Based on customer reviews, most Alaskan homeowners are happy with the customer service from Alaska Solar before and after the installation of solar panels.
Alaska Solar has a small selection of services. They do include the installation of solar batteries and solar panels in addition to their standard installations, which many other Alaska solar companies don’t offer. Unfortunately, Alaska Solar only accepts cash purchases for services. You won’t be able to sign up for a solar lease or PPA, but you can use a third-party lender to secure a solar loan.
This installer only provides warranties on the manufacturer’s equipment.
Renewable Energy Systems of Alaska is the best choice for an Anchorage solar installation service. With their wide coverage and quality, you can be assured that a solar power system is ready for you no matter where you are in Alaska. Renewable Energy Systems is committed to excellence, and the service they provide exemplifies this. They have a reputation for excellent customer service that’s second to none in Alaska.
If you’re looking to install solar panels, you have the choice of affordable Canadian Solar and Trina. These two options can create a decent amount of solar energy for winter savings.
Renewable Energy Systems only accepts cash purchases and solar financing. Customers looking for lease agreements or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) will have to look for different solar companies in Alaska.
This company offers an impressive warranty where you are guaranteed coverage for the product’s life of up to 50 years and solar energy production for 30 years.
For decades, ABS Alaskan has not only focused on installing solar panels and battery systems but also on providing residential or commercial solar products. While installing your own system is less convenient, it allows you to customize it the way you want, saving you money.
At ABS, they offer three types of solar panels. Canadian Solar is one of our most popular options, and it also sells a variety of low-temperature battery systems and other renewable energy solutions.
ABS Alaskan has two retail locations, one in Fairbanks and one in Anchorage. It only accepts cash for payment, so it’s worth noting that you won’t be able to use a credit card.
Our last but not least choice of solar companies in Alaska is Susitna Energy Systems. It provides products and services related to solar energy, but they don’t provide installation or design services. It might seem like a pain to have to install and set everything up yourself, but by buying your solar panels and batteries from Susitna Energy Systems, you get low prices and comfort.
As a vendor, Susitna only provides manufacturer’s warranties on the equipment it sells. It doesn’t take any type of financing or leasing options, so you’ll have to cover the cost in full.
This brand has one storefront in the Anchorage area, limiting availability for the local customer.
Susitna offers a variety of renewable energy solutions for Alaskans, including fully off-the-grid solar panels and wind power equipment. This allows you to offset your electricity bills and keep the cost down, ensuring that your setup is able to generate enough solar power all year round.
Criteria for Selecting the Top Solar Company in Alaska
Our team assessed the top providers based on over 20 criteria to find the best solar companies in Alaska. We’ll share some of the most important factors below, and you can see our entire selection process on our methodology page.
Warranty
Solar power systems can be expensive, and it’s especially hard for Alaskans who need high-efficiency equipment to maximize production in the summer, spring, and fall. Warranties guarantee that your solar panels and other equipment will stand up to Alaska’s harsh conditions, making your investment worth it.
Solar warranties typically cover either physical equipment or the labor involved in setting up your system.
For most Alaskan residents, a guarantee for solar energy production is the most important type of coverage. It receives intense sunlight for most of the year but none during winter. For homeowners in Alaska who are looking for a solar power system that will maintain energy production, high-efficiency solar panels tend to have the longest lifespan. They work well in the sunnier months when there’s enough sunlight to offset the low-light winters.
Year Founded
Solar energy isn’t new to Alaska, but recent improvements in technology have made it more viable for this area. As a result, more and more Alaskans are buying solar panels and installing them themselves. Unfortunately, new companies can mean added delays in installation and hiccups along the way, which could lead to poor customer service and a void warranty if they go out of business.
When evaluating companies, we consider a business’s longevity and success. Most solar companies in Alaska are still new, but those that have appeared more recently aren’t ranked as high.
Services Offered
Across Alaska, the solar industry varies greatly – some might offer full installation of solar panels while another only sells equipment. Companies with a wider range of services always rank higher in our ratings because they’re more likely to be able to cater to more customers.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Based on the equipment they offer, some companies rank higher than others. Some companies specialize in one brand, while others offer a few options. For example, Arctic Solar Ventures only provides solar products and ranks high because of it.
Some homeowners choose solar companies in Alaska based on the equipment they offer. Not only does this help them save money on solar panels, but it ensures that their home is powered at all hours of the day and night. If you want to maximize your energy production and reduce costs, you should start looking for the most efficient solar panels you can get. You also need to make sure they are also cost-effective if you want them to work in winter darkness.
Industry Affiliations
The solar industry has a number of organizations that carry out initiatives to promote the use of solar power, make it reliable and affordable, and spread it around the country. By establishing an affiliation with one of these organizations, your business will bring attention to itself and not only to its revenue. Developing a lasting connection to the industry as well will allow you to market yourself in an authentic way.
We reach out to a number of associations. They include the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), and the Renewable Energy Alaska Project (REAP).
Size of Company
Choosing the right solar companies in Alaska can enormously impact your service. Generally speaking, smaller companies provide better customer service. However—since no solar companies serve Alaska—the installer you choose will certainly be exemplary. Larger solar companies — like Arctic Solar Ventures — might have better customer service, but smaller vendors are easier to work with and might be a better fit for your business.
Larger Alaskan companies generally cover a wider range of services and have more employees on hand for quick consultation and installation. Companies that serve just a single area tend to have better relationships with local power companies and can sometimes help them expedite connections.
Solar Pricing and Financing
We also consider the cost of solar panels and the different financing options available. While all solar companies in Alaska may offer a different price point and methodology, we assess them on the value they provide for their cost. In Alaska, for example, there are companies that only sell equipment rather than install it.
A solar installer offers financing options that can make their services easier to obtain by homeowners. Some contractors only accept cash payments for equipment and installation, while others offer many financing programs. Some of them even offer fixed rates or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which are not recommended in most cases but still make renewable energy more accessible.
