Top 7 Reasons To Add Solar Panels in Seattle in 2024

Whether your motivations for going solar are economic, environmental, or personal; this growing list of solar energy benefits will have something attractive for everyone. The top seven reasons below highlight why solar energy is more popular than ever and great for your home!

Congress Extends 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit

Good news for going solar in 2021- an extension of renewable energy tax credits has been included as part of the Federal Stimulus Package recently passed by Congress. If you’re considering going solar, this Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is one of the most important incentives to understand.

Originally scheduled to step down to 22% at the end of 2020, the ITC has been extended at 26% for another 2 years.  For 2021 and 2022 you can receive a federal tax credit of 26%, and 22% in 2023 (expiring Jan 1, 2024).  A tax credit reduces, dollar for dollar, any income tax you might owe in a fiscal year.  If you don’t pay enough to recover it all in one year, it carries over into the next year – there’s no cap on the amount that you can claim. Even better - this applies to residential and commercial solar installations.  

Click to learn more about Washington State solar incentives and programs for 2021. To learn about zero-down solar and energy efficiency loans, go to Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union.

Meet Abby: Seattle Solar Client Turned Solar Sales Consultant

We had a lovely virtual Q&A with Abby Suplizio, a West Seattle resident and Sun Path Seattle solar client turned Solar Sales Consultant. Abby, a longtime environmental advocate, was also the West Seattle chapter lead for CoolMom, a local mom-focused climate non-profit, when her kids were young. While CoolMom is no longer active, Abby is thrilled to continue her environmental advocacy work through solar and energy efficiency education.

Sustainable Solar Loans with Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union

Sun Path Electric is pleased to announce that through our partnership with Washington’s green credit union Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union, we are able to offer low-cost solar financing with 0% interest and no payments for 90 days.

With a SustainableSolar loan and a Sun Path solar installation, you can reduce your carbon footprint and reduce your utility bills year round. By participating in this program, you can get help with your solar financing needs as well as any other energy efficiency projects, with loans up to $70,000*.

PSCCU’s solar program has helped over 7100 homeowners become solar citizens, created living wage jobs and generated 17000 Megawatts of electricity over their project’s lifetimes- in addition to sequestering the same amount of carbon as 13843 acres of forest per year!

So what can you expect from a Sustainable Solar Loan with PSCCU?

•  90 days with 0% interest and no payments*
•  Fixed rates ranging from 3% - 9.84% APR** for the life of the loan
•  No down payment required
•  Terms up to 20 years**
•  Fast approval times (same or next business day)
•  Easy online application & signing process
•  Loan can include EV charging station and Battery Back-up
•  You can also include Energy Efficiency measures, such as a heat pump
•  Up to 25% of the loan can go towards roof repair/replacement
•  No prepayment penalties
•  Principal payments can be made at any time – as often as you want
•  Loan can be re-amortized once during the life of the loan at no cost to you

Sun Path is Open For Business

We are ready to serve the Seattle Area

On March 22nd, Sun Path Electric decided for the safety of our employees, clients and community in general, to shut our operations. Although solar was considered essential, we felt it best to do our part to "flatten the curve" and lower the number of infected people in Washington state. Honestly, as important as grid-tied solar is, we did not see it as essential.

After two months sheltering in place, we are slowly re-opening and will be following all CDC guidelines on all job sites. The safety of our staff and clients is always our number one concern. All employees will be practicing social distancing both on and off the job site. We are returning to work slowing and with great care.

Here are a few details:

PPE

- Gloves: Crew members will wear gloves at all times while on site.

- Eye Protection: Crew members will wear eye protection at all times while on site.

- Face Masks: Crew members will weak face masks at all times while on site.

- Handwashing: All staff will follow CDC guidelines for handwashing and will have handwashing ability (outside of your home) on site.

- Cleaning and disinfecting work stations: All workstations will be cleaned and disinfected at the start and end of each day.

Solar Systems

Solar system installations mainly happen outside on your roof and mounting equipment on the side of the home. Our electricians will need to enter your home to access your electric panel, which is usually located in the garage or electric room. When entering home, all staff will adhere to CDC guidelines.

Remote Site Surveys

Our sales and design team specialists will provide remote preliminary consultation and solar quotes. This includes an overview phone meeting, emailed educational materials on going solar in Washington,  a solar system designed through advanced mapping technology and information provided from our customers. After the initial consultation, upon customer approval, and in-person meeting and site evaluation is scheduled to make sure the home and roof are as indicated on satellite imagery. Our solar consultant will wear PPE and follow social distancing suggested by the CDC.

As Always, We Are Here For You!

Now, more than ever, small, socially-minded businesses, such as Sun Path Electric, need community support. Over the last two years, we have installed hundreds of solar systems, donated thousands of dollars to local climate groups, and provided hundreds of hours of community education on solar and climate change. Our consistent 5 star reviews, across all platforms, speak for themselves. We are here for you in good times and in less-than-good times. We continue to move solar and climate education forward with love, honesty and quality workmanship.

Is Your Roof a Good Match for Solar?

With solar installation becoming an affordable option for many, it comes as no surprise that it’s considered the fastest growing energy source in the world. In the last decade, solar energy has seen an average annual growth rate of 54%. As homeowners begin the process of solar shopping, one of the first questions asked should be: “How suited is my roof for solar panel installation?” The good new is, solar panels are designed to be compatible with most types of roofing.