Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Anchorage, Alaska. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, locally-owned and operated solar installer in Alaska, specializing in designing systems that perform optimally in the Arctic environment. They are known for their high-quality components, expert design, and deep understanding of Alaska's solar potential and incentives.
A reputable provider focused on residential and commercial solar installations across Southcentral Alaska. They emphasize custom system design, robust engineering for harsh weather, and comprehensive service from consultation to maintenance.
While headquartered in Wasilla, RES is a cornerstone of the renewable energy industry in Alaska and actively serves the Anchorage market. They have extensive experience with a wide range of systems, including complex off-grid and battery-backup solutions, and have been operating since the early 2000s.
The home solar market in Anchorage is a specialized and growing sector characterized by high-quality, robust installations. Due to the challenging environment with heavy snow loads, high winds, and extreme temperature swings, the bar for installation quality and component durability is very high. This results in fewer, but generally more expert, contractors compared to sunnier states. **Competition** is moderate, with a handful of established local specialists dominating the market. These companies have proven their ability to design systems that effectively capture the abundant summer sun and remain functional during the dark winter months, often integrated with battery storage and existing heating systems. **Typical pricing** for a residential system is generally higher than the national average, primarily due to the increased costs for specialized equipment rated for extreme cold, more robust mounting systems, and the frequent inclusion of battery storage. However, this is offset by excellent state-specific incentives, including the Alaska Renewable Energy Fund grants, and the significant reduction in energy costs from volatile fossil fuel prices. The long summer days also contribute to a surprisingly high annual energy production, making solar a financially viable and increasingly popular choice for energy-conscious homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Anchorage regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Anchorage, Alaska.
Yes, solar is highly effective in Anchorage due to our long summer days with up to 19 hours of sunlight, which generates a significant surplus of energy. Modern, cold-weather optimized panels actually produce power more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and net metering with Chugach Electric Association (CEA) or Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) allows you to bank summer credits to offset winter usage. The key is proper system sizing and tilt angle to maximize capture during the lower-angle sun of spring, fall, and winter.
Installed costs in Anchorage are typically higher than the national average, ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 per watt due to logistics and specialized installation for snow loads, but this is offset by strong incentives. These include a 30% federal tax credit, a $1.50 per watt state rebate (up to $7,500), and a property tax exemption. With these incentives, the average system payback period is often 8-12 years, and you are protected from future utility rate increases.
Snow management is a key design consideration. Installers will mount panels at a steep angle (often 45-60 degrees) to encourage snow to slide off, which happens more readily on the smooth glass surface. You should never need to manually clear them; the dark panels absorb heat even on cold, sunny days, melting the bottom layer of snow so it slides off. Systems are designed to start producing power even with partial exposure, and the annual production loss from snow is typically only 5-10%.
Choose an installer with extensive local experience who is familiar with Anchorage's unique building codes, extreme weather, and interconnection processes with CEA or MEA. They should be a licensed electrical contractor in Alaska and provide a robust production guarantee that accounts for our seasonal variance. Ask for references from local projects and ensure they conduct a detailed site analysis, considering roof orientation, potential shading from trees, and structural integrity for heavy snow loads.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety, unless it is paired with a dedicated battery storage system. For backup power, you must install batteries (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) that can store your summer surplus. This is a critical consideration for Anchorage homeowners, as it provides resilience during winter storms. Your installer can design a system with essential circuits backed up to keep your lights, furnace, and refrigerator running.