Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Big Lake, Alaska. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly respected, locally-owned Alaskan company with deep expertise in designing and installing robust solar systems capable of handling the unique challenges of the Alaskan climate, including long winters and low sun angles. They are known for their high-quality components and exceptional customer service.
A veteran-owned business specializing in both grid-tied and advanced off-grid systems. They are particularly noted for their expertise in battery backup solutions, ensuring power reliability during grid outages, which is a key concern for Alaskan homeowners.
One of the longest-standing solar providers in the state, offering comprehensive services from consultation and design to maintenance. They have strong manufacturer partnerships and a proven track record with both residential and commercial projects across Southcentral Alaska.
** The home solar market in Big Lake, Alaska, is a specialized and growing sector characterized by high-quality, technically advanced providers. Due to the region's extreme climate, high energy costs, and the desire for energy independence, the competition among a handful of established local companies is strong. These providers are not general contractors but specialized energy firms with deep expertise in designing systems for maximum efficiency during the low-light winter months and the marathon summer days. Typical pricing for a residential system is generally higher than the national average, often ranging from **$3.50 to $5.00 per watt** before incentives. This is due to the logistical costs of operating in Alaska, the need for more robust components (e.g., cold-weather batteries), and complex system designs that often include battery backup. However, with high local electricity rates and excellent federal incentives, the return on investment and energy independence achieved make solar a compelling and reputable investment for Big Lake homeowners. The quality of service is typically very high, as the market demands expertise and reliability.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Big Lake regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Big Lake, Alaska.
Yes, solar is highly effective due to Alaska's long summer days with up to 19 hours of sunlight, which allows systems to generate a significant surplus. Modern, cold-weather optimized panels are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures, and net metering programs with local utilities like Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) allow you to bank summer credits to offset winter usage. Proper system sizing and tilt angle are critical to maximize your seasonal harvest.
Installed costs in Alaska are typically higher than the national average, often ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 per watt due to logistics and specialized cold-climate equipment. However, you benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and a unique state incentive: the Alaska Renewable Energy Fund grant, which can cover a substantial portion of costs. Additionally, Matanuska Electric Association offers a net metering program to credit your excess production.
Prioritize installers with extensive Alaska-specific experience, as they understand crucial local factors like heavy snow load engineering, optimal winter angles, and permitting with the Mat-Su Borough. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Alaska, and ask for references from local projects. A reputable provider will conduct a detailed site assessment considering your roof's condition, tree coverage, and exposure to the southern sky.
Key considerations include engineering for heavy snow loads (common in the Mat-Su Valley), ensuring a roof structure can support the system, and optimizing the panel tilt angle to capture the low-angled sun prevalent in winter. You must also plan for potential wildlife (e.g., moose) interference and ensure the system design accounts for significant seasonal variation in sun exposure and potential ice dam issues on your roof.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a utility outage for safety, unless it is paired with a dedicated battery storage system. For reliable backup power, you must install batteries (like a Tesla Powerwall) that store your summer surplus. Given Big Lake's remote location and occasional outages, this is a common and valuable upgrade, though it increases the overall system investment.