Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Craig, Alaska. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
As the local utility provider for Craig and much of Southeast Alaska, AP&T has an intrinsic and expert understanding of the local grid and energy challenges. Their Renewable Energy Division leverages this expertise to offer top-tier residential solar design, installation, and maintenance. They are exceptionally knowledgeable about integrating solar with the local infrastructure and navigating the unique climatic conditions.
A highly-rated, specialist solar installer based in Juneau that frequently serves Southeast Alaska island communities, including Craig. They are known for their comprehensive service from consultation and design to installation and maintenance. They have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers and are experts in securing state and federal incentives for homeowners.
Based in Ketchikan, Southeast Solar is another key provider for the region with a focus on robust, weather-resistant systems suitable for the Southeast Alaska rainforest environment. They offer both grid-tied and critical off-grid solutions, emphasizing reliability and battery backup for the frequent weather-related power fluctuations common in the area.
** The home solar market in Craig, Alaska, is specialized and driven by necessity rather than pure cost savings. As a remote island community with high electricity costs and an unstable connection to the wider grid, solar-plus-battery storage is a critical solution for energy independence and reliability. The market is not highly saturated with local competition, but is served by a few key regional experts. **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, as installers must design for extreme weather, including heavy snow loads, high winds, and limited winter sunlight. Systems are typically over-engineered for durability. **Competition Level:** Low to moderate. There are no national chains; the market is served by the local utility's dedicated division and a handful of reputable, regional specialists from Juneau and Ketchikan who travel to service Craig. This means competition is based on expertise and local knowledge rather than price. **Typical Pricing:** Costs are significantly higher than the national average due to the remoteness of the location, which incurs substantial shipping costs for equipment and travel costs for installers. A typical residential system (5-8 kW) with essential battery storage can range from $35,000 to $60,000+ before incentives. However, the combination of the high local cost of electricity and excellent federal and state incentives (like the USDA REAP grant) improves the return on investment for 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 Craig regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Craig, Alaska.
While Craig receives fewer annual sunlight hours than the continental U.S., modern solar panels are effective in diffuse light and perform well in cooler temperatures. The key is proper system sizing to maximize summer production, when you can generate surplus power to bank credits with Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) under net metering, offsetting lower winter generation. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to aid shedding, and the reflective quality of snow can sometimes boost production on clear days.
Installed costs in Craig typically range from $3.00 to $4.50 per watt, making a standard 6kW system roughly $18,000 to $27,000 before incentives. Critically, Alaska offers a state-specific incentive: a $1.50 per watt rebate (up to $10,500) through the Alaska Energy Authority's Renewable Energy Fund, which significantly reduces upfront cost. There is no local sales tax on renewable energy systems in Craig, and the federal tax credit (30% of cost after state rebate) also applies.
The ideal installation window is late spring through early fall (May to September) to avoid the most challenging winter weather, which can delay site work and travel for installers. The entire process—from initial consultation and design to permitting with the City of Craig and AEL&P, installation, and final inspection—typically takes 3 to 5 months. Starting in spring allows your system to be operational for the peak summer sun.
Prioritize providers with proven experience in Southeast Alaska's unique environment, including familiarity with local building codes, AEL&P's interconnection requirements, and designing for high wind and snow loads. Look for licensed, bonded, and insured Alaska contractors who offer robust warranties and can provide local references. Given Craig's remote location, inquire directly about their service and maintenance plans for the long term.
It is impractical to be 100% solar-powered in Craig during deep winter due to minimal daylight. Most homeowners install a grid-tied system with net metering, using the utility grid as a "battery" by exporting summer surplus to cover winter usage. For backup during outages, you would need a dedicated battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall) or a generator, as standard grid-tied systems shut off for safety when the grid is down unless specifically configured with islanding capability.