Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Fairbanks, Alaska. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly regarded, locally-owned and operated company specializing in designing and installing robust, reliable solar energy systems built for Interior Alaska's harsh environment. They are known for their deep expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid battery-backed systems, making them a top choice for remote homes and energy independence.
A dedicated Fair-based company that focuses exclusively on solar and battery storage. They are recognized for their professional design consultations and strong knowledge of local incentives and financing. They work with high-quality equipment partners and emphasize energy efficiency to right-size systems for maximum cost-effectiveness.
As one of Alaska's largest and longest-standing renewable energy companies, RES has the resources and experience to handle large-scale and complex projects throughout the state, including Fairbanks. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance and have extensive partnerships with major manufacturers.
** The home solar market in Fairbanks, Alaska, is a specialized and high-value niche. Due to the extreme climate with very cold winters and low solar insolation for nearly half the year, systems are almost always designed with substantial battery storage to provide power during the dark winter months and increase self-sufficiency. This makes the average installation cost significantly higher than the national average, often ranging from $30,000 to $70,000+ depending on the level of energy independence desired. The competition level is moderate but consists of highly specialized, expert providers. There are no large national chains operating effectively here; the market is dominated by local Alaskan companies that understand the unique engineering and logistical challenges. The typical customer is either seeking to reduce high electricity costs from the local utility (GVEA) or requires a completely off-grid solution for a remote cabin or homestead. Quality is generally very high, as providers must use tier-1, cold-weather-rated components and sophisticated system design to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction. Knowledge of local and federal incentives, such as the USDA REAP Grant for rural areas and the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), is a standard and critical offering from all reputable installers in this market.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Fairbanks regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Solar panels are surprisingly effective in cold, clear winter conditions, and they will generate some power even on short, low-light days. However, due to the extreme lack of sunlight in December and January, your system will produce very little energy during peak winter, making a battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall) and/or a connection to the Fairbanks-area grid (GVEA or MEA) essential for reliable year-round power. Your system will be designed to over-produce significantly in the sunny summer months to build credits that offset your winter usage.
System costs in Fairbanks are typically higher than the national average due to specialized equipment for extreme cold and more complex installation logistics, often ranging from $3.50 to $4.50 per watt before incentives. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the State of Alaska's Renewable Energy Grant (which can cover up to 50% of project costs, though funding is competitive), and net metering programs from local utilities like GVEA, which provide bill credits for excess summer energy sent to the grid.
The ideal installation window is during the warmer months, from late April through September, when roofing work is safer and more efficient. The physical installation typically takes 1-3 days once permits are secured. However, the entire process from consultation to interconnection can take 3-6 months, as it includes site assessment, system design, securing local permits from the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and scheduling the final inspection and utility approval (GVEA or MEA).
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience who are familiar with Fairbanks' unique building codes, extreme climate challenges (like heavy snow loads and permafrost considerations), and the specific interconnection requirements of GVEA or MEA. Look for certified (NABCEP preferred), licensed, and insured professionals, and ask for references from past customers in your area to verify their track record with winter performance and post-installation service.
Snow will naturally slide off most modern, slick panels installed at Fairbanks' recommended steep angle (often 60 degrees or more) to maximize winter sun capture. You should not manually remove snow, as this risks damaging the panels or your roof. A qualified local installer will perform a structural analysis to ensure your roof can handle the combined weight of the mounting system, panels, and the local design snow load (which is very high in Fairbanks) before proceeding.