Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Nome, Alaska. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Alaska-based solar installer specializing in both residential and commercial projects, with a strong focus on designing systems capable of withstanding extreme arctic conditions. They have extensive experience with off-grid and battery-backed systems, which are highly relevant for remote and resilient power in Nome.
One of Alaska's oldest and most experienced solar companies. They offer full-service design, installation, and maintenance. They are well-versed in the logistics of shipping and installing systems in remote locations and are knowledgeable about Alaska-specific incentives and financing.
While not a traditional "residential installer" in the lower-48 sense, RES is a critical player in Alaska's renewable energy landscape. They often work on larger community-scale and high-end residential projects. For a complex, high-latitude installation in Nome, they are a top-tier technical consultant and installer. Homeowners would engage them for a custom, high-performance system.
** The home solar market in Nome, Alaska, is highly specialized and faces unique challenges, including extreme weather, permafrost, limited shipping windows, and the high cost of logistics. There is no local competition within the city itself; the market is served by a handful of reputable, statewide contractors based primarily in Anchorage. The average quality of these providers is very high, as they must be experts in arctic-grade equipment and robust, off-grid-capable system design. Competition for projects in Western Alaska is moderate among the top-tier companies. Typical pricing is significantly higher than the national average due to freight costs, the "Alaska premium" on goods, and the complex nature of installations. However, the economic incentive is strong given Nome's high electricity costs (largely diesel-generated). Systems are almost always designed with battery storage for resilience, and financing often leverages state and federal incentives like the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants. Homeowners should expect a consultative, custom-design process rather than a standardized package.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Nome regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Nome, Alaska.
Solar panels are surprisingly effective in Nome due to the long summer days with up to 24 hours of sunlight, which can generate a significant surplus of energy. While winter production is low, modern systems are designed to withstand heavy snow loads and high winds common in the region. To ensure year-round power, a properly sized battery storage system is absolutely critical to store summer energy for use during the dark winter months.
Installed costs in Nome are typically higher than the national average due to logistics, specialized cold-weather equipment, and the necessity for robust battery storage. However, significant incentives help offset this: you are eligible for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and the State of Alaska's Renewable Energy Fund (REF) grants, which can cover a substantial portion of project costs. Additionally, check with the Alaska Energy Authority and local utilities like Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) for specific programs.
The ideal installation window is during the late spring, summer, or early fall (roughly May through September). This avoids the most severe winter weather, which can halt construction and make site access difficult. Scheduling installation during this period also allows the system to come online just in time to capture the peak summer sun, immediately beginning to charge your batteries for the coming winter.
Prioritize installers with proven experience in Arctic and sub-Arctic conditions, as they understand the unique challenges of permafrost, extreme cold, and wind. They should be familiar with the specific interconnection requirements of your local utility (e.g., AVEC or Nome Joint Utility System) and the Alaska Electrical Code. Look for certifications from the Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) and insist on seeing examples of past local installations.
While technically possible, designing a fully off-grid system for a Nome winter is extremely challenging and expensive due to the prolonged period of minimal sunlight. A more practical and reliable approach is a grid-tied system with battery backup. This allows you to use the utility grid as a backup during the darkest weeks, while still achieving massive energy independence and savings for most of the year. Always coordinate any installation with your local utility.