11 Best Solar Companies in Washington, DC (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Washington based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Washington, DC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Washington homeowner saves $1,039/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Washington
Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your roof is an important decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Washington. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Washington, giving homeowners access to some of the top solar installers in the country.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the best options in your area. Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a highly rated solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Washington
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
SmartRoof - Roofing and Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Ipsun Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
NDL Renewables
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Urban Ingenuity
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Uprise Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Revolution Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
BAITCO LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Distributed Sun
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Solar Energy Industry Association
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Washington
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Washington based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Washington
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for District of Columbia solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Washington
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs above all. A few key factors that influence how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- average energy usage: The more electricity your home consumes on average and the greater your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by switching to solar.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $12,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Washington
Although installing solar panels is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over many years because of smaller power bills and government incentives. Local solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Washington
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving on utility bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? If your family consumes lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power. When you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be lowered by about 60 pounds every year. For homeowners who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Washington, DC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Washington?
In Washington, GreenBrilliance is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What are a few of the major pros and cons of installing solar panels?
The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely eradicate your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 17.0 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.