7 steps to Solar Panels in Washington
By Aniket Bhor /
In this guide to Washington’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Washington is home to over 55 solar installation companies.1 If you’re planning on choosing the best company for your specific needs, you would normally have a lot of research ahead of you. But we’re here to help.
We’ve researched all of the solar providers in Washington for you and narrowed down the ones we’d recommend to just five. Below is the list of companies we chose, with important information to help you find the right installer for your home.
You might be surprised to find that some more popular companies — like Vivint Solar, Sunrun and Titan Solar Power — don’t appear in our rankings. This is a conscious decision based on ongoing litigation with customers, below-average customer service or customer reviews specifically in Washington, or other problems that could preclude a good experience.
You can click the plus buttons below to get more information about each installation company.
Local Service
Average cost
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Cons
One of our primary reasons for choosing Puget Sound Solar is the wealth of panel brands it carries, specifically options that have high efficiency ratings. Washington receives far fewer days of sunshine per year than almost any other state — 152 as compared to the national average of 205.2 This means choosing a high-efficiency panel is essential for maximizing savings.
Another huge draw is that the company provides lengthy warranties for equipment, labor and panel efficiency, all lasting 25 years. This is a great option in Washington, especially when it comes to guaranteeing ongoing energy production after years of being pounded by rain during the state’s wet winters.
As a small local installer, Puget Sound Solar also brings outstanding customer service to the table. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to come by in Washington, as many fly-by-night companies have popped up in response to the recent surge in demand for solar conversion.
This provider doesn’t offer solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), but we generally don’t recommend those options anyway.
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5 |
A+ |
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Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades, General Contracting |
Local Service
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We like Solara Solar because it provides access to a large number of solar equipment brands as well as best-in-class customer service. This provider installs an array of high-efficiency solar panels that will work during the cloudy weather in Washington — although it doesn’t offer Maxeon panels, which have industry-leading efficiency ratings. It also covers its products with lengthy warranties.
Solara has been around for over a decade, so it has a lot of experience providing Washingtonians with the services and products you’ll need to offset your energy bills. The company excels in customer service, which is beneficial in an oversaturated market like Washington’s. It also provides access to community solar, which is uncommon in the Evergreen State.
This company also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so its products and full-service offerings may not be accessible to everyone. Additionally, the labor warranty only lasts for 10 years. This coverage is still good, but we prefer to see longer warranties, especially in rainy Washington, where improper installations can lead to roof leaks and water damage.
However, we still think this is an outstanding option for your solar array if you can afford a cash purchase or loan.
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4.5 |
Not Rated |
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Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
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SunPower’s solar panels are best known in the solar industry for having the highest efficiency ratings, around 22.7%. Greater efficiency is required in Washington to get the most out of your system because the weather is so often cloudy, and heavy cloud coverage can drop production by up to 90%.
SunPower includes one of the best warranty coverage packages in the industry, covering workmanship, equipment and efficiency for 25 years. This protection provides peace of mind that your panels will retain their efficiency and continue to produce the energy you need for years to come.
The physical protection also helps keep your home safe from roof leaking due to faulty panel installation, which can cause major home damage given the above-average rainfall in the state.
SunPower comes at an above-average price, so you may end up paying more than Washington homeowners who have gone solar with other companies. However, we believe the high efficiency and warranty coverage you get from this company are well worth the extra money you’ll spend.
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Year Founded |
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Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
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5 |
A+ |
1985 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
SunPower Panels |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Pros
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This company is a titan of the tech industry, so it’s no surprise that it’s also a leader in PV panel efficiency. Although there’s no stated spec for efficiency, it’s believed Tesla’s panels hover above 21%, right in line with other leading manufacturers. Your panel efficiency with this provider is also guaranteed for 25 years.
The average PV system in Washington costs nearly $27,000 before any rebates or tax credits. Given how expensive PV equipment is, we’ve also chosen this provider for its affordability. Tesla offers price matching on its solar offerings, so you’re guaranteed to get the lowest price available for an equivalent system.
The company doesn’t have the best customer service, but we still believe the price matching and outstanding technology (such as with Tesla’s solar roof) make it a great option in Washington.
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4.5 |
C |
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Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Solar Roof Shingles, System Monitoring |
Regional Service
Average cost
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We like Northwest Renewables for Washington homeowners because it’s a local company that provides outstanding customer service and affordability. This company is a reassuring option for Washington residents concerned about getting a less-than-reputable installer. It has years of experience and demonstrates dedication to a wide range of energy efficiency services beyond just solar.
Northwest Renewables also provides access to many different high-efficiency solar panel brands that are suitable for producing electricity in Washington’s frequently cloudy weather. Available brands include SunPower, which is the best overall option for efficiency.
There is no labor warranty offered by this provider, which is a pretty significant downside. However, we still recommend this company for the excellent customer service and the lengthy equipment warranty, both of which provide peace of mind when investing in photovoltaics.
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4.5 |
A+ |
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Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, General Contracting, Electrical Work |
The average price of a complete solar panel system in Washington is around $26,900 before any tax breaks or $18,830 after the federal tax credit is considered. These numbers assume the average per-watt price of $2.69 in Washington and the standard system size required in the state, which is around 10 kilowatts (kW).
The average solar spend in Washington is about 10% higher than the national average. As such, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep the price of your solar arrays to a minimum.
Below, we list a few things you can do when choosing your Washington solar provider to save money and explain how these tips reduce your costs.
One of the best ways to reduce your upfront and long-term PV system installation costs is to take advantage of as many tax credits, rebates and other benefit programs as possible. These perks can effectively lower the overall price of your solar conversion and maximize savings over the lifespan of your equipment.
When you’re choosing an installer, it’s wise to pick one that has years of experience serving Washington specifically. Solar providers that are familiar with your location will likely be able to help you take advantage of state benefit programs as well as perks offered by municipalities and individual utility companies.
The table below includes brief information about the incentives available to solar customers in Washington.
Incentive | Description |
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | This is a credit to your income tax burden for 30% of your entire system cost, including panels, inverters, energy storage solutions, EV chargers and installation costs. In Washington, this credit averages out to an incredible $8,070. |
Solar Net Metering | This is a policy offered by utility companies and mandated by the state. It guarantees energy credits for all excess energy your panels produce, which you can use to pay down future electric bills if you ever consume more than you produce. |
Renewable Energy Projects Sales & Use Tax Exemptions | This is a sales tax exemption on all solar equipment. This helps save a few hundred dollars upfront for most solar customers. |
Richland Energy Services’ Residential Energy Conservation & Solar Loan Program | This is a financing program that helps keep interest rates and down payment requirements as low as possible for qualifying solar customers. Loan amounts can be up to $15,000. |
Clark Public Utilities’ Solar Energy Equipment Loan Program | This is also a financing program for solar equipment, but the cap for the loan amount is $30,000. It serves the same purpose as the program above: to keep interest rates and down payment minimums low to make solar more affordable overall. |
Here’s a bit more info on how the Inflation Reduction Act (which includes an extension of the federal tax credit) impacts Washington:
As we’ve mentioned, Washington residents see just over 150 sunny days per year, on average. This is well below the national average and means that more than half of the days each year are cloudy. Cloud coverage can cause solar production to drop by between 10% and 90%, which, of course, isn’t ideal for solar customers in the area.
This is why solar panels with a high efficiency rating are necessary for Washington — they produce more electricity in all conditions, including heavy cloud coverage.
Choosing a solar company that carries brands like Maxeon, Tesla, Panasonic, REC, Enphase and Silfab will help ensure that your panels are efficient enough to offset energy bills in Washington.
Yes, installing solar on your home in Washington is expected to increase your property value by around 4.1%.3 In the Evergreen State, where home values average around $452,000, that’s around $18,500 in added value, which is more than in most states.4
As far as added value throughout Washington, you’re expected to see greater returns on investment (ROI) in areas where values are naturally higher. The below high-rent areas will likely see the highest ROI:
Unfortunately, Washington doesn’t have a solar property tax exemption, so your property taxes will increase as a result of the added value the system provides.
If you research DIY solar installation costs, it might seem tempting to try installing your system yourself. While it’s true that you can save thousands of dollars by doing the work yourself, in our opinion, it’s often not worth it.
There are a few reasons why we would recommend a professional installation in Washington.
Roof leaks are one of the leading issues solar customers experience after PV installation. Unfortunately, even professional installers with years of experience cannot avoid issues with leaking roof penetrations forever. Leaking is even more common with DIY installations due to the lack of experience on the part of the homeowner.
Washington homes are already at high risk of roof leaks because of the above-average amount of rainfall the state sees. Some areas of Washington receive between 150 and 200 inches of rain each year, which is about five times the national average.5 Couple the state’s above-average rainfall with an inexperienced DIY installation, and you’re asking for issues.
You might save money upfront by doing a DIY installation, but you could end up spending more in the long run if you need to pay for repairs for roof replacement and water damage.
DIY solar panels are almost always significantly less efficient than professional options, and they tend to lose efficiency more quickly.
Residents in states like Washington and Oregon see a serious lack of sunlight, which means solar customers in the area need to take full advantage of the sun that is available. High-efficiency panels from professional installation companies are far more likely to be able to meet the energy needs of Washington residents.
Again, a DIY installation will almost always cost less initially, but a professional system could very well lead to greater energy savings over time and be more valuable in the long run.
Finally, DIY solar kits come with minimal warranty coverage, usually averaging between five and 10 years for the equipment alone. Warranties on professionally installed systems can last as long as 25 to 30 years, and they can cover equipment, efficiency and labor.
Since efficiency in Washington is so critical, it’s far better to have lengthy efficiency warranties that guarantee your panels will continue to produce for decades after installation. These efficiency warranties help ensure that a professional system will pay for itself and continue to provide savings. The same cannot be said about many DIY systems.
There are a few things you should look for in a solar provider for your Washington home.
One of the first things we recommend you look for is a company that carries highly efficient panels at a reasonable price.
Washington solar customers need to prioritize panel efficiency ratings because of the lack of available sunlight in the area. More efficient panels will generate more energy in both sunny and cloudy weather, the latter of which is more prevalent in Washington.
It’s also a good idea to consider the cost of the panels compared to the value. Companies that offer SunPower panels will usually be a bit more costly on average, but the maximum energy production those panels provide is worth the extra money.
Washington property owners can experience massive amounts of rain, depending on where in the state they reside. Some areas receive more than five times the national average, meaning the risk of roof leaks from an improper installation is extremely high.
We recommend prioritizing companies that provide lengthy and robust warranty coverage. Coverage for physical damage and efficiency is great, but we suggest giving precedence to companies that provide long labor warranties. You’re far less likely to see roof leaks if the company guarantees the installation is done properly, even in rainy Washington.
Finally, we suggest you look for companies that have several years of experience servicing Washington specifically.
Since the popularity of solar has soared in the past few years in the Evergreen State, many new companies have popped up to meet the demand. New installers are less likely to have industry affiliations and electrician certifications — like from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) — which help guarantee a successful installation.
Additionally, companies that have years of experience in Washington are more likely to be familiar with the local incentives available. Since solar energy systems are more expensive in Washington than in most states, incentives are crucial for keeping costs down and maximizing savings.
When we rank our top solar companies, we start by identifying the factors that matter most when ensuring our readers find a trustworthy, reliable and environmentally responsible installation in Washington. We’ve listed those factors as categories below. We then weigh these factors against the industry benchmark (a company meeting the industry standard in all categories would earn 4 stars in our rating system).
Our goal is to deliver unbiased reports and honest reviews, so our methodology is not affected by commercial partnerships and is specifically tailored to Washington homeowners.
Below are three of the criteria we give special attention to when rating Washington solar companies.
Solar panel installation is expensive, especially in Washington. As such, warranty coverage for equipment damage and performance can provide some peace of mind as you invest tens of thousands of dollars.
In Washington, where rainfall is abundant and well above average for the nation, a workmanship warranty is usually the most crucial. This warranty covers roof leaks in most cases, which is the leading issue with going solar in Washington. Performance guarantees can also help ensure you offset your electric costs even during the common cloudy and rainy days.
Washington is one of the more progressive states in the country in terms of adopting solar energy. It recently set a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal to have 100% of its electricity come from clean energy sources by 2045.6
It’s likely that the companies that commit to progressing this goal are not only in the industry to make a profit but also plan to stick around for longer. That means your warranties will continue to protect your system over time. It also means a reduced overall carbon footprint and less contribution to climate change, which is a worthy goal.
We also analyze the overall price of going solar with a company, the value the installer provides and the financing options available to customers. This is especially important in an area like Washington, where the total cost to go solar is well above the national average.
The price to go solar will always be important to homeowners, but some companies will have higher pricing not because of upcharges, but because of high-quality equipment being installed. We carefully weigh the cost against equipment quality to determine which installer offers the best value for your money.
Additionally, not all companies accept the same financing options. Installers who take cash purchases, solar loans, leases, and PPAs will be accessible to most customers and rank higher in our ratings.
The EcoWatch team is pleased to get tons of questions from Washington homeowners about going solar. Below are the questions we see most frequently, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Based on our complete company reviews, we determined that Puget Sound Solar is the most reputable solar provider in Washington. This company provides outstanding customer service, a huge range of products and services and has the local knowledge and experience required to get you the best solar array to meet your needs and expectations. The warranty coverage provided is also promising and gives Washington residents the peace of mind they need.
Yes, it most certainly does. Washington gets more rain than most states throughout the country and receives only 165 sunny days per year, well below the national average of 205. As such, most property owners need high-efficiency panels that can provide enough energy even in suboptimal conditions to offset electric bills.
Some companies don’t carry the highest-efficiency panels, so the product selection is something to consider when going solar in the Evergreen State.
Finding the most affordable solar company involves getting free quotes from the top installers in the state. Instead, it’s best to weigh the cost against the value provided in terms of quality products and warranty coverage. Using our EcoWatch rating and quote tool is an easy way to find the highest-value solar panel installation company that fits within your budget.
According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are 135 solar companies in Washington.7 An estimated 56 of these companies are dedicated to installing solar panels and solar equipment.
Most Washington residents — all of whom are well-acquainted with inclement weather — ask us this question. The answer is yes, solar panels will still work when it’s raining. However, energy production during cloudy or rainy days will naturally be lower due to less sunlight hitting your panels. For this reason, high-efficiency solar panels — like SunPower panels — and larger solar electric systems are usually best for Washington homeowners.
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