12 Best Solar Companies in Bellingham, WA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Bellingham based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Bellingham, WA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Bellingham homeowner saves $1,351/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Bellingham
Choosing the right solar panel installation company for your home is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Bellingham. Solar panels can be expensive, but adopting solar will save you money on your power bills over many years. In fact, you can expect to save about $17,000 over 20 years.
There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Bellingham.Want to know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Bellingham solar installer.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bellingham
Western Solar Inc
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Truly Electric and Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Banner Power Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Fire Mountain Solar LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Rainshadow Solar & Energy Solutions, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Cascadia Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
Whidbey Sun & Wind
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Power Trip Energy Corporation
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Kirsch Electric Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Bluesky Electrical Contracting and Design
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Forecast Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Community Solar Projects
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
United Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Bellingham
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Bellingham 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 Bellingham
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Washington 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 Bellingham
Although solar panels can help save you money on power bills over time, it’s necessary to know the upfront costs.Some significant things that affect the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $17,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
- How much energy you use: If your family regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from installing solar panels.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much energy costs for you: The average household in Bellingham spends around $1,300 a year on energy alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
As a result of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as various solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Bellingham
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.When you install solar panels, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently reduces your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some local incentives that you can benefit from to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Bellingham
There are lots of reasons to switch to solar power, like saving money on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.But you may be wondering – how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? In a city like Bellingham where energy use is somewhat high, switching to solar energy is a great idea for those who are worried about the state of the planet.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 10 pounds each year. For those who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bellingham, WA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best in Bellingham?
The highest-rated local solar company in Bellingham is Western Solar Inc, with a rating of 4.90 stars.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 14.9 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
When should I install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most popular time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.