6 Best Solar Companies in Washington, WI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Washington based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Washington, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Washington homeowner saves $1,583/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Washington
Are you looking for energy freedom in Washington? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding course of action since there are a lot of benefits when you go solar. What's especially making many homeowners consider switching to solar is their very high energy bills that keep increasing each year.
To help you search through the huge variety of Washington solar installers, we've narrowed in on a list of the top ones. To get an idea of how much you might pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Washington by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Washington
Champion Solar
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Informative Resources - Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation - Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Next Step Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Solar Chippewa Valley
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Midwest Solars
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
Olson Solar Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
U.S. Solar Mounts Corp
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
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 Wisconsin 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
Even though solar panels can save you a good amount of money on electricity bills over time, it's necessary to know the upfront costs. Some key things that influence how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- Incentives: One thing that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your power bills, which can result in an average of $19,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your income and budget: This determines what type of solar panels you can purchase.
- How much you spend on energy: The typical family in Washington shells out around $1,500 a year on energy use alone, so you could end up with that much in savings.
- Your city: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Solar is a valuable investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own electricity instead of paying for it from a utility company and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping protect the planet.
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If you're wondering what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Washington, WI.
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Solar Incentives in Washington
Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are various government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. There are a lot of federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money back after buying solar panels. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Washington.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Washington
One of the reasons so many homeowners are considering going solar is to help reduce their environmental impact. Something many homeowners might have in mind is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? Switching to solar energy for electricity rather than burning fossil fuels is a great way to lower carbon dioxide emissions if you're concerned about Washington's large level of greenhouse gas emissions. Once you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 90 pounds a year. For people who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Washington, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installation company in Washington?
In Washington, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels call for a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and how much energy generation you want.
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.