Top 7 Best Solar Companies in Washington (2024 Reviews)

In this guide on Washington’s best solar companies, you’ll learn:

  • What are the best solar installers that serve Washington state?
  • How can you save money when choosing a solar installer in Washington?
  • What properties should you look for in a solar provider in Washington?
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Many people think Washington State isn’t a good place for solar because of the cloudy, rainy weather. In actuality, most systems pay for themselves in the Evergreen State and then provide additional energy savings totaling more than $14,200.

Since there is sufficient demand in the area, there are over 60 installers to choose from when converting to clean energy, which can make choosing the right one overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll provide a list of what we believe to be the best solar companies in Washington, and we’ll also explain what we recommend looking for in an installer to maximize your savings and get the best experience possible.

What Are the Best Solar Companies in Washington?

We’ve spent dozens of hours researching solar installers in your area, and the seven below are what we believe to be the best solar companies in Washington state.

You might be surprised not to see some of the more popular companies on our list, including Solgen and Lumio. We’ve decided not to include these providers, given ongoing issues with customer service and, in some cases, ongoing litigation.

Compare Washington’s Top-Rated Solar Providers

Overall, our top two recommendations are SunPower and A&R Solar, both of which bring outstanding quality and value to the table. We’ll include a side-by-side look at these providers and our other top picks in the table below. This should help you decide which provider is going to be best for your needs.

Solar Providers Superlative Our Score Avg Cost ($–$$$$$) Warranty Financing Options Get Quote
SunPower Best National Provider 5/5 $$$$ Varies – minimum of 25 years for equipment, workmanship and production Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Blue Raven Solar Best Financing Program 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash and solar loans Get Quote
Tesla Best Technology 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
A&R Solar Best Regional Provider 5/5 $$$$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash, solar loan Get Quote
Northwest Renewables Best for System Customization 4.5/5 $$$$ 25 years for equipment and performance Cash, solar loan Get Quote
Puget Sound Solar Best Local Installer 5/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment, performance and labor Cash, solar loan Get Quote
Solara Solar Best Customer Service 4.5 $$$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for labor Cash, solar loan Get Quote
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Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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Tesla Energy

Best Technology

Nationwide Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market

Cons

  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

A&R Solar

Outstanding Regional Installer

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Years of local experience
  • NABCEP-certified installers
  • Outstanding customer service

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Not the best workmanship warranty
  • No leases or PPAs
Badge icon

Northwest Renewables

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Multitude of products and services
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Limited service area
  • Limited warranty coverage
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Puget Sound Solar

Solar Veteran

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Many years of experience
  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Limited service area
Badge icon

Solara Solar

Solar Veteran

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Many years of experience

Cons

  • Limited service area

Watch Below: What Should You Know About Recent Changes to the Solar Tax Credit?

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Washington

best solar companies in washington

The average price of a complete solar panel system in Washington is around $33,600 before any tax breaks or $23,520 after the federal tax credit is considered. These numbers assume the average per-watt price of $3.36 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.

  • Choose a knowledgeable installer that knows how to take advantage of benefit programs
  • Choose a company that carries highly efficient panel brands
  • Get quotes from a few companies and compare pricing and features to find the best deal

Take Advantage of Incentives

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 $10,080.
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 thousand dollars upfront for most solar customers.

 

Choose a High-Efficiency Panel Brand

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.

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value 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 $566,052, that’s around $23,208 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 higher. The below areas — which are more expensive areas to live in — will likely see the highest ROI:

  • Seattle
  • Olympia
  • Redmond
  • Bellevue
  • Bellingham
  • Kirkland
  • Mercer Island
  • Brier
  • Shoreline
  • Renton
  • Duvall
  • Vancouver

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.

Should Washington Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?

If you research DIY solar installation costs, it might seem tempting to try installing your solar 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 more common with DIY installations, and Washington is already at high risk of roof leaks
  • Panel efficiency in DIY kits may not produce sufficient energy in Washington’s cloudy weather
  • Warranty coverage is crucial in Washington, where solar equipment is expensive, and DIY kits often lack warranty protection

DIY Installations Lead to More Roof Leaks

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.

best washington solar companies
Credit: Raze Solar / Unsplash

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 Panels May Lack the Efficiency Required in Washington

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.

Warranty Coverage is Minimal on DIY Kits

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.

What Should Washingtonians Look For in a Solar Installer?

There are a few things you should look for in a solar provider for your Washington home.

  • Affordable and efficient solar solutions
  • Lengthy warranties
  • Years of experience with local installations

Affordable and Efficient Equipment

One of the first things we recommend you look for is a company that carries highly efficient solar 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.

Robust Warranty Coverage

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 solar 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.

Local Experience

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.

 

The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.

Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Washington

Given that there are over 60 solar installers that serve the State of Washington, we spent dozens of hours researching different providers to find the best of the best. We ranked companies based on six primary factors, which we believe are the most important for a positive experience in your area. We’ll explain our ranking system below.

  • Local reputation and reviews (20%): First, since the demand for solar in Washington is high and a lot of companies pop up to turn a profit, we look at a company’s reputation in the state and read through as many customer reviews as possible to see where the company excels and where it falls short. We assess the overall customer sentiment and consider how likely a provider is to offer you a positive experience and good service.
  • Pricing and financing (20%): Since the cost of solar equipment in Washington is well above average, we next prioritize companies that have affordable pricing, either in line with or below the local average. We also prefer companies that accept multiple payment options for accessibility. PPAs aren’t widely available in Washington, but companies that accept leases do get ranked a bit higher, even though we don’t recommend this option over paying in cash or with a loan.
  • Services offered (20%): Next, we consider the services provided by each installer. Companies like Blue Raven that only install panels lose some points in this category, while others that handle EV chargers, solar batteries and energy efficiency upgrades get ranked higher. They’re more likely to appeal to more customers, making them a more appealing option overall.
  • Warranty coverage (20%): Since PV systems in Washington are quite expensive, we rank companies higher that offer more robust warranty coverage. We especially look for lengthy workmanship warranties, as these can help ensure your system stands up to the above-average rainfall in the area without any issues.
  • Company experience (10%): Unfortunately, areas like Washington that have seen an increase in demand for solar in recent years are prone to fly-by-night companies that enter the industry just to turn a profit. They often provide sub-par customer service and are more likely to go out of business, which could affect your warranty coverage. We do our best only to recommend companies that have a decade or more of experience, and local experience is also prioritized to some extent.
  • Brand quality (10%): Finally, we look at the panel brands that each installer provides access to. We love to see companies with a wide range of products available, as this makes it easier for solar customers with different priorities — like low installation costs or maximum production to meet high energy needs — to choose a brand that suits them.

FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Washington

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.

Blog author image
Article author
Dan Simms is an experienced writer with a passion for renewable energy. As a solar and EV advocate, much of his work has focused on the potential of solar power and deregulated energy, but he also writes on related topics, like real estate and economics. In his free time — when he's not checking his own home's solar production — he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, skiing and rock climbing.
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Expert reviewer
Tori is an editor, writer, rock climber and travel enthusiast. A native New Yorker, she graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a degree in communications and journalism. Before joining EcoWatch, Tori helped to oversee communication strategies for the City of Philadelphia. Her experience also includes communications work in the nonprofit and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering political, environmental and social issues in New York's Hudson Valley. In her spare time, Tori can be found in the mountains climbing boulders, traveling to new cities or at one of Philadelphia's many music venues.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • Industry-leading in-house financing
    • Competitive pricing
    • Excellent reputation
    • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
    A+
    Best Solar Financing
    2014
    Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower
    25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee

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