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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Every year, more Washington residents turn to rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Switching to solar energy can allow you to save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we compiled a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Washington. These providers consistently deliver excellent service.
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Ohio may require a solar installer to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For home solar panel installations, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar installer that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the solar technology used. The average solar system in Washington has a capacity of 7.5 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,410 per kilowatt; the average Washington homeowners spends roughly $17,915 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include prices for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.
Incentive Amount:
Heating & Cooling
Air Conditioning: $100 - $150, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Geothermal Heat Pump: $800 - $1,000, varies by efficiency and equipment application
Heat Pump Water Heaters: $400
Airlfow/Climate Control
WiFi Thermostat: $20-$30
Smart Thermostat: $75
Air Insulation & Sealing: Up to $650, must be through approved contractors
Appliance Recycling: $50
Incentive Amount:
Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC: up to $400
Central AC or Heat pump: $300-$400
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400
Smart Thermostat: $125
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300
Duct Sealing: $100
Duct Insulation: $75
Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Low-interest, 30-year loan
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Washington, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Of course. The grid in Washington already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the average sunlight in your area, and the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power. Washington gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 19.5 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can send the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. For insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
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