Best Solar Panel Installation Companies in Washington – CNET
Washington state’s coastal areas are notorious for clouds and rain. Whether that reputation is deserved or not, it raises questions for those looking to get their energy from the sun.
With rising power bills and new financial incentives, solar panels might still make sense for you.
Washington state ranks in the top 10 states with the lowest electricity rates and lowest electric bills in the US, but states have been slowly rising over the years. Some of the largest public utilities in the state, including Puget Sound Energy and Avista, plus several municipal utilities, increased electricity rates for their customers late last year.
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The state’s 100% clean electricity goal and the 2021 Climate Commitment Act will further increase the role of renewable and clean energy sources including solar) in power generation.
Given the combination of state and federal solar incentives and utility rate increases, installing a solar system to reduce your energy bill and increase your energy independence might be a decision worth considering.
Best national solar companies in Washington
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is you best choice. But don’t write them off if you’re looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list more available to more people.
Include Freedom Forever in your search if you want the backing of a national company that installs a wide variety of the most popular solar equipment available. Freedom Forever also extends a couple of products that take some of the pain and risk out of going solar, like a production guarantee and an escrow option with cash purchases. Online reviews say customer satisfaction has been low of late, though the company says that’s changing.
Tesla’s solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk’s ventures. Even Tesla’s Solar Roof seems to get more love.
If price is the thing you won’t budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.
Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla’s service is a bit of a gamble.
Local Washington solar installers
You don’t have to go with a big national brand. Here are some local companies we found that you may want to consider.
Based in Seattle, A&R Solar installs solar panels, batteries and EV chargers for residential and commercial customers. It also provides energy monitoring services. The company begins its installation with a home energy audit to assess your energy use and identify your energy-saving goals. According to A&R Solar, its in-house experts will review financing options and all incentives before installing a solar system. The company doesn’t offer solar leasing or power purchase agreements. A&R Solar says you’ll get 10-year performance, 10-year quality of work and 10-year free equipment replacement warranties on top of a manufacturer warranty of up to 25 years.
Blossom Solar is a full-service solar and battery installer based in northwestern Washington state. Before installation, Blossom Solar experts will conduct an energy audit of your home, help you design your solar system, manage all the required paperwork and local permitting, and organize the final inspection with your city officials. The company says it gives a 25-year product warranty and a 10-year quality-of-work warranty. It doesn’t offer a solar lease or power purchase agreements.
Puget Sound Solar has been in the solar business for 20 years. The company installs solar panels, batteries and EV chargers for residential and commercial customers. It also provides 24/7 monitoring of your solar system. With Puget Sound Solar, you get 10-year performance and 25-year quality of work warranties. The company partners with Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union, Generations Credit Union and Verity Credit Union, offering its customers zero-money-down financing options.
How to determine which solar company in Washington is best for me
You have a lot of choices when it comes to getting solar panels. The most important step is to get quotes from several companies and compare their prices and offerings. Make sure these quotes are coming from companies that have sent someone out to examine your home and your rooftop and discuss your energy use and priorities.
Consider a company’s product offerings, warranties, price and reputation when making a decision. Ask around with your friends and neighbors who have gotten solar, and check online reviews to see if a company does a good job.
Average cost of solar panels in Washington
Here’s a look at the average cash price for a 5-kilowatt system in Washington state before factoring in tax credits and incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. The average cost for solar panels is in line with the national average of $3.60 per watt.
|
Median system size (kW) |
Price per watt |
Total installed cost (before incentives) |
Solar savings with 30% federal solar tax credit |
Average electricity rate (cents per kilowatt hour) |
Average annual electricity bill (Sept. 2023) |
|
|
Washington State |
5 |
$3.59 |
$17,950 |
$5,385 |
11.36 |
$82.08 |
Washington solar panel incentives and rebates
Washington residents have several solar incentives to save thousands when purchasing residential solar panels. The residential clean energy credit, a federal solar tax credit program previously known as the investment tax credit, is one of the most important solar incentives available for American homeowners. This credit lets you claim 30% of the cost of a solar system from your federal income taxes for the year. While the credit is available until 2034, it will drop to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 and terminate in 2035, unless renewed.
You can receive the clean energy credit by filling out and submitting form 5695 (PDF) to the IRS. Go over the IRS instructions on how to complete this form. After the IRS approves your documents, your solar savings will appear as a credit when you file your federal tax return. The credit will lower your tax burden and give you a higher refund.
In addition to the clean energy credit, Washington residents can take advantage of a few state incentives.
Washington state solar incentives
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Program |
Description |
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Washington’s net metering policy allows solar owners to send their excess solar generation back to the power grid and get credits on their electric bill at their utility’s retail value. |
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The state’s Solar Easement and Rights Laws allow you to voluntarily sign a solar easement agreement with your neighbors to ensure your solar panels have access to sunlight. The laws limit the ability of homeowners’ associations to ban solar panel installations on a resident’s property. |
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Washington offers a 100% sales tax exemption on all solar systems of up to 100 kW and labor costs pertinent to solar installation. You can claim the sales tax exemption when filing your state tax returns. |
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Allows you to claim 30% of the total cost of your solar panel system back in federal tax credits. |
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Property tax exemption |
Some states have regulations that exempt your property taxes from increasing after a solar panel installation increases your home value. At this time, Washington state does not have this regulation in place. |
|
Community solar |
Community solar programs allow you to tap into solar energy without the costly commitment of installing panels by subscribing to a shared solar array through your utility. Typically this leads to a energy bill discount. Check with your local utility to see if community solar is available to you. |
How to pay for solar panels in Washington
You have a few routes to go solar in Washington. Choosing what’s right for you will depend on your circumstances.
Cash: If you purchase a solar system with cash, you immediately assume full ownership. You will avoid any interest or loan fees associated with taking out a loan. The federal residential clean energy credit can help you recoup some of the high upfront cost of your investment (details on that below). Consider saving up for your future solar panels in a high-yield savings account.
Solar loans: If you don’t have cash to pay for solar panels, but still want to own them, taking out a solar loan is the next best option. These loans, typically offered by your solar installer, are another option that is still eligible for the federal tax credit. Keep in mind that interest and fees can lead to higher costs over time.
Other loans: You don’t have to borrow money from your solar company or the partner they recommend. You can also pay for solar panels — and get the full federal tax credit — with loans from banks and other lenders. That includes home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, which are secured by your home. Be careful: If you don’t pay back a home equity loan or HELOC, your lender can foreclose.
Leasing: If you lease, you sign a long-term contract with a solar developer. The developer will install solar panels on your property and charge you a monthly rate (it’s like paying rent) for using the energy from the panels. Unfortunately, you won’t get any government incentives since you don’t own leased panels. As the owner of the panels, the solar developer will receive all the incentives.
Power purchase agreement: With a power purchase agreement, a solar developer installs solar panels on your property and charges you a fixed price per kilowatt-hour for the energy generated by the panels. Like solar leasing, the company supplying electricity to your home through a power purchase agreement retains ownership over the solar panels and takes advantage of all government incentives.
While investing in solar isn’t cheap, it’s worth considering full ownership of a solar system by buying or financing it since they often save the most in the long term. If you buy your panels, the average payback period is estimated to be between six and 12 years. If you can’t afford solar panels, a lease or power purchase agreement could be an affordable alternative.
Just looking for an emergency backup? Check out our list of the best portable solar panels and solar generators.
Important installation factors to consider
Before going solar, it’s good to consider whether potential constraints outweigh the benefits of installing solar panels.
Roof condition and pitch: A roof’s pitch can play an essential role in determining the cost of a solar system. See if your roof has the right pitch to maximize solar production. Based on the US Department of Energy‘s calculations, an angle between 15 and 40 degrees is ideal for panel performance. Consulting with a professional solar installer will help determine if your roof needs repair or replacement before installing solar panels.
Insurance coverage: Incorporating your solar equipment into your homeowner’s insurance policy is an excellent way to add more protection to your system. Call your insurance company if your policy would extend to the solar system. If it does, remember to add your solar panels to your insurance after installing them.
Commitment vs. time: Before you commit to solar, calculate how long you will live in your home. Buying or financing a solar system or signing a lease or power purchase agreement are long-term commitments. If you move in a few years, you may not fully realize your solar investment.
Homeowners Associations (HOA) regulations: Washington has solar access laws in place that prevent any HOA from outright banning solar panels. There still may be some restrictions or requirements so it’s best to check with your HOA and local government to make sure you’re following all the guidelines.
Your location: Where you live and how many sunny days per year you receive. Washington receives 2.8 – 4.4 peak sun hours per year. Even though some experts say four peak sun hours per day is ideal for going solar, getting solar panels in Washington can still be beneficial. A reputable solar installer will help you make this determination.
Renting vs owning: If you rent your home rather than owning it, it will be really difficult to convince your landlord or property manager to get them. Renters can sign up for community solar — a subscription to a solar farm through your utility — with no commitment or buying panels.
How we found the best solar companies
Methodology
The companies we listed above as “the best” are curated from CNET’s best solar companies list. Companies making the best list are scored on the equipment, warranties and customer service they offer. Then, we make sure these recommendations are available in your state. You can read a full breakdown of how we review solar companies here.
Companies listed under the local installers were chosen in a less rigorous way. We chose them because they offered something unique or notable to customers in the state, they seemed well-regarded by internet reviewers or because they were one of the few installers we could find information on in the state.
Whether we’ve completed a full review on a company or not, it’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different installers before choosing a company.
Washington solar power FAQs
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels undergo rigorous testing and are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including strong winds, rain and snowfall. Locations with severe weather conditions often provide specific installation instructions to ensure solar panels’ secure and safe placement. While most solar manufacturers give 25-year product and performance warranties, the panels can last many years beyond the warranty period with proper care.
Is it worth getting solar panels in rainy states like Washington?
Yes, it can be worth going solar in Washington. Solar panels produce power using direct and indirect sunlight, which means they still make some electricity during cloudy days. Their generation capacity will be much lower when it’s overcast. Rain has its benefits; it improves the production of solar panels by washing away dust and dirt.
Will solar panels raise my homeowner’s insurance premium?
Typically, the installation of solar panels doesn’t lead to an increase in your homeowner’s insurance premium. Every insurance company handles solar panels differently, so it’s worth checking with your insurance company if solar panels will impact your insurance premium and by how much.
Do all solar panels have the same efficiency rating?
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