ADT Solar was the most popular solar company among respondents in Washington, according to our 2024 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
Updated:
Mar 25, 2024
Written by
Aniket Bhor
Aniket Bhor
Although Washington State’s cold and rainy weather may suggest otherwise, solar power has grown over the past decade. An increasing number of Washington residents are switching to solar, and more are looking for reliable installers in the process. With our analysis of the state’s solar providers, we can help. According to our research, the best solar companies in Washington are Sunpower, Blue Raven, Lumio and Tesla.
Our experts at the MarketWatch Guides Team shortlisted the above companies based on extensive surveys and discussions with industry experts and solar organizations. We built a detailed methodology to rate and review each solar company we recommend.
See our list of top solar providers based on in-depth research.
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The average cost of going solar in Washington State is $2.83 per watt of installed capacity. That’s in line with the U.S. average cost of solar. A typical 5 kW home solar system in Washington can cost more than $14,000 before any incentives or rebates kick in. Below is a table that outlines the costing and other information for the four best solar companies in Washington.
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary. BBB ratings are accurate as of November 2023.
What to Look For in a Solar Company
If you’re a homeowner looking to go solar, picking a solar company that works for your home and suits your budget can be quite a task. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a solar installer.
You can also check out the Energy Department’s guide to solar to learn more about choosing an installer.
Although solar panels save homeowners a lot of money in the long run, their initial cost can discourage some people. Price is a major barrier to entry for a new solar system. We recommend choosing a company that offers quality features that make sense, warranties that are long and a price tag that seems appropriate. Most solar installers offer payment options like leases, power purchase agreements (PPA) and solar loans. This can help you to pay the upfront cost over time.
It’s important to choose a trustworthy solar installer. You’re investing in a system that costs a lot of money and one that should last 30 years or more. Choose a company that will provide devoted post-installation support and good installation quality. Before picking an installer, check the BBB ratings and customer reviews to gauge the reputation of the companies you’re considering. You can also check a company’s credentials and certifications online.
In addition to getting solar panels, you can reduce your energy bills by upgrading your insulation and lighting, which some solar companies can do. To get your system installed, you may need to repair or alter your roof or remove a tree. These are other services solar companies can sometimes take care of. Make a list of any necessary upgrades before approaching an installer.
Top 4 Solar Companies in Washington of 2024
- SunPower: Our pick for most experienced
- Blue Raven: Our pick for financing
- Lumio: Our pick for fast installations
- Tesla: Our pick for panel design
SunPower
Our pick for most experience
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $24,000–$36,000
Blue Raven Solar
Our pick for financing
Warranty 10 and 25 years
System Cost $20,000–$22,500
Lumio Solar
Our pick for up-and-coming solar company
Warranty 5 and 25 years
System Cost N/A
Tesla Energy
Our pick for panel design
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $16,000–$23,000
Our Recommendation
With 148 solar companies operating in Washington, residents enjoy a range of options to choose from. Solar panel buyers willing to go with a reputable brand can opt for SunPower or Tesla, while those looking for a fast installation can go with Lumio.
Other noteworthy solar companies in Washington include Seattle-based Sunergy, United Solar, Puget Sound Solar and A&R Solar. Washington also houses a large solar panel manufacturing facility in Bellingham. Silfab Solar owns the facility.
Benefits of Going Solar in Washington
- Electricity bill savings: Solar power not only reduces your reliance on grid power but also lowers your energy bills. The energy generated by solar panels can offset up to 100% of your grid energy usage, drastically reducing or even eliminating your monthly bills. Washington may not have the highest power prices in the country, but its residents still save several thousand dollars over the 25+ years of solar power generation.
- Increased property value: Solar panels improve the investment in your home, even if you plan to sell it in a few years. Studies show home buyers will pay more for a house with solar panels compared to a similar home without solar. According to a study by Zillow, the value of a house increases by an average of 4.1% when you install a solar energy system on it. In some places, this number can be even higher.
- Environmental benefits: Solar power is well known for its lasting environmental benefits. By using light from the sun, solar panels generate clean energy free of harmful emissions, unlike fossil-fuel power, which emits carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Each kWh of power produced using conventional energy sources emits about 0.855 pounds of carbon dioxide. A typical solar power system in Washington generates tens of thousands of kWh over its lifetime, avoiding thousands of pounds of CO2 from escaping into the atmosphere and reducing your carbon footprint.
- Protection against rising power costs: The cost of grid electricity depends on the cost of raw materials, such as coal. And the cost of coal and other power sources fluctuates based on a number of global factors. Therefore, every year, utility companies are forced to increase the price of electricity. Since solar power utilizes sunlight, it is always free and independent of any social or economic factors on the planet. Therefore, Washington residents going solar can protect themselves against rising power bills.
- Security against power outages: Extreme weather events can disrupt daily lives, especially when they cause power outages. Having a solar power system with a solar battery can help homeowners power their appliances even through a blackout, adding much-needed resilience to their homes.
Washington Solar Incentives
Washington has a Renewable Energy Standard that aims to generate 100% of the state’s energy from renewable sources. Its energy strategy also leans toward decarbonization. However, the state does not have a large number of solar incentives. Nevertheless, the available federal and state incentives can still help homeowners save thousands of dollars by going solar.
Federal Incentives
The only federal incentive available to Washingtonians is the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Also known as the federal solar tax credit, the incentive lets homeowners deduct up to 30% of their solar system’s cost on their next year’s income taxes. Considering the average solar cost of $14,150 in Washington, its residents can save well over $4,000 thanks to the ITC.
Statewide Incentives
- Renewable Energy Projects Sales & Use Tax Exemptions: Solar power systems are exempt from sales tax in Washington, saving solar residents 6.5% of their system’s value.
- Net metering: Net metering allows solar panel owners to send excess power into the grid in exchange for energy credits. You can use credits to buy grid power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Washington
A solar installation company usually generates revenue by charging for the design, procurement and installation of solar power systems. It can sell the energy from a solar power system in a PPA model. An equipment manufacturer, on the other hand, makes money by selling components used in solar panel systems.
Most solar installers in Washington use solar panels made from monocrystalline silicon. Some companies also have innovative products, such as bifacial panels, half-cell panels, etc.
The average solar power system in Washington costs $2.83 per watt. This means a typical 5 kW system costs about $14,150. The net cost of such a system is lower, thanks to the federal tax credit. However, this is the state average, and a system’s price in Seattle or Olympia may be different from a system in Spokane, Bellevue or Vancouver.
Solar power offers a host of benefits, such as reduced power bills, resilience against blackouts, improved home value, protection against rising electricity rates and a positive environmental impact.
