The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Pro install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | NABCEP certified | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4.6
265 reviews
265 reviews
| Top overall |  | Varies | 25 years | | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 2014 | Learn More |
 | 4.7
78 reviews
78 reviews
| Competitive pricing | | 20.9% | 25 years | | Cash, loan | 2016 | Learn more |
 | 4.8
191 reviews
191 reviews
| DIY projects |  | Varies | Varies | | Cash, loan | 2018 | Learn more |
Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Spokanites’ energy needs.
We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the warm-summer humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Spokane, Washington, based on the following key features and respective weightings:
» MORE: Full methodology
Jump into our guides and start learning
We’ve talked to dozens of Washingtonians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Spokane residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.
A typical residential solar panel installation costs $37,023 in Spokane.
Jump to insightSolar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.
Jump to insightSolar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Spokane County or Washington government agency.
Jump to insightA typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,380 to $26,800 in Washington. Prices in Spokane are comparable, ranging from $10,535 to $30,100.
This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Spokane’s net metering program.
System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Spokane household needs a system with a capacity of 12.3 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.
Average total solar installation costs by system size in Spokane
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before federal tax credit | $15,050 | $18,060 | $21,070 | $24,080 | $27,090 | $30,100 |
| After federal tax credit | $10,535 | $12,642 | $14,749 | $16,856 | $18,963 | $21,070 |
Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
Solar panels are generally worth it in Washington if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Spokane homeowners with solar panels can avoid $59,116 in total utility costs over 25 years.
The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 17 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
Considering Washington averages 2.5 to 5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.
Potential roof problems
As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.
» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?
In our experience, the best solar companies in Washington have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.
Going solar in Spokane County
Sometimes, your solar panels might generate more power than your household needs. Net metering lets you earn credits for sending that extra power to the local power grid. These credits can then be used to offset future Avista bills when your solar panels don’t produce enough energy, such as at night or on especially cloudy days.
» GREENEST STATES: Washington ranked 2nd in 2024
The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Spokane homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Washington to maximize savings. For instance, solar equipment is exempt from sales tax.
The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.
For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.
Yes, you or your installer will have to secure a permit through the Spokane County Department of Building and Planning.
In Washington State, homeowners associations (HOAs) cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels on an owner's property, provided the panels meet health and safety standards. HOAs can, however, impose reasonable restrictions on the placement and appearance of the panels, such as requiring that roof-mounted panels not extend above the roofline or mandating that visible components be painted to match the roofing material.
» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Washington ranked 37th in 2024
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.
We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Spokane. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee.
In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true. In reality, solar panels rarely come entirely free. These offers often involve hidden fees, long-term leases with escalating payments, or ownership of the renewable energy credits (RECs) associated with your system, which can significantly reduce your financial benefits.
A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Spokane, Washington. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:
Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Spokane customers were given preference.
Warranties: 20%
A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.
Equipment selection: 20%
We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.
Financing and payment options: 20%
We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.
ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:
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ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8
191 reviews
| Solar energy solutions. Offers solar energy kits, DIY solar kits and lithium batteries. Small- and large-scale equipment. Online purchasing with shipping to 48 states. Partner installer network. Financing and warranty available. | Read reviews |
| 4.6
265 reviews
| Offers solar energy systems for $0 down. Offers 18 months of free solar power. Handles design, permits and installation. Includes a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Available in select states across the country. | Learn More |
| 4.7
78 reviews
| Solar panel dealer with partner installers. Full-service and DIY installs. Available across the continental U.S. 25-year workmanship and equipment warranty. Transparent and flat pricing online. Financing options available. | Read reviews |
 | No reviews | Walla Walla-based solar installer serving eastern Washington. Provides residential and commercial solar energy options. Offers products from Enphase Energy, Mission Solar Energy and Roof Tech. Financing options available. | |
 | No reviews | Solar installations and energy-efficient products for homes along the West Coast. Offers 10-year product, 25-year service and one-year labor warranties on in-house manufactured solar panels. | |
 | No reviews | Solgen Power specializes in residential solar panel installations, solar storage and ongoing maintenance. Service areas extend across parts of the West, Southwest, Midwest and Upper South. |
