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Best Solar Companies in Washington

We compared 62 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • ION Solar
      4.4(114)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

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      Best Solar Companies in Washington

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Best overall: Blue Raven Solar
      2. Our pick for customer service: ION Solar
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      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.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies, reviewed

      Blue Raven Solar and ION Solar are both worth considering for professional installations. We suggest comparing quotes to see which has the best deal in your area. If you already know what you need for a do-it-yourself or off-grid project, skip to ShopSolar.

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      263 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      Blue Raven Solar installs top-tier panels and microinverters to maximize energy production. We also like its unique financing option that lets you go solar with no upfront costs. This is potentially a smart deal for saving on overall monthly expenses. Plus, you aren’t affected when electricity rates increase over time.

      Blue Raven Solar gets great feedback on customer service and overall value.

      • “The crew arrived on time and were very professional and courteous. The solar panel installation went quickly and smoothly. The crew answered our questions and explained how everything worked. … Every Blue Raven employee we interacted was friendly, cheerful, and interested in our thoughts and feelings. The clean-up was good except for a large handful of debris left in the street and driveway.” — Michele in Tacoma
      • “I had many questions and Blue Raven was able to provide the level of detail I wanted. Comparing costs, warranties, customer service, and reputations, to all the companies we met with, Blue Raven became a more obvious choice as the process unfolded. Our sales person, the installation team, the electrician, and coordinating with customer service were all positive experiences and exceeded my expectations.” Robert in Renton

      Feedback from Washington customers is overall positive, but reviewers in other states occasionally report communication issues or installation delays.

      Blue Raven Solar installers use various monocrystalline, black-on-black solar panels and Enphase microinverters. For storage batteries, there are lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries from Enphase, FranklinWH, Tesla and SunPower. The company has teams in Spokane, Tacoma, Everett and Redmond.

      Blue Raven Solar services

      • Consulting and design
      • Professional installations
      • Financing solutions
      • System monitoring

      Blue Raven Solar solar panel installations come with a standard 25-year manufacturer and 10-year workmanship warranty plus roof penetration coverage. Power production is guaranteed for two years. Within that time, Blue Raven will reimburse you for lost energy.

      Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. The company offers the FranklinWH aPower Battery (12-year warranty), SunPower SunVault (10-year warranty), Enphase IQ Battery 5P (15-year warranty) and Tesla Powerwall 2 (10-year warranty).

      You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. Blue Raven also has zero-down financing with fixed interest rates and predictable payments through some unique in-house payment options:

      • BluePower: This fixed monthly payment option lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
      • BluePower Plus+: Eligible customers can pay $0 upfront, get 18 months of free solar power and make fixed monthly payments after that. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

      Pros

      • Durable solar panel systems
      • $0 down financing options
      • Tier 1 solar equipment
      • 25-year warranty on all installations

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication
      Our pick for customer service

      ION Solar

      4.4
      114 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar stands out for its professionalism, quality workmanship, strong customer service and a generally smooth end-to-end installation process. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days. We suggest getting a personalized quote to see if ION Solar is right for you.

      ION Solar reviewers have good things to say about the customer service and installations.

      • “The person who came to the door explained to me how the process would work and the benefits of it, and the financial thing was explained during in-home discussion. My interactions with ION Solar was painless and nice. I work nights, and they worked around my schedule and got me scheduled for a time that worked for me.” — Jordan in Seattle

      We think ION Solar could be a little more transparent about its financing options and additional services provided.

      ION Solar operates in several states, including Washington. It’s NABCEP-certified. Installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      ION Solar services

      • Solar system design and installations
      • Roofing services
      • Energy production monitoring
      • Ongoing system maintenance

      ION Solar panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty. All work performed on your home during the installation is covered for 10 years. If there’s anything wrong with your panel or process, you can contact its customer service team for support.

      You can purchase the system outright or finance it through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • Sleek, black-on-black panels
      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Solid warranty
      • Good reviews

      Cons

      • Doesn't offer maintenance or repair services
      • Some communication issues
      • Some installation delays

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for DIY projects. We like that ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. You can find just about everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup on homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      Happy customers appreciate ShopSolar’s quality products and knowledgeable reps.

      • “ShopSolarKits is a good company. I like their price and service. I had a combination kit thing, and I was inexperienced in buying solo and they had a whole kit. I just had to buy the kit, and I had everything, so that was good. I've had a few issues, and they handled them right away. It's a do-it-yourself, so it went really well. It's a little spendy, but I'm buying it for backup rather than generating money. Some people do it to lower the bill, but I'm just doing it for backup. It was excellent.” — Rick in Clarkston
      • “Very good service. They were on time and everything went smoothly from beginning to completion of installation. We would recommend them to friends and family. We were very pleased. Thank you for the wonderful service.” — Eli in Seattle

      The installation process is generally described as easy, thanks to clear instructions and helpful resources provided by ShopSolar. However, it can be challenging for those with limited knowledge or experience in solar systems.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment like generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order on ShopSolar’s secure website. There are also financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Annual percentage rates (APRs) range from 0% to 36%.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      Washington solar panel buyers guide

      Going solar in the Evergreen State might be easier than you think. Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country, including dozens in Washington. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for.

      Key insights

      In Washington, a typical residential solar panel system costs $9,380 to $26,800, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Washington.

      Jump to insight

      The best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties.

      Jump to insight

      How do I choose a solar company in Washington?

      Compare at least three solar quotes, and be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality). Here are more tips for finding the right contractor for you.

      • Check certifications: Electrical work on solar installations must be performed by a state-licensed electrician. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Washington.
      • Trust your gut: Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.
      • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations, and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. Make sure you understand everything about the payment terms, warranty and ongoing services.

      How much does it cost to go solar in Washington?

      Average solar panel costs in Washington typically range between $9,380 and $26,800. This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets. Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Washington, the average cost per watt is $2.68.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Washington

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. You could pay cash, but many finance instead. A solar loan works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay it back over time with interest. Using a home equity line of credit or loan to finance a solar installation can be another option.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system. Washington also has legalized power purchase agreements, which work very similarly to leases.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Washington

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is usually the most significant financial incentive for homeowners. There’s also a sales tax exemption on solar equipment, labor and services.

      • Federal tax credit: The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of what you spent going solar. It’s only helpful if you owe taxes in the first place. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000.
      • Sales and use tax exemption: Through this statewide tax break, you can get back 50% to 100% of sales taxes paid on solar equipment and labor services. Eligible systems must have a capacity of at least 1 kilowatt.

      » MORE: Washington solar incentives

      Are solar panels worth it in Washington?

      Financial savings and energy independence make going solar worth it for a lot of Washington homeowners. On average, Washingtonians with solar panels can avoid $59,116 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      One resident, Anthony in Seattle, said his monthly bill went from $400 to $40 after going solar. “But I'm pissed off with what PSE&G is charging me,” he said, noting that the $40 he’s each month is essentially the utility company’s service fee.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      For others, the savings are nice, but it’s not the primary motivation. Richard in Lakebay told us the decision to go solar was “based on reducing the impact our all-electric home imposes on the environment.” He also hoped to set an example for others.

      High upfront costs and long payback periods still make some hesitate about solar. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      Can I get free solar panels in Washington?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Washington. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      Do I need any permits before going solar in Washington?

      Most electrical work requires permits and inspections by the Department of Labor and Industries (or local jurisdictions in some cities). Permit fees typically range from $50 to a few hundred dollars, while interconnection application fees vary by utility company.

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Washington averages 2.5 to 5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      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 will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components.

      Ultimately, deciding between a broker or solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, working directly with a solar installer is best.

      How does net metering work in Washington?

      Net metering lets homeowners get credits for extra electricity their solar panels generate. In Washington, each credit is typically valued at the full retail rate, which means you get the same value for the excess electricity as you would pay for electricity from the utility company.

      If you put back more than you used, you get a credit toward next month's bill for the extra amount. If you use more than your system produces, you only pay the utility company for that additional amount. The program is open to new participants through at least Dec. 31, 2025.

      » GREENEST STATES: Washington ranked second in 2024

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. 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 Washington 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: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%

      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Washington. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Washingtonians’s needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      • Blue Raven Solar
      • ION Solar
      • ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Washington Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Washington." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Washington Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Washington, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
        7. Washington State Legislature, “Governing documents—Solar panels.” Accessed Aug. 14, 2024.
        8. Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, “Net Metering” Accessed Aug. 14, 2024.

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