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Best Solar Companies in Washington

Blue Raven Solar, ION Solar and ShopSolar are our top picks

    • Blue Raven Solar
      3.9(310)
    • ION Solar
      4.1(120)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(218)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Washington

    Whether you’re motivated by long-term savings, energy independence or reducing reliance on fossil fuels, choosing the right installer is key. Blue Raven Solar is our top pick overall, ION Solar stands out for its helpful reps and quality installation teams, and ShopSolar is best for homeowners who want to handle installation on their own.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
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    Our top 3 solar company picks for Washington

    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.

    Our top pick overall

    Blue Raven Solar

    Blue Raven Solar
    3.9
    310 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Workmanship warranty
    10 years
    Year founded
    2014
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Blue Raven Solar is our top pick because it consistently delivers a smooth installation experience. Washington customers highlight the professionalism of installation crews, noting projects that start on time, finish quickly and include thorough walkthroughs of how the system works.

    We also like Blue Raven’s unique financing options, BluePower Plus+ and SmartStart, which let 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.

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

    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 Tacoma, WA
    “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 Renton, WA
    Pros
    • Durable solar panel systems
    • $0 down financing options
    • Tier 1 solar equipment
    • 25-year warranty on all installations
    Cons
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Short two-year power production guarantee

    Blue Raven Solar installers use top-tier monocrystalline, black-on-black solar panels and Enphase microinverters. For storage batteries, there are lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries from Enphase, FranklinWH and Tesla. 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 provides a warranty package for its systems:

    • Manufacturer warranty lasts 25 years, covering the solar panels against defects.
    • Workmanship warranty lasts 10 years, guaranteeing the quality of the installation and covering any roof penetrations.
    • Production guarantee is two years, ensuring your system produces the expected amount of energy. Blue Raven will compensate for any shortfall within this period.
    • Battery warranty coverage varies by brand; FranklinWH aPower Battery (12-year warranty), Enphase IQ Battery 5P (15-year warranty) and Tesla Powerwall 2 (10-year warranty).

    Blue Raven offers a standard cash purchase option for immediate ownership, along with two financing programs designed to eliminate upfront costs.

    Both loans feature fixed interest rates for predictable monthly payments:

    • BluePower: A straightforward $0-down solar loan. This plan offers a fixed monthly payment for the life of the loan and is transferable to a new homeowner if you sell.
    • BluePower Plus+: An enhanced $0-down plan where Blue Raven covers your solar loan payments for the first 18 months. This signature offer gives you a significant head start on savings before you begin making regular fixed monthly payments.
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Installation Experience
    Our pick for customer service

    ION Solar

    ION Solar
    4.1
    120 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    21.9%
    Workmanship warranty
    10 years
    Year founded
    2013
    Learn More Read Reviews

    ION Solar stands out for its professionalism, quality workmanship, strong customer service and a generally smooth end-to-end installation process.

    Homeowners benefit from a dedicated project coordinator who conducts weekly check-ins, helping streamline permitting, installations and communication while reducing handoffs that can slow progress.

    Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days. ION Solar uses North American-made equipment that comes with a 30-year performance guarantee.

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

    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 Seattle, WA
    Pros
    • Industry-leading 30-year panel performance warranty
    • 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

    ION Solar operates in several states, including Washington. Its NABCEP-certified installers use North American-made Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters. For energy storage, ION offers leading battery solutions like the Tesla Powerwall. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

    ION Solar services

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

    ION Solar provides a comprehensive, multi-layered warranty for long-term peace of mind. If there’s anything wrong with your panels, you can contact ION’s customer service team for support.

    • Panel performance warranty lasts 30 years, guaranteeing panels will produce at over 85% of their original capacity.
    • Inverter warranty lasts 25 years, covering the Enphase microinverters.
    • Workmanship warranty lasts 10 years, guaranteeing the quality of the installation and covering all work performed on your home.

    ION Solar offers two primary payment paths that both lead to full system ownership, allowing you to claim solar incentives:

    • Cash purchase: Pay for the system upfront to own it immediately with no ongoing payments.
    • Solar loan: Finance the system, often with $0 down, through one of ION’s lending partners for a fixed monthly payment.
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Installation Experience
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Workmanship warranty
    Varies
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    If you want to install solar yourself, ShopSolar is the best online store to get your gear. It has a huge selection of quality products and sells easy-to-use kits that make building a system much simpler. You can find just about everything you need for an off-grid or hybrid setup on homes, RVs and outbuildings.

    Best of all, ShopSolar offers lifetime technical support. That means if you ever get stuck or have a question, its team will help you out for as long as you own the equipment.

    What to consider: 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

    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 Clarkston, WA
    “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 Seattle, WA
    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
    • No professional installation

    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%.

    Solar Companies in Washington Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Blue Raven Solar logo
    ION Solar logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      Solar adoption in Washington is expanding even with the state’s relatively low electricity costs and cloudy reputation. Net metering makes going solar more financially viable, and sunnier regions east of the Cascades see especially strong returns. Major cities like Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma also benefit from progressive clean energy policies that support solar growth.

      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 $9,117 to $26,050, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July of 2025, phases out the federal solar tax credit. You now only have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install a system and get the 30% solar tax credit.

      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 to choose a solar company in Washington

      To 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 done by an electrician licensed through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — otherwise, you won’t qualify for sales tax exemption. 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: Do you need a storage battery for power outages, an EV charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output? It’s also smart to ask about moss prevention solutions for your panels and critter guards to protect your system’s wiring, both common needs in 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. Be wary of any offer that sounds too good to be true or pressures you to sign on the spot.
      • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals, understand all payment terms and confirm warranty and maintenance details before signing. You should have a clear understanding of what’s covered and for how long.
      Best solar companies by city

      How much does it cost to go solar in Washington?

      Average solar panel costs in Washington typically range between $9,117 and $26,050. 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 $2.60.

      Average solar panel costs by system size in Washington

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Buying solar panels is similar to buying a car: you can pay cash upfront, finance through a loan or lease your system.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.
      • Cash purchase: Paying upfront provides the highest long-term savings since you avoid interest charges and own the system outright from day one.
      • Solar loans: Most homeowners finance systems with loans repaid monthly over five to 20 years. There is an application process, and you pay the loan back over time with interest.
      • Solar leases: You pay a fixed monthly fee to use the system, regardless of how much electricity the panels generate. Ownership stays with the provider.
      • Power purchase agreements (PPAs): You only pay for the electricity the panels generate at a set per-kilowatt-hour rate, typically lower than utility rates. The provider owns and maintains the system.

      » 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.

      The ITC expired at the end of 2025.
      • Federal tax credit: The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of what you spent on 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: Washington provides a 100% sales tax exemption on all solar energy equipment and installation labor. This means you do not pay any state sales tax on your project, saving you thousands of dollars upfront.

      Net metering in Washington

      This is the state's most important ongoing solar policy. Your utility company is required to credit you for any excess electricity your solar panels generate and send to the grid.

      These credits are then used to offset the cost of any power you draw from the grid at night or on cloudy days. Major utilities like Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light have net metering programs.

      » 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 $31,108 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 paying 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.

      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’ needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      • Blue Raven Solar
      • ION Solar
      • ShopSolar
      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 Aug. 27, 2025.
      2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Washington." Accessed Aug. 27, 2025.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Washington Solar." Accessed Aug. 27, 2025.
      4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Washington, 2024?" Accessed Aug. 27, 2025.
      5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed Aug. 27, 2025.
      6. Washington State Legislature, “Governing documents—Solar panels.” Accessed Aug. 27, 2025.
      7. Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, “Net Metering” Accessed Aug. 27, 2025.

      Not sure how to choose?

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