Solar in your state
With so many solar companies to choose from, we know how daunting it can be to find an installer you can trust with your home’s solar system. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best solar companies in Washington, as rated by our SolarReviews experts and Washington residents who’ve already gone solar.
We look for solar companies with owners who understand that when they sell you a solar system, you expect them to be there for the next 25 years to fix any issues that may arise. Here are the top companies we recommend for solar in Washington:
Company Description
Purelight Power is the top-rated and largest solar company in Oregon and Iowa. We pride ourselves on providing a premium customer experience, fastest installs and offering $0 out-of-pocket programs.TransparencyMost companies will say whatever they need to in o...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Elite
Rating breakdown
Positives:
7 / 10
Time in business
5 / 5
Transparency about reputation
5 / 5
Vertical integration
3 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
5 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
10 / 10
Profitability of installer
10 / 10
Litigation and background
3 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
10 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
3 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
7 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
5 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
Negatives:
1 / 5
Company size and location
4 / 10
Quality of brands sold
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
- Roofing - Roof Replacement
Latest Good Review
Reggie Peters | Salem, OR | 01-29-2025
Salem Oregon - 17 Panels
The Purelight team was professional and helpful throughout the sale, build, and follow-up. They use Tesla products which is unfortunate, but to some extent that's the best / cheapest option right now. They were willing to answer all questions satisfactorily, including the things other reviews/reddit pointed to as potentially-problematic. Shoutout to Gar especially for giving me great support at the tail end and making me feel taken care of and supported.
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
Luke Malone | Portland, OR | 02-21-2025
Contract scam
Be careful with your contract. The contract draft sent to me was different than the contract I signed. In my contract draft, they were supposed to pay the first six months of my solar panel payments or reimburse me for them. In the contract I actually signed the conveniently forgot to put that in the contract. They have told me they still owe me the money and need to fix my contract but have yet to fix it. They have not paid one payment of the first six payments on my solar panel bill since they have been installed. I started this process back in September 2024. It is a bait and switch on contract and I even have in writing from four people including management saying they owe me the money but have yet to ever send me a payment. Not the easiest company to work with I definitely would not recommend them for business. I also have a family member that works for this company and that’s why I opted to go with them, but they are a horrible company to try and deal with. Also don’t fall victim to their tax rebate as they call it for panel installation. It is an actual credit, and even if you do not qualify for the credit, they will raise your rates for not applying the credit towards your loan.
See full reviewCompany Description
At Prostat Solar Group, we are customer-focused, local experts with products that offer global benefits.Solar power is clean, renewable energy that is eco-friendly and adds value to your home.Washington and Oregon are perfect states for solar energy; while t...
Learn moreSolarReviews Expert Rating Score:
Good
Rating breakdown
Positives:
10 / 10
Time in business
10 / 10
Litigation and background
7 / 10
Verification of licenses and insurance
Negatives:
5 / 10
Profitability of installer
1 / 5
Consumer reviews performance
1 / 5
Reliability of consumer reviews
2 / 5
Transparency of pricing and sales process
1 / 5
Company size and location
2 / 10
Quality of brands sold
1 / 5
Vertical integration
2 / 5
Transparency about reputation
2 / 10
Competitiveness of loan options
1 / 5
Sustainable pricing of systems
2 / 5
Employee satisfaction and safety record
Services offered
- Solar - Installation
Latest Good Review
Juliana Jones | Vancouver, WA | 03-05-2024
Exceptional service
I recently had the opportunity to work with Pro Stat Electric and Solar Group and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From start to finish, they provided exceptional service and expertise in installing solar panels on my home. The consultation process was seamless and thorough. The team at Pro Stat took the time to understand my energy needs and provided a customized solution that fit my budget. They were patient in answering all my questions and addressing any concerns I had. The installation itself was completed with utmost professionalism. The installation crew was punctual, efficient, and respectful of my property. They worked diligently to ensure that the solar panels were installed correctly and optimized for maximum energy production. Since the installation, I have seen a significant reduction in my monthly utility bills. The solar panels are generating clean and renewable energy, allowing me to not only save money but also contribute towards a sustainable future. The quality of the panels and the workmanship of Pro Stat Electric and Solar Group are truly top-notch. Furthermore, their customer service provided has been outstanding. They have been readily available to address any questions or concerns that have arisen post-installation. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is truly commendable. Overall, I highly recommend Pro Stat Electric and Solar Group to anyone considering solar panel installation. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to quality make them stand out in the industry.
See full reviewLatest Bad Review
KS | Vancouver, WA | 11-29-2024
Failed to pursue financial incentives, poor customer service
Not happy with this company, but not because their solar panels don't do the job. I am very dismayed because they failed to inform me about financial incentives of more than $4,000 that I could have qualified for through the Energy Trust of Oregon. I knew about federal tax credits, but I only learned about these local incentives a couple of months ago -- 8 months after Pro-Stat finished the job -- and Energy Trust tells me now that they can't apply the incentives retroactively. Pro-Stat is a "trade ally" of Energy Trust of Oregon and should have informed and assisted me in getting their incentives. I took out a sizeable loan to finance the solar panels, and I could have taken a considerably smaller loan. In addition, the Pro-Stat salesperson employed hard-sale tactics -- "make a decision today if you want to get a X percent special discount" -- and later got bent out of shape when the company had to go through extra steps with the city because I live in an historic district. The technical people were good to deal with, but overall I think the company has quite lousy customer relations.
See full reviewBest solar installers in Washington
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Purelight Power | Elite | - | Get Quote | |
Ellensburg Solar | Unrated | Ellensburg | Get Quote | |
Prostat Solar Group | Good | Vancouver | Get Quote | |
Whidbey Sun & Wind | Elite | Greenbank | Get Quote | |
Power Trip Energy | Unrated | Port Townsend | Get Quote | |
Fire Mountain Solar LLC | Unrated | Mount Vernon | Get Quote | |
Sunergy Systems | Unrated | Seattle | Get Quote |
Best solar companies for home battery installations in Washington
Batteries have become increasingly popular because they take an intermittent energy source like solar and turn it into a reliable and consistent supply of electricity. We recommend getting a solar battery quote if you want a backup power source or if your utility company doesn’t have a net metering program that buys excess solar energy at the full price of power, as you could save a little extra on your electric bill.
Solar batteries in Washington can provide backup power when the grid goes down. As utilities increase the number of planned power shut offs during wildfire season, a battery can ensure your most important appliances will still be running. However, if you are looking to use a battery to increase your solar savings, you're out of luck. Washington has a good net metering policy, so a battery can't provide the same financial benefits here that it can in other states.
Here are some Washington companies that install panels and solar battery storage systems:
Company | SolarReviews expert rating | Consumer rating | City | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
A&R Solar | Unrated | Seattle | Get Quote | |
Puget Sound Solar LLC | Unrated | Seattle | Get Quote | |
South Sound Solar | Unrated | Olympia | Get Quote | |
Wray Electric | Unrated | Ellensburg | Get Quote | |
Sun Path Electric | Unrated | Seattle | Get Quote |
How to find the best solar panel company near you
Picking a solar company is the most important decision you make when going solar. You need to trust them to drill holes in your roof, help you navigate financing and incentives and provide you with 25+ years of customer service.
Check out this video where our founder, who also founded a successful solar installation company, explains what to look for when choosing the best solar company near you.
Top things to consider when choosing a solar company in Washington:
Years in business
One of the first things to look at when finding a company is how long they have been in business. We suggest looking for companies that have been around for at least five years, as the longer it has been in business, the more likely it is you’ll have a positive installation experience.
Companies with five or more years of experience will probably have established after-sales service and warranty support. It signals that they aren’t a company in it to make a quick buck; they’re in it for the long haul.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, which is why you should also keep a few other factors in mind.
Licenses, insurance and certifications
Solar companies that are licensed, insured and hold certifications take their business seriously. Look for companies that have NABCEP Certified professionals or certified electricians on staff and are properly insured, so their workers, and you, are protected.
All electrical work, including solar, must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and certified electricians in the state of Washington.
Installations themselves will also need a permit and inspection before they are fully completed, which can be administered by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries or certain city inspectors.
Financing options
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a solar panel installation. So, you’ll want to find a company with solar financing options that work for you. Ask for quotes for various types of financing plans to see which one will work best for your budget. Solar loans are often your next best choice if you can’t pay in cash. But, if you don’t pay federal income taxes or can’t qualify for a loan, finding a company that offers solar leases or power purchase agreements might be the right move.
Services and products offered
Don’t choose a company that can’t complete the job that you want to be done. If you need an energy storage system, get quotes from companies that install batteries! Maybe you want a particular brand of panels or an electric vehicle charger installation. Ask the company if they provide those services or carry those brands so you don’t have to settle for less.
Customer review scores
Customer ratings give valuable insight into how a solar company actually operates and treats its customers. Read SolarReviews, Google and Yelp reviews to understand the company’s installation process, sales practices and overall customer service. But remember that some companies incentivize customers to leave positive reviews, so make sure you read reviews with some scrutiny.
Warranty
Any reputable solar installation company will offer a workmanship or labor warranty that covers any damages that may occur during the installation process. We recommend using an installer with at least a ten-year labor warranty.
Some installation companies, like SunPower, include a system performance guarantee. This promises you’ll get a certain amount of electricity from your solar panels and is an excellent added protection.
Washington incentives and rebates
Solar incentives and rebates can cut the cost of installing solar in Washington by thousands of dollars. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, available to any taxpayer in the country when they purchase solar panels or battery storage.
Some states and utility companies offer additional solar incentives, saving homeowners even more money. Here are the solar incentives available in Washington:
Incentive | Eligibility | Type |
---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption | State | Sales Tax Incentive |
Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
How much can you save with solar incentives?
What to look for in solar quotes in Washington
Once you’ve found a few companies you like, you can start getting solar quotes. You can get a better deal when you get quotes from multiple solar installers; we suggest getting at least three quotes. Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks for comparing quotes and what questions you should ask installers.
System size and energy production
All solar quotes should include the size of the system and how much energy it is projected to produce. Most of the quotes you get will probably be in the same ballpark. But, if one is drastically larger or smaller than the others — ask about it! Maybe one installer included shading from a tree, while another based its estimates on having that tree removed.
Washington is considered one of the least sunny states in the U.S. aside from Alaska. Peak sun hours in this state can range from just 2.5 up to 5 each day, which can impact the production coming from your solar system.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't get solar in the Evergreen State, you might just need to install more solar panels than someone in another state.
If you choose reliable installers, you can trust that these estimates will be as accurate as possible. But you can always double-check using the SolarReviews solar calculator and enter the information received in your quotes.
Pricing
You should know as much as possible about how much the solar panels cost. Make sure you know both the total cost of the system and the price per watt of solar installed. The cost per watt makes it easier to compare prices between quotes and gives you a better idea of how fairly the system is priced. The average price of solar is about $2.22 to $3.32 per watt in Washington, so anything in that range is a fair price.
Financing
Financing is one of the most important things to look for in your solar quote. There are a few different things to keep an eye out for, depending on what type of solar financing you’re using.
If you’re looking to use a solar loan, you should ask the company for both a cash quote and the financed quote. Solar loans include something called dealer fees, which can sometimes add 20% or more to the total cost of your system in exchange for a lower interest rate. It’s worth comparing what dealer fees and interest rates you’re quoted from different companies to get the best deal possible.
If you want a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA), you’ll want to look for an escalator clause in the contract. The escalator clause outlines how much your payments will go up every year. Ideally, this should be lower than the rate at which electric prices increase in your area, typically about 3% annually. If the escalator rate is higher than this, you could end up paying more than if you hadn’t gone solar at all!
Payback period
Some quotes may include when you’ll break even, meaning when your panels have saved as much as you spent on them. If it’s not explicitly listed on the quote, you can compare any savings estimates they provide to the system’s total price and get a rough estimate of when your panels will pay themselves off. The shorter the payback period, the better.
Equipment
Good quality solar installers will carry good quality equipment. So if you pick an installer you trust, you can expect reliable products. But, it can’t hurt to research and ask the installer questions about what would be going on your roof.
Most solar panels installed today are about 400 watts in size and have efficiency ratings above 19%. Higher wattage and efficiency panels can produce slightly more electricity but may add a price premium. You’ll want to make sure the solar panels have the industry standard 25-year product and performance warranties.
Frequently asked questions about solar in Washington
How much do solar panels cost in Washington?
How much can solar panels save in Washington?
Do I need a solar battery in Washington?
How can you pay for solar panels in Washington?
What are the best solar companies for a solar lease in Washington?
What are the best solar companies for zero-down solar loans in Washington?
How SolarReviews rates installers
SolarReviews developed our Expert Rating criteria to make it easier for homeowners to find solar companies they can trust. It’s not just about the consumer reviews or the products they sell — it’s about how they treat their employees, how they support their customers and whether they run an honest business.
We used our team’s extensive knowledge of the solar industry to create a data-based scoring system for rating solar companies that encompasses all of the most important things to consider when picking the best solar company, including:
- Background checks
- Licenses and insurance
- Profitability
- Consumer reviews
- Local service
- Brand quality
- Vertical integration
- Transparency
- Loan options
- Responsible pricing
Learn more about the SolarReviews Expert Rating System
Andy is arguably the most qualified rooftop solar expert in America. He is in a unique position, having founded a large solar company but now being independent of any particular company. He has appeared on CNBC, has been referenced in public hearings concerning the rooftop solar industry ( such as the recent CPUC NEM 3 decision) and has been referenced by many major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and many others.