Over 55 solar installation businesses are located in Washington, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Normally, you would have a lot of research to do before selecting the ideal firm for your unique needs. Yet we’re here to support you.
We’ve looked into every solar company in Washington for you and have chosen just 3 to endorse. The list of businesses we selected is provided below, along with crucial details to aid you in locating the ideal installer for your residence.
Solar company:
Tesla Energy
read our review
Solar company:
Puget Sound Solar
read our review
Best Solar Companies in Washington: How to Save Money When Choosing a Solar Company
In Washington, the average cost of a full solar power system is about $26,900 before any tax benefits, or $18,830 if the federal tax credit is taken into account. These figures assume that Washington’s average per-watt cost is $2.69 and that the state’s standard system size is roughly 10 kilowatts (kW).
Washington spends on solar energy on average around 10% more than the rest of the country. As a result, you should make every effort to keep the cost of your solar arrays as low as possible.
Included below are a few cost-saving strategies you can use when selecting your Washington solar supplier, along with an explanation of how they work.
- Choose a skilled installer who is aware of how to benefit from benefit programs.
- Choose a supplier that offers highly effective panel brands.
- To locate the best offer, request estimates from a few businesses and compare the features and prices.
- Use incentives to your advantage
- Using as many tax credits, rebates, and other benefit programs as you can is one of the best methods to lower your initial and ongoing PV system installation expenses. These benefits can significantly reduce the overall cost of your solar conversion and increase savings during the equipment’s lifespan.
It is advisable to select an installation who has extensive experience serving Washington specifically when making your selection. Local solar installers may be able to assist you in taking advantage of state benefit programs as well as incentives provided by municipalities and specific utility companies.
Choose a Brand of High-Efficiency Panels
As we’ve already said, an average year in Washington has little over 150 sunny days. This suggests that more than half of the days each year are foggy and is significantly below the national average. Cloud coverage can result in a 10%–90% decrease in solar production, which is obviously undesirable for the region’s solar clients.
This is why Washington needs solar panels with a high efficiency rating since they generate more electricity under all circumstances, especially when there is a lot of cloud cover.
Selecting a solar firm that sells products from Maxeon, Tesla, Panasonic, REC, Enphase, and Silfab will make it more likely that your panels will be effective enough to reduce your Washington energy costs.
Will Solar in Washington Increase the Value of Your Home?
Yeah, it is anticipated that adding solar to your home in Washington will raise its value by 4.1%.
3 That adds about $18,500 to the value of a home in the Evergreen State, where they cost an average of $452,000. This is more than in most other states.
In terms of increased value across Washington, better returns on investment (ROI) are anticipated in locations where values are already higher.
Unfortunately, Washington does not offer a solar property tax exemption, thus despite the system’s added value, your property taxes will rise as a result.
Should Washingtonians do it themselves when installing solar energy systems?
It could be alluring to try installing your system yourself if you examine DIY solar installation costs. Although completing the work yourself can save you hundreds of dollars, in our opinion, it’s frequently not worthwhile.
We would advise a professional installation in Washington for a few reasons.
DIY installations increase the likelihood of roof leaks, and Washington is already at a high risk of roof leaks.
In the overcast weather of Washington, the panel efficiency in DIY kits might not produce enough electricity.
In Washington, where solar equipment is pricey, warranty protection is essential but frequently absent from DIY kits.
DIY projects increase the likelihood of roof leaks
One of the most common problems solar customers face after installing PV is roof leaks. Sadly, problems with leaky roof penetrations cannot always be avoided, even by experienced professional installers. Because to the homeowner’s inexperience, leaking is considerably more frequent with DIY installations.
Best solar firms in Washington
Due to the state’s above-average rainfall, Washington homeowners are already at a significant risk of roof leaks. Between 150 and 200 inches of rain fall in some sections of Washington each year, which is roughly five times more than the national average. 5 You’re asking for problems when you combine the state’s above-average rainfall with a novice DIY installation.
By performing a DIY installation, you might save money up front, but you might wind up spending more in the long term if you have to pay for roof replacement and water damage repairs.
Homemade panels might not have the necessary efficiency in Washington
Homemade solar panels almost invariably perform substantially worse than professional alternatives and typically degrade more quickly.
Residents of regions like Washington and Oregon experience a severe dearth of sunlight, therefore solar consumers in the region must make the most of the sunlight that is present. The likelihood that high-efficiency panels from expert installation businesses will be able to meet Washington homeowners’ energy needs is significantly higher.
Similarly, a DIY installation will almost always be less expensive at first, but a professional system may very well result in better long-term energy savings and be more beneficial.
On DIY kits, warranty coverage is scant.
Last but not least, DIY solar kits only offer a limited guarantee that typically lasts between five and ten years for the equipment alone. With professionally installed systems, warranties can cover labor, efficiency, and equipment for up to 25 to 30 years.
Given how important efficiency is in Washington, it is much preferable to have extensive efficiency warranties that ensure your panels will keep producing for decades after installation. A professional system will pay for itself and continue to generate savings thanks to these efficiency assurances. Many DIY systems, however, cannot be considered to be the same.
What Qualities Should a Solar Installer Have for Washington Residents?
For your Washington house, there are a few qualities you should look for in a solar service.
- inexpensive and effective solar options
- extended warranties
- years of installation expertise locally
- Equipment that is affordable and effective
We advise you to start your search for a firm that sells highly effective panels at a fair price.
Because there isn’t much sunlight in the region, panel efficiency ratings must be given priority by Washington solar customers. More effective panels will provide more energy in both sunny and cloudy conditions, with cloudy conditions being more common in Washington.
A smart suggestion is to take into account how much the panels cost in relation to their worth. The average cost of companies who sell SunPower panels will be slightly more, but the highest energy output solar panels give justifies the higher price.
Dependable warranty coverage
Depending on where in the state they live, Washington property owners may suffer heavy rain. As a result of faulty installation, certain locations see rainfall that is more than five times the national average.
Prioritizing businesses that offer extensive and comprehensive warranty coverage is something we advise. Physical damage and efficiency coverage is excellent, but we advise giving preference to businesses who offer extensive labor guarantees. If the business assures the installation is done correctly, even in wet Washington, you’re much less likely to notice roof leaks.
Local knowledge
Finally, we advise you to search for businesses with a significant amount of expertise providing services to Washington.
Several new businesses have emerged in the Evergreen State as a result of the surge in popularity of solar energy over the past few years. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), which helps ensure a successful installation, and other electrician certificates are less likely to be held by new installers.
Companies that have been operating in Washington for a long time are also more likely to be familiar with the regional incentives that are offered. Incentives are essential for minimizing costs and increasing savings because solar energy systems are more expensive in Washington than in the majority of other states.
