Best 10 Solar Companies in Seattle, WA

With Seattle's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an excellent area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. If you live in one of the area's many old homes, you might question whether your electrical system would support solar panels. However, new technology and knowledgeable installers can help these homeowners access eco-friendly, clean power. On this page, we'll showcase Seattle's best solar companies and give valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Seattle solar companies.

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Seattle solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Seattle community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Seattle Homeowners?

The state of Washington offers a number of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Seattle

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Here are some essential aspects to consider while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

Solar installers in Washington must hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In some situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to test compliance and the viability and integrity of a contractor's job. Solar installers can also obtain certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Seattle

Your solar modules' style will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Seattle and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,950 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Seattle

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Seattle.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy