Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best solar companies in Seattle, Washington
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Seattle. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Seattle, Washington, requires a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar companies in Seattle.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the ideal company for you. You can pick a local Seattle solar company or select a reputable national brand.
Even though solar panels require a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Seattle homeowners to save $750 on average each year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Seattle
Look for Seattle solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Omnidian
Sunergy Systems
Northwest Electric and Solar
Artisan Electric
SolTerra
A&R Solar
Brimma Solar
Galaxy Electric & Solar LLC
Puget Sound Solar LLC
Sun Path Electric
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
West Seattle Electric and Solar
Capstone Wireless Solutions
Sun's Eye Solar
Sunset Air
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Seattle?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Seattle, can still use solar power. The major reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help reduce your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Seattle
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Seattle?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Per statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the typical price to install solar panels in Seattle is $10,925.
How much can you save by going solar in Seattle?
Although installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Seattle from going solar
In Seattle, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Seattle's average payback period for solar is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Seattle: Based on numbers that leverage data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA, Seattle homeowners save around $750 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by switching fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $10,641 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Seattle from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Seattle?
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Seattle. Various programs are applicable to all Washington residents, while others depend on your municipality, city and utility company.
Available solar incentives to Washington homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Feed-in Tariff Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Payment | FY 2021: $0.02/kWh - $0.10/kWh |
Sales Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption | 100% exemption for sales of forest derived biomass used as fuel; 100% exemption for solar photovoltaic systems 10 kilowatts or less, and solar thermal systems; 75% exemption for other qualified systems |
Green Building Incentive Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard for Affordable Housing | See Website |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Seattle solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local rules. You must get proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27