Best Solar Installers in Washington (2026)

The 5 best solar installers in Washington

A geographically balanced top 5 spanning Seattle metro, NW Washington (Bellingham), South Sound (Olympia), and SW Washington (Vancouver) — so homeowners across western Washington have a local-to-them option in the top picks. For Eastern Washington (Spokane / Tri-Cities), see the Honorable mentions below.

Washington solar economics in 2026

For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.

Washington solar incentives and rebates (2026)

Washington stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.

Federal credits (2026)

• Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
• USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
• Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.

Washington state-level incentives

• Property tax exemption: WA Statute §84.36.387 — property tax exemption for solar.
• Sales tax: WA Sales Tax Exemption on residential solar PV through 2029 — RCW 82.08.962. Substantial savings (~10% of system cost).

Net metering & utility programs in Washington

WA retail-rate NEM under RCW 80.60 — one of the most favorable in the country. See also net metering explained.

• Puget Sound Energy (PSE): Retail NEM. www.pse.com
• Seattle City Light: Retail NEM + green programs. www.seattle.gov/city-light
• Tacoma Power: Retail NEM. www.mytpu.org
• Avista: Retail NEM (Eastern WA). www.myavista.com

Washington EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)

• State EV purchase rebate: WA EV / Hydrogen Vehicle Sales Tax Exemption: First $15,000–$20,000 of qualifying EV purchase exempt from state sales tax (verify 2026 thresholds).
• Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
• Many Washington utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.

Authoritative sources to verify before signing

• WA Department of Commerce — Energy: www.commerce.wa.gov/growing-the-economy/energy
• DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=WA — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
• Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit

What to verify before signing in Washington

• Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
• NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
• Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
• References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
• Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.

Honorable mentions

Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong Washington-based alternatives and Oregon-based regional installers that serve SW Washington. Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Tacoma Power, Snohomish PUD, and Avista (Eastern WA) all run different interconnection processes and incentive programs.

Other Washington-based installers

Regional installers serving Washington

Worth a quote if you're in SW Washington (drive-time-equivalent service from Portland) or the Portland-metro side of the Columbia River. Confirm WA contractor licensing before signing.

Tip: Washington has a retail-rate net-metering law (one of the most favorable in the country) plus the state sales-tax exemption on residential solar through 2029. Cloudy doesn't mean bad solar — Seattle averages 1,000–1,100 kWh/kW/year, which is comparable to upper-Midwest production. Make sure your installer's production estimate uses local PVWatts data (not generic-state averages) given the dramatic west-vs-east WA climate split.

Frequently asked questions about Washington solar