Our Reviews team at This Old House picked Blue Raven Solar as the best solar company in Washington due to its excellent panel selection and unique in-house financing options. We researched dozens of top solar companies to find the best options for Washington homeowners.
Washington is a great state for solar power, with its diverse climate offering abundant opportunities for renewable energy despite the rainy weather. Major companies like IKEA, Walmart, and FedEx have already switched to renewable energy, and homeowners are increasingly following their lead. See which of the best solar panel companies made our list below.
Key Takeaways
- The best solar company in Washington is Blue Raven Solar for its strong financing options and efficient panels.
- Washington is one of the 38 states that offer net metering, which allows homeowners to sell excess energy produced by their solar system back to their utility company in exchange for a credit on their power bill.
- Our 2025 survey of 1,000 solar panel users nationwide found that the average cost of a solar system in Washington is $13,146 before applying incentives and credits.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Blue Raven SolarGet Quote | | A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | |
Tesla SolarRead Our Review |  | NR | 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship |
*All BBB ratings are current as of March 2025.
Washington’s Top Solar Energy Companies
We researched numerous solar installers in Washington, including local companies such as Solara Solar and Sunergy Systems. These companies have good standing with the Better Business Bureau, but being that they’re smaller providers, we were unable to find enough positive customer reviews to evaluate service and confidently recommend them. The following two providers made our list.
- Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
- Tesla Solar: Best Solar Tech
Blue Raven Solar: Most Reputable
Blue Raven Solar has an A+ rating from the BBB and 4.5 out of 5 stars from customers on the site. Customer reviews cite excellent service, and the provider has won several awards for its in-house team.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a unique financing option that includes 18 months of free solar energy
- Sells high-efficiency solar panels
- Has won multiple awards for its in-house team
Cons
- Offers one of the shortest power guarantees among companies we reviewed
- Doesn’t have solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) financing options
- Some customer reviews mention aggressive sales tactics
Why We Chose Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven has a great reputation for its reliability and trustworthiness. The company also stands out for its in-house loan option, which includes 18 months of free solar energy. We noted that online customer reviews praised the company’s knowledgeable staff and prompt installation.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
A Blue Raven Solar system comes with a 25-year warranty, a 10-year workmanship warranty, and a two-year production guarantee.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation and Awards
Blue Raven has won several awards from Comparably, a site known for its comprehensive company culture and reputation reviews. Comparably recognized Blue Raven for Best Operations Team 2022, Best Sales Team 2022, Best Product and Design Team 2022, Best Places to Work in Salt Lake City 2022, and Best Company Outlook 2022. Its 2021 wins include Best Company for Diversity 2021, Best CEO 2021, Best Company Work-Life Balance, and Best Career Growth 2021. Blue Raven Solar ranked No. 20 on Glassdoor’s Best Place to Work in the USA in 2021.
Tesla: Best Availability
Tesla is known for its innovative technology, and that extends to solar. The company’s solar panels, solar shingles, and Powerwall solar batteries are some of the most respected solar products on the market, and they’re available nationwide. The Tesla solar roof is an option for homeowners who want to use solar energy but don’t like the bulky look of traditional solar panels on their roof, as the solar roof looks like standard roof shingles.
We chose Tesla Solar because it is available nationwide and produces some of the most respected solar products in the industry. Not only is the company known for its solar panels, but it’s also behind the Powerwall, one of the most popular solar batteries. Tesla Powerwall pricing starts at around $12,000. You can also choose to install a Tesla solar roof that uses solar shingles instead of panels for those who want to use solar energy but don’t like how visible panels are on their roof.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides transparent online quotes and detailed pricing
- Offers up to 10 Tesla Powerwalls per installation
- Sells solar roofing that replaces your entire roof, improving curb appeal
Cons
- Limits system size to four choices
- Provides third-party installations only
- Some customers cite long wait times for repairs
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Tesla offers a 25-year system performance warranty and a 10-year comprehensive product and workmanship warranty.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
Reputation and Awards
Tesla has an A+ BBB rating. The company introduced the Tesla Powerwall, one of the market’s most popular solar batteries. Its impressive solar technology includes solar panels, the Tesla solar roof, and the Tesla inverter. We noted Tesla customer reviews praising the company’s panel and Powerwall performances.
Solar Incentives in Washington
The state of Washington offers solar incentives for homeowners to help them save money on a new solar system.
- Sales tax exemption: Washington will waive its 6.5% sales tax on solar equipment and installation through 2029. You can learn more about this through the Washington Department of Revenue.
- Net metering: The best solar panels produce more energy than your home needs. Net metering programs allow you to sell this excess energy to your utility company for credits on your electric bill.
- Federal solar tax credit: The federal tax credit, now known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit, allows homeowners to save up to 30% on the cost of their solar panel system. This applies to customers who purchase their systems in full or take out a loan; lease and power purchase agreement (PPA) customers are disqualified.
What To Look For in a Solar Company
We recommend not settling for the first solar company you find. Take some time to explore your options and choose the provider that offers the best products, services, and pricing for your needs. Here’s what to consider when comparing solar installation companies.
Solar Services
Some solar panel companies handle installations in-house, while others outsource the work to third-party contractors. In-house installation is often preferable, as it typically comes with better warranty coverage and more consistent service quality. It’s also important to check if the company offers a mobile app for easy service requests and solar system monitoring to help track your panels’ performance. In addition, some solar providers collaborate with third-party services for related needs, such as roof repair, replacement, and pest control, to support the installation process.
Warranties
Solar providers typically offer one or more of the following warranty types:
- Manufacturer’s warranty: Also known as a product warranty, it covers defects in solar system components.
- Workmanship warranty: This coverage protects against issues related to installation, including poor workmanship or faulty materials.
- Performance or power guarantee: This guarantee certifies that the solar system meets the energy output levels specified in your contract.
Solar panels typically last 25 years, so choose a provider with long-term protection. Select a provider that offers 25-year warranties for all three categories whenever possible. Some companies limit their workmanship warranty to 10 years, so verify coverage details.
Payment Options
Companies will offer all or some of the following solar financing options:
- Full purchase: The best choice if you can afford the upfront investment. You’ll avoid interest fees, gain full system ownership, qualify for solar incentives, and achieve the shortest solar payback period.
- Loan: A good option for homeowners who prefer monthly payments but still want to own their system. Loans allow you to benefit from energy savings and incentives, though interest rates may extend the payback period.
- Lease: This option requires no upfront cost and involves fixed monthly payments, but you won’t own your system or qualify for solar tax credits, extending your overall payback period.
- Power purchase agreement (PPA): Similar to a lease, PPAs base your payments on the energy your system generates. However, you won’t own the system or receive incentives.
We generally don’t recommend solar leases or PPAs, as they reduce your return on investment (ROI) and lengthen the time it takes to break even on your system. Discuss your budget and financing options with your installer to determine the best choice for maximizing savings.
Customer Support
Choose a solar provider that offers strong customer support during and after installation. Before committing, call the company a few times to assess how responsive and knowledgeable its representatives are or to see if anyone answers. Test the company’s email or online chat service to evaluate how quickly they respond to inquiries. Ask about ongoing support, including the steps to take if you need solar panel maintenance or servicing after installation.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Washington
Getting a solar quote is easy. You can often do this online by following these steps:
- Click the Get a Quote button on the provider’s website. This is usually in the corner of the homepage. If not, it may be at the bottom of the site.
- Fill out the required information. Most companies ask for basic contact information, home size, roof pitch, property type, and the solar equipment you’re interested in.
- You’ll receive your quote quickly either on the website or by email.
Our Conclusion
We recommend any company on this list, but Blue Raven is our top choice for Washington due to its highly efficient solar panels and strong customer reputation. Its systems provide excellent energy output, helping homeowners reduce utility costs with reliable solar technology.
Before choosing a solar provider, research thoroughly and compare options. Get quotes from at least three installers to evaluate pricing, carefully review warranties and financing plans, and check recent customer reviews. Interacting with customer service can also provide insight into the company’s responsiveness. Choose a provider that combines high panel performance, reliable service, and competitive pricing.
Other Washington Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in WA
Is solar worth it in WA?
Solar is worth it in Washington, despite the rainy reputation of areas such as Seattle. Solar panel installation can help you save money on electricity or reduce your energy bills altogether, and the state has incentives to make going solar more affordable.
How many solar companies are in Washington state?
Washington has 148 solar companies as of December 2024, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
What is the best solar company brand?
There are a few great companies in Washington to help you transition to clean energy. We recommend Blue Raven Solar and Tesla Solar.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.