Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cle Elum, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunpath Electric is a highly-rated, local electrical contractor based in Ellensburg with extensive experience in residential and commercial solar PV systems. They specialize in custom designs for the Central Washington climate and are known for their personalized customer service and deep knowledge of local incentives and net metering with utility providers like Puget Sound Energy.
A&R Solar is a leading regional installer based in Seattle with a strong presence across Washington state, including Central Washington communities like Cle Elum. They are a certified B Corporation and a SunPower Master Dealer, offering high-efficiency equipment. They are praised for their professional project management and expertise in complex installations, including battery backups.
Solora Solar, located in Wenatchee, is a dedicated solar installer serving North Central Washington and the Cascade foothills. They focus on both residential and commercial projects and have a reputation for quality craftsmanship and helping homeowners navigate financing and state/federal tax credits. Their proximity to Cle Elum makes them a practical and knowledgeable choice for the area.
The home solar market in Cle Elum is characterized by a few key factors. As a smaller town, there are no major solar installers physically headquartered within city limits, so residents typically rely on reputable companies from nearby regional hubs like Ellensburg, Wenatchee, and the greater Puget Sound area. The **average quality** of available service is high, as these regional providers are well-established and bring expertise from more competitive markets. **Competition** is moderate; while there aren't dozens of companies vying for each job, the providers that do serve the area are highly competent and offer robust services. **Typical pricing** is in line with Washington state averages, with gross system costs generally ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 before the 30% federal tax credit and any state incentives, depending on system size and complexity. The high number of sun days in Cle Elum compared to Western Washington makes solar an attractive and efficient investment for homeowners in the area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cle Elum regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cle Elum, Washington.
Cle Elum's climate is excellent for solar. While winter snow can temporarily reduce production, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. The abundant sunny days in the summer and shoulder seasons generate significant power, with annual production often exceeding that of cloudier western Washington locations. Net metering with your utility, like Puget Sound Energy, credits your summer surplus to offset winter usage.
For a typical Cle Elum home, a solar system costs between $15,000 and $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, Washington State offers a sales tax exemption on solar equipment and installation. Combined with the 30% federal solar tax credit, this significantly lowers the net cost. Additionally, Kittitas County may have specific property tax exemptions for the added home value from solar, and PSE's net metering program ensures you get credit for the power you send to the grid.
Yes, you will need a building and electrical permit from Kittitas County. Reputable local installers handle this process. Cle Elum does not have a city-wide solar access ordinance, so if your home is part of a Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) community or HOA, you must review their specific rules. However, Washington State law (RCW 64.38.055) prohibits HOAs from outright banning solar installations, though they can have reasonable aesthetic guidelines.
Look for providers with specific experience in Kittitas County's climate and permitting process. Verify they are Washington State-licensed electrical contractors (check on LNI's website) and have North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification. Ask for local references in Cle Elum or nearby towns like Ellensburg to see their work and discuss snow management. Choose a company that offers a strong warranty and will be available for long-term service.
Properly installed solar systems do not damage your roof; in fact, the mounting hardware and panels can protect the section of roof they cover. Installers conduct a roof assessment first and use flashing integrated with your roofing material to prevent leaks. For maintenance, Cle Elum's rain helps clean panels in spring and fall. While snow will slide off angled panels, using a roof rake is not recommended; it's safer to let snow melt naturally to avoid damaging the panels.