Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Dayton, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier regional solar installer based in Walla Walla, known for high-quality residential system design and installation. They are a full-service provider with strong expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup systems, serving the entire southeastern Washington region, including Dayton.
A highly reputable, employee-owned solar company with a significant presence in Washington. While headquartered in Seattle, they have completed projects statewide and are known for their professional crew, excellent customer service, and expertise in complex installations, including off-grid capable systems.
Part of the larger GEM Energy network, this provider offers robust local service with the backing of a major regional company. They have a strong track record in the Tri-Cities and surrounding agricultural communities, making them a familiar and reliable choice for Dayton residents. They offer a wide range of financing options.
The home solar market in Dayton, Washington, is characteristic of a rural community with high solar potential due to excellent sun exposure but a lower density of local installers. The market is not saturated, and homeowners typically rely on established regional companies from Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities, or larger state-wide operators for service. This results in moderate competition among a few high-quality providers. The average quality of service is high, as the companies that operate in this region are established and reputable. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from $2.80 to $3.50 per watt before applying the 30% federal tax credit and any local incentives. The dominant customer needs are for grid-tied systems with potential for battery backup, driven by both a desire for energy independence and the region's agricultural profile.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Dayton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Dayton, Washington.
For a typical 6kW system in Dayton, the gross cost before incentives is generally between $18,000 and $25,000. Crucially, you can apply the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to significantly reduce this cost. Additionally, Washington State offers a sales tax exemption on solar installations and a production incentive for systems using Washington-made components, which can provide further savings over time.
Dayton's climate is excellent for solar production. While winter days are shorter, solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and snow can reflect light onto panels. The long, sunny summer days provide the majority of your annual energy generation. Proper system design accounts for this seasonal variation to ensure your energy needs are met year-round.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Columbia County, as they understand specific permitting with Dayton's building department and interconnection processes with Columbia REA. Verify they are Washington State-licensed electrical contractors (LECI) and carry proper insurance. Ask for local references and examples of past installations in Dayton to assess their work quality and familiarity with regional weather considerations.
Most Dayton homeowners are served by Columbia Rural Electric Association (REA), which offers a net metering program. Under this policy, excess solar energy you send to the grid earns you a kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit. These credits are used to offset the power you draw from the grid at night or during cloudy periods. It's important to review Columbia REA's specific interconnection agreement for any capacity limits or billing cycle details.
The timeline typically spans 2 to 4 months. This period includes system design, securing permits from the Town of Dayton and Columbia County, scheduling the installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally the inspection and "Permission to Operate" from Columbia REA. Seasonal factors like winter weather can occasionally cause minor delays, so planning for a spring or summer installation can streamline the process.