Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ford, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated electrical contractor based in Colville that has become a leading provider of residential and commercial solar solutions in Northeast Washington. They are known for personalized service, deep knowledge of local permitting and grid interconnection (with Inland Power & Avista), and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid battery systems, which is crucial for the more rural areas around Ford.
While part of a larger electrical and HVAC company, the Solora Solar team specializes in residential photovoltaic systems. They have a strong reputation for professional system design and consultation, leveraging partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like Qcells and Enphase. They offer comprehensive financing options and are well-versed in all state and federal incentives.
A&R Solar is a well-established, employee-owned company based in Spokane that serves a wide region, including Eastern Washington. They are a certified B-Corp, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance. They are known for high-quality installations, robust maintenance and repair services, and a strong focus on customer education and satisfaction.
** The home solar market for a rural community like Ford, Washington is characterized by a reliance on regional providers from larger hubs like Spokane and Colville. There are no solar installation companies physically headquartered within Ford itself. The competition, while not dense, is of high quality, with established contractors who understand the unique needs of rural clients, including off-grid capabilities and navigating the requirements of local utility cooperatives and counties. The typical pricing for a residential solar installation in this region is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$21,000 to $35,000** for an average-sized system (7-10 kW). The key drivers for homeowners in this area are energy independence, resilience against power outages (making battery storage a popular add-on), and taking advantage of Washington State's sales tax exemption and the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ford regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ford, Washington.
Ford's climate is excellent for solar, with long, sunny summer days generating significant power. While winter snow can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. The key is proper system sizing to ensure you generate enough surplus energy in the sunny months to offset lower winter production, often through Washington's net metering program.
A typical residential system in the Ford/Stevens County area ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Washington State offers a sales tax exemption on solar installations and a generous production incentive (up to $5,000) for systems made with in-state components. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit and net metering from your utility, the payback period in Ford can be very attractive, often between 8-12 years.
Yes, you must navigate local and utility requirements. Stevens County will require a building and electrical permit for your installation. The more critical step is interconnection approval from your utility (likely Inland Power & Light or Avista). They have specific technical requirements and a formal application process to connect your system to the grid for net metering. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process for you.
Prioritize providers with proven experience in Stevens County, as they understand local weather, permitting, and utility requirements. Look for Washington-state licensed electrical contractors (check their license on LNI's website) and ask for references from nearby installations. While you may find larger regional companies, there are also well-regarded local and Eastern Washington-based installers who can provide more personalized service and faster local support.
A professional installer will first assess your roof's condition, age, and structure to ensure it can handle both the panels and the snow load. Mounting systems are engineered for local conditions. For maintenance, rain typically cleans panels, but occasional clearing of heavy, persistent snow may be needed for optimal winter production; this is easily done with a roof rake from the ground, as you should never climb onto a snowy roof.