Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ione, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading solar installer based in Spokane, WA, serving the entire Inland Northwest. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and financing to installation and maintenance. They have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A well-established, employee-owned company with a strong presence in Washington. They are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting high standards for social and environmental performance. They are known for expert system design and high-quality installations, with extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects across the state.
A highly-rated, customer-focused solar contractor known for personalized service and expertise in complex installations, including off-grid and battery-backup systems. Their smaller size often allows for more tailored consultation and design, which is beneficial for the varied properties in the Ione area.
** The home solar market in Ione, Washington, is characteristic of a rural area: served by reputable regional contractors rather than local in-town shops. The competition is moderate but of high quality, with several established Spokane and North Idaho-based companies competing for projects in Pend Oreille County. These providers are well-versed in the specific needs of rural properties, including dealing with variable terrain, potential shading from dense forests, and designing both grid-tied and fully off-grid systems for remote homes. Typical pricing is competitive with state averages, but system costs can be influenced by travel distance and site complexity. Homeowners in Ione have access to the same strong incentives as the rest of Washington, including the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the state's sales tax exemption on solar installations. The top providers are exceptionally knowledgeable about navigating these incentives and the interconnection process with the local utility, Pend Oreille County PUD.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ione regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ione, Washington.
Ione's climate is actually favorable for solar. While winter snow can temporarily reduce production, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the cold temperatures improve panel efficiency. The abundant sunny days in spring, summer, and fall generate significant power, with peak production aligning well with high summer air conditioning use. Annual production will be seasonal, but a properly sized system can offset a substantial portion of your yearly electricity bill from Pend Oreille County PUD.
The gross cost for a typical residential system in Ione ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Washington State offers a sales tax exemption on solar installations and a state production incentive (until 2029) that pays you for every kilowatt-hour your system produces. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost is significantly reduced. Local installers also offer financing options like loans and leases to improve affordability.
You will need an electrical permit from Pend Oreille County Building Department. Your chosen, certified solar contractor will typically handle this process. For interconnection, you must submit an application to Pend Oreille County PUD. They have specific requirements for system safety and will install a net meter, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid, a key benefit under Washington's net metering law.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience in Eastern Washington and specifically Pend Oreille County. They will understand local snow loads, permitting, and PUD requirements. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington, and check for certifications from organizations like NABCEP. Ask for local references in Ione or nearby towns like Metaline Falls to see their work and discuss their experience with the company's service and installation process.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a PUD outage for safety reasons, so it does not provide backup on its own. However, for outage protection, you can invest in a solar-plus-battery storage system. This is a particularly valuable consideration in Ione's rural setting, where restoration times can be longer. Batteries like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell can store excess solar energy to power critical loads during an outage.