Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kelso, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A&A Solar is a highly respected, locally-owned and operated company with deep roots in Southwest Washington. They are known for their exceptional expertise, particularly in complex installations, off-grid systems, and service/maintenance. Their long history and specialization in both residential and commercial solar make them a top-tier, trusted expert in the region.
Sunpath Services is a well-regarded local contractor specializing in renewable energy systems. They focus on comprehensive residential services, from initial design and consultation through installation and support. Their strong customer reviews highlight professionalism, clear communication, and quality workmanship on grid-tied systems.
Blue Raven Solar is a national provider with a strong local branch that serves the Kelso area. They are known for a streamlined process and accessible financing options, making solar adoption straightforward for many homeowners. Their national scale allows for strong manufacturer partnerships and a focus on standardized, efficient installations of grid-tied systems.
** The home solar market in Kelso, Washington, is characterized by a small number of highly specialized local experts complemented by regional and national providers. The market competition is moderate but features high-quality options due to the area's proximity to the environmentally conscious Portland-Vancouver metro. **Average Quality:** The quality of service is generally high, with several providers boasting decades of experience, especially in dealing with the specific climatic conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Companies like A&A Solar provide a level of technical expertise, particularly in off-grid and hybrid systems, that rivals much larger markets. **Competition Level:** While not oversaturated, there is healthy competition between long-standing local contractors and growing national firms. This benefits the consumer by providing a choice between bespoke, expert service from local companies and the potentially lower-cost, financing-focused options from national providers. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with the national average. As of 2024, the average cost for a residential solar system in Washington state before incentives is between **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt**. A typical 6 kW system would thus have a gross cost between $16,800 and $21,000. The excellent federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers 30% of the system cost, combined with Washington State's sales tax exemption, significantly reduces the net investment for homeowners. All reputable providers in the area are well-versed in these incentives and can guide customers through the process.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kelso regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kelso, Washington.
Solar panels are very effective in Kelso. While direct sunlight is ideal, modern panels efficiently generate electricity from diffuse daylight, which is abundant even on overcast days. Washington's long summer days provide excellent production, and the cooler temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, often offsetting the lower winter generation.
A typical residential system in Kelso costs between $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and Washington State's sales tax exemption on solar installations. With Cowlitz County's average electricity rates and net metering from your utility, most systems see a payback period of 8-12 years.
Yes, you will need an electrical and building permit from the City of Kelso's Community Development Department. More importantly, you must formally interconnect your system with the Cowlitz County Public Utility District (PUD). They have a specific net metering program that credits you for excess power sent back to the grid, and their approval process is a mandatory step.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience, proper Washington state electrical licenses (like an EL01), and strong relationships with Cowlitz PUD. Ask for references from recent Kelso installations and verify they handle the entire permit and interconnection process. A reputable local installer will understand the specific roof challenges and weather patterns in our area.
Cowlitz PUD's net metering program provides a kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit for any surplus energy your system sends to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to bank excess summer production to offset your higher usage in darker winter months. This annual cycle is key to making your system cost-effective despite our seasonal variation.