Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kennewick, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Apex Solar is a regional leader in the Pacific Northwest, known for comprehensive in-house services from design to installation and maintenance. They are highly regarded for their customer service, extensive knowledge of Washington-specific incentives (like the sales tax exemption and net metering), and high-quality equipment partnerships.
Sunpath Solar is a well-established local contractor with a strong focus on custom-designed systems for the Tri-Cities. They are praised for their detailed energy efficiency assessments and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions, making them a good choice for rural properties or those seeking energy independence.
As one of the nation's largest residential solar companies, Sunrun has a significant presence in Washington. They are a primary option for homeowners interested in a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), requiring little to no money down. They offer strong national warranties and 24/7 system monitoring.
** The home solar market in Kennewick and the broader Tri-Cities area is robust and competitive. The region's high solar insolation (sunlight exposure)—over 300 sunny days per year—makes it one of the most productive areas in Washington for solar energy generation. * **Average Quality & Competition:** The market features a mix of highly-rated local and regional installers (like Apex and Sunpath) and large national companies (like Sunrun). This competition generally drives high service quality and innovation, particularly in system design and customer service. Local companies often excel in personalized consultation and understanding specific micro-climates, while national firms provide extensive financing options. * **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Kennewick typically ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives. The final price is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, and roof complexity. However, Washington's **sales tax exemption** on solar installations and the **30% federal solar tax credit (ITC)** significantly reduce the net cost. Most reputable providers will provide a detailed payback period analysis, which is often very attractive in this sunny region. * **Key Considerations:** Homeowners are increasingly interested in adding battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) to provide backup power during outages and to maximize energy self-consumption. All top providers are well-versed in these technologies and can integrate them into new or existing systems.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kennewick regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kennewick, Washington.
For a typical 6kW system in Kennewick, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, and Washington State offers a sales tax exemption on the purchase and installation of solar systems. Additionally, Benton PUD offers a net metering program, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, which significantly improves long-term savings.
Yes, Kennewick is excellent for solar. The Tri-Cities area enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, one of the highest rates in Washington. While winter production is lower, the intense, clear-sky summer sun generates substantial excess power. This seasonal overproduction is effectively "banked" through Benton PUD's net metering program to offset your usage during less sunny periods.
Installation requires a permit from the City of Kennewick's Building Division, which includes a structural review for roof-mounted systems. Your installer will also handle the interconnection agreement with Benton PUD, which is mandatory for net metering. Washington's strong consumer protection laws, like the Solar Consumer Protection Act, require detailed contracts and disclosure of system performance estimates, providing you with important safeguards.
Prioritize local, licensed Washington electrical contractors (check their L&I number) with extensive experience installing under Benton PUD's specific requirements. Ask for references from recent installations in the Tri-Cities and verify they handle the full process, including city permits and PUD interconnection. Membership in organizations like the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA) is also a good indicator of a reputable provider.
Benton PUD's net metering program credits you at the full retail rate for any surplus kilowatt-hours your system exports to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, helping balance your account during lower-production winter months. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons unless you invest in a additional battery storage system to provide backup power.