Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mcchord AFB, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Apex Solar Solutions is a veteran-owned and operated company based in Tacoma, making them a preferred choice for the JBLM community. They are known for their high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and deep understanding of the specific needs of military homeowners. They offer a full suite of services from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and financing.
Sun Path Electric is a leading local installer in the South Puget Sound region with a strong focus on custom system design and energy efficiency. They are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to high social and environmental standards. Their expertise spans both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, and they are known for their technical proficiency and clean installations.
Solora Solar, located in nearby Olympia, has built a strong reputation for its customer-centric approach and comprehensive service offerings. They are a full-service provider that handles everything from the initial site assessment and permitting to the final interconnection with the utility. They have strong partnerships with top-tier manufacturers like LG, Panasonic, and Enphase, ensuring high-quality equipment and robust warranties.
** The home solar market in the McChord AFB/JBLM area is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality, established providers. The region benefits from Washington State's favorable net metering policies and the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), making solar a financially attractive option for homeowners, including military personnel. The average quality of installers is high, with several companies holding prestigious NABCEP certifications. Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this area ranges from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, translating to a gross cost of approximately **$16,800 to $21,000 for a 6 kW system**. The presence of multiple reputable local companies ensures that residents have excellent choices for transitioning to solar energy.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mcchord AFB regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mcchord AFB, Washington.
While the Puget Sound region has more cloudy days than sunnier states, modern solar panels are highly efficient at converting diffuse light, making them a viable investment here. The cooler temperatures in Washington actually improve panel efficiency, and our long summer days provide excellent production from spring through fall. Homeowners in McChord AFB can expect a well-designed system to significantly offset their annual energy use, with production peaking in the sunnier months to build credits with Puget Sound Energy for the darker winter period.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in the McChord area ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Washington State offers a sales tax exemption on solar installations, and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of the system cost from your federal taxes. Combined with net metering from your utility, the typical payback period in our region is 8-12 years, after which you benefit from nearly free electricity for the system's remaining 15+ year lifespan.
For on-base housing, you must coordinate directly with base housing authorities, as installations are typically governed by specific military contracts. For off-base homes in surrounding communities like Lakewood or Tacoma, you will go through the standard Pierce County permitting process, which is generally solar-friendly. Washington State law (RCW 64.38.055) prohibits HOAs from outright banning solar installations, though they can have reasonable rules regarding placement for aesthetic purposes.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in Pierce County, as they will be familiar with specific permit requirements, utility interconnection processes with Puget Sound Energy, and optimal designs for our climate. Look for certified, licensed, and insured contractors (preferably NABCEP-certified) and seek out reviews from local neighbors. A reputable installer will also provide a detailed production estimate specific to your roof's orientation and the local weather patterns.
PSE's net metering program credits you at the full retail rate for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month with an annual "true-up" settlement. This allows you to bank summer sun credits for winter use. Importantly, standard grid-tied solar systems shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery storage system. Given our region's weather, some homeowners near McChord opt for batteries to provide backup power during storms.