Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mercer Island, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A&R Solar is a leading regional, employee-owned solar installer known for its high-quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and deep expertise in the Pacific Northwest's unique climate. They are a certified B Corporation and focus heavily on both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
Artisan Electric has built a stellar reputation in the Puget Sound area for its meticulous electrical and solar work. They are a full-service electrical contractor with a dedicated solar division, offering comprehensive services from design and installation to maintenance and repair.
Solterra is a dedicated solar contractor serving the greater Seattle area. They are known for their straightforward consultation process, expertise in local incentives, and offering a wide range of financing options to make solar accessible.
** The home solar market in Mercer Island is characterized by high quality, moderate competition, and premium pricing. The island's demographic of environmentally conscious homeowners with high disposable income attracts top-tier regional installers who specialize in complex, high-performance systems. It is not a market for low-cost, national vendors; instead, competition is based on reputation, technical expertise, and customer service. **Average Quality & Competition:** The competitive landscape consists of established, highly-rated companies like those listed above. They compete on their track record, certifications (like NABCEP), and the quality of components used (e.g., SunPower, Panasonic, Tesla Powerwall). The level of competition ensures high standards but is not oversaturated with options. **Typical Pricing:** As a high-cost-of-living area where installers must account for higher labor, permitting, and business expenses, pricing is at a premium compared to national averages. Homeowners can expect a ballpark range of **$3.00 to $4.00 per watt** before incentives, meaning a typical 6 kW system could gross between $18,000 and $24,000. The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Washington State's sales tax exemption significantly reduce the net cost. Battery storage systems, which are increasingly popular for backup power, add a substantial cost but are a common offering due to customer demand.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mercer Island regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mercer Island, Washington.
Absolutely. Modern solar panels are highly efficient at converting both direct and diffused sunlight, meaning they generate significant power even on overcast days common in the Pacific Northwest. Mercer Island's long summer days with extended sunlight hours provide excellent production, and the cooler temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hotter climates. Annual energy production is more than sufficient to offset a substantial portion of your electricity usage from Puget Sound Energy.
The average residential solar system in our area costs between $20,000 and $35,000 before incentives. Mercer Island homeowners benefit from the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Washington State's sales tax exemption on solar equipment, and the state's production incentive (which pays a per-kilowatt-hour rate, though it is currently phasing out for new applicants). With these incentives and high local electricity rates, the typical payback period is 8-12 years, after which you benefit from nearly free electricity for the system's 25+ year lifespan.
Yes, you must comply with the City of Mercer Island's specific building and electrical permit process, which includes a design review for systems visible from the street to ensure compliance with aesthetic guidelines. The city has a streamlined process for standard rooftop installations, but projects on historic homes or those requiring tree removal may face additional review. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process with the City's Development Services Group on your behalf.
Prioritize Washington-state licensed, bonded, and insured contractors with extensive local experience. Ask for references from recent Mercer Island installations, as they will be familiar with the specific permitting process, interconnection with Puget Sound Energy, and optimal system design for our microclimate. Verify they are a certified installer with major panel manufacturers (like SunPower, REC, or Qcells) and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) offers full retail net metering, crediting your account for excess solar energy sent to the grid at the same rate you pay to consume it. This is crucial for Mercer Island, as you'll generate a surplus during sunny summer months, building credits to offset higher usage during darker winter months. Your system is designed for annual net-zero, not daily, so you effectively use the grid as a seasonal battery without needing expensive physical storage, though adding a battery can provide backup during infrequent local outages.