Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Seattle, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A&R Solar is a leading, employee-owned solar installer in the Pacific Northwest, renowned for its high-quality installations and exceptional customer service. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental performance. They handle the entire process in-house, from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
Artisan Electric is a highly respected, locally-owned electrical and solar contractor known for its technical expertise and meticulous craftsmanship. They have deep roots in the community and are often praised for their transparent communication and professionalism. They offer comprehensive energy solutions beyond just solar.
Sunbridge Solar specializes exclusively in solar and battery storage, making them focused experts in the field. They are known for their custom system designs that maximize energy production for Seattle's specific weather patterns. They place a strong emphasis on customer education and offer various financing options.
** The home solar market in Seattle is robust and highly competitive, driven by the city's environmentally conscious population, favorable state incentives (like the sales tax exemption and net metering), and relatively high electricity costs from utilities like Seattle City Light. The quality of providers is generally very high, with many companies boasting NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and long track records. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners have a wide selection of established local/regional installers and some national players. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a strong focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Seattle ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The final price is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, and roof complexity. The presence of strong local incentives significantly reduces the net cost for homeowners. **Key Market Characteristics:** Providers are exceptionally knowledgeable about navigating the city's permit process and utility interconnection agreements. There is a major and growing emphasis on pairing solar with battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall) to provide backup power during the increasingly common weather-related grid outages in the Pacific Northwest.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Seattle regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Seattle, Washington.
Absolutely. Seattle receives enough sunlight to make solar highly effective, with summer months providing long, sunny days that generate significant power. Modern high-efficiency panels perform well in diffuse light, and the region's cool temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Combined with Washington's sales tax exemption, net metering programs, and the 30% federal tax credit, solar offers an excellent return on investment for Seattle homeowners.
Washington offers several key incentives: a state sales tax exemption on solar equipment and installation, and a use tax exemption for systems under 100 kW. While the state production incentive has ended for new applicants, you still benefit from full retail net metering with Seattle City Light or Puget Sound Energy, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) of 30% also applies.
Generation will be highest from May to September, often producing a surplus that builds net metering credits with your utility. During shorter, cloudier winter days, you will draw from those accumulated credits. Proper system sizing by a local installer will account for this seasonal shift to maximize annual savings, ensuring your system meets your yearly energy needs rather than peak summer output alone.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured installer with extensive local experience navigating permits with Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) and interconnection with your specific utility. Look for providers who conduct detailed shade analysis (considering our mature tree canopy) and roof assessments for our common wet climate. Check reviews, ask for local references, and verify they are a certified installer for the equipment brands they use.
Yes. Seattle requires electrical and building permits, and your installer should manage this process. Structurally, many older Seattle homes have roofs that may need reinforcement to support solar panels, a critical assessment given our occasional heavy snow loads. Additionally, if your home is in a designated historic district or has a landmark status, there may be aesthetic review requirements for the installation.