Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Underwood, Washington. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated company specializing in high-quality residential and commercial solar installations throughout the Columbia River Gorge. They are known for their personalized service, expertise in both grid-tied and hybrid systems, and deep knowledge of local incentives and conditions.
With offices in both Portland and Hood River, Elemental Energy is a well-established provider known for its design expertise and high-quality craftsmanship. They offer comprehensive services from consultation and design to installation and maintenance, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
A trusted regional installer serving Washington and Oregon. Pure Energy Solar is recognized for its professional project management, strong manufacturer partnerships, and robust warranty offerings. They provide a full suite of services, including system monitoring and maintenance.
The home solar market for Underwood, Washington, and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge area is characterized by a small number of highly specialized, regional providers rather than a high density of national chains. The competition is moderate but quality is generally high, as the companies that operate here have built strong reputations on personalized service and expertise with the local climate and topography. Homeowners in this region are often motivated by energy independence and environmental values. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before federal and any applicable state incentives, which can reduce the net cost by 30-50%. The key factors for homeowners are finding a provider with proven experience in the region's specific conditions, including handling potential snow loads and optimizing sun exposure in a varied landscape.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Underwood regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Underwood, Washington.
Underwood's climate is actually favorable for solar. While we have rainy periods, modern panels are efficient at converting diffuse light on cloudy days. The cooler temperatures also improve panel efficiency compared to hotter regions. Annual production will be seasonal, with peak output in the sunny summer months, but a well-designed system will generate significant power year-round, offsetting your usage from Clark Public Utilities.
The average gross cost for a residential system in Washington is $3.00 to $3.50 per watt before incentives. Crucially, Washington State offers a sales tax exemption on solar equipment and installation, and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of the system cost from your federal taxes. With these incentives, the payback period in Underwood typically ranges from 8 to 12 years, depending on your energy usage and system size.
Yes, you will need a building permit from Skamania County Community Development. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. For interconnection to the grid, you will work with Clark Public Utilities, which has specific requirements for system certification and net metering agreements. They offer a true net metering program, crediting you at the full retail rate for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Look for installers with extensive experience in Southwest Washington, as they will understand local codes, utility requirements, and optimal system design for our climate. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State (check via LNI). Ask for local references in Underwood or nearby communities like Washougal, and ensure they provide detailed production estimates using tools like Aurora that account for our specific terrain and tree cover.
Absolutely. Quality solar panels and racking systems are engineered to withstand Washington's weather, including snow loads and high winds. Installers will conduct a structural analysis of your roof to ensure it can support the additional weight. Panels are installed with a gap, allowing snow to slide off more easily, and their dark surfaces help melt snow faster than surrounding roofing material.