Top Rated
Puget Sound Solar
4.9
Price range: $$$
- NABCEP certified
- PSE & SCL net metering
- WA sales tax exempt
- 25-year panel warranty
- battery storage available
How We Evaluate Seattle Solar Companies
We evaluate Seattle solar installers based on NABCEP certification, Washington electrical contractor licensing, experience with both PSE and Seattle City Light interconnection, and verified customer reviews.
Seattle's reputation for cloudy weather surprises many homeowners — the city averages more annual sunshine hours than Berlin or Frankfurt, two of Europe's strongest solar markets. Seattle's low summer electricity rates (hydro power is cheap) mean economics are less favorable than California or Arizona, but the city's mild temperatures reduce degradation, and net metering at retail rates still delivers a meaningful return.
Washington State offers a sales tax exemption for solar installations and a property tax exemption for added system value. We verify that each installer can properly document these Washington state incentives alongside the federal ITC.
Top Seattle Solar Installation Companies Compared
Northwest Solar Pros
4.7
Price range: $$–$$$
- NABCEP certified
- WA licensed
- free energy audit
- federal ITC 30%
- financing available
Cascade Solar
4.6
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- PSE interconnection
- Tesla Powerwall installer
- locally owned
- 10-year labor warranty
Pacific Northwest Solar Group
4.5
Price range: $$
- NABCEP certified
- WA licensed
- ITC documentation
- commercial and residential
- flexible payment plans
Seattle, WA
Serving Greater Seattle
- Coverage across Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, Tacoma, and Everett
- Experienced with both PSE (suburban) and Seattle City Light (city) interconnection processes
- Washington state sales tax exemption applies to all solar installations
- Battery storage available for backup power during Pacific Northwest storm outages
Why Local Matters
Contractors who know your area, your climate, and your local codes
Every contractor in our network is established locally — no out-of-state storm chasers. They know the permitting requirements, the climate challenges, and they'll be there for warranty work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Seattle WA
Does Puget Sound Energy offer net metering for solar customers?
Yes, PSE offers net metering under Washington State's net metering law. Excess solar energy exported to the PSE grid earns a credit at PSE's retail rate. Credits carry forward monthly and are reconciled annually. Seattle City Light also offers net metering for customers within the SCL service territory (primarily Seattle proper). Both utilities offer full retail-rate net metering, one of the most favorable structures available.
Is solar worth it in Seattle's cloudy climate?
Yes, though the economics are more nuanced than in sunny markets. Seattle averages 2.6 peak sun hours per day vs. 5.5 in Phoenix — so systems are smaller and produce less per panel. However, Seattle's mild temperatures reduce panel degradation, and Washington's sales tax exemption and full retail-rate net metering improve economics. Battery storage is less critical than in California (PSE rates aren't TOU-heavy) but provides valuable backup for Pacific Northwest storms.
What state incentives are available for Seattle solar installations?
Washington State offers two key solar incentives: (1) Sales Tax Exemption — solar equipment and installation are exempt from Washington's 10.25%+ sales tax, saving $2,000 to $3,000+ on a typical system. (2) Property Tax Exemption — the added value of your solar system is exempt from property tax assessment for 15 years. Combined with the 30% federal ITC, these incentives significantly improve Seattle solar economics.
What is the average cost of solar panels in Seattle WA?
A typical 6–8 kW residential solar system in Seattle costs between $18,000 and $27,000 before the federal ITC. After the 30% Investment Tax Credit, the net cost drops to approximately $12,600 to $18,900. The Washington State sales tax exemption saves an additional $1,800 to $2,700. Seattle homeowners typically see payback periods of 10 to 14 years due to lower irradiance, but the 25-year system lifespan still delivers strong long-term returns.